Brendan Hughes Fundraiser October 14

Brendan Hughes, Commanding Officer (OC) in the H-Blocks in 1980 led a hunger strike for political status with six prisoners on October 27, 1980. Those prisoners included: Tom McFeeley, Sean McKenna, Leo Green, Tommy McKearney, Raymond McCartney and John Nixon. By early December of that year they were joined by three women in Armagh Jail – Mairead Farrell, Mairead Nugent and Mary Doyle.

In mid-December as Sean McKenna neared death, the British announced they were prepared to concede to the prisoners demands once the hunger strike was ended. On December 18, 1980 this hunger strike ended; however the British reneged on their word and concessions were not granted to the prisoners.

As a result of the inhumane treatment netted out to the prisoners and Brendan Hughes, he is losing his eyesight and is in desperate need of an operation. The National Health Insurance of Ireland will not take care of him until March 2007, which by that time, his sight will be gone. A group of people is embarking on a humanitarian effort and is setting up a Brendan Hughes Fund through which charitable contributions can be made. A minimum of $5,000 needs to be raised to effectively help Brendan.

A Fundraiser will take place in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday, October 14 at Iron City Brewery, on Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield, from 6:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m. Music will be provided by Sean McClorey, and other local Irish Musicians. A donation of $10.00 will be accepted at the door, and there will be a Chinese Auction too.

This is not a political or organizational event, but a humanitarian effort to help someone in need. Information can be obtained by calling 412.303.1705 or 412.243.2385.