Heroes honoured in Ballina
Because it was the first commemoration held since the remains of
Proinsías Stagg were re-interred in the Republican Plot, Ballina,
Co. Mayo, in compliance with Stagg's own wishes to be buried
beside his comrade, Michael Gaughan, this year's event was of
particular significance.
Gaughan and Stagg, victims of the repressive policies against
Irish republican prisoners in British jails, both died on
hunger-strike during the term of office of the present British
Labour administration.
Impressive funeral tributes were paid in England, by the Irish
community, and even by decent elements in British society who had
been severely embarrassed at what was and is being done in their
name - in sharp contrast to the attitude adopted by the Dublin
regime, when the remains reached their jurisdiction on their way
for burial in Ballina.
Gaughan was the first to die. When Stagg's slow agony was coming
to an end he asked specifically that he be buried with his
comrade in the Republican Plot, Ballina, in his native County
Mayo.
Phoblacht 29 July 1978
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