A commemoration marking the 45th anniversary of the 1981 republican hunger strike will be held in Ballina, County Mayo, on Sunday, 30 August 2026.

The event was launched in Castlebar, with organisers urging people from across Ireland to attend. The commemoration will honour the ten prisoners who died in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh: Bobby Sands, Francis Hughes, Raymond McCreesh, Patsy O'Hara, Joe McDonnell, Martin Hurson, Kevin Lynch, Kieran Doherty, Thomas McElwee and Mickey Devine.

It will also remember Mayo-born hunger strikers Jack McNeela, Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg, as well as all those who participated in hunger strikes throughout Irish history.

The launch was chaired by Councillor Gerry Murray. George Stagg spoke about his brother Frank Stagg, who died on hunger strike in 1976. Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh said it was fitting that Mayo would host the anniversary, noting the county's contribution to the republican movement.

Former hunger striker Pat Sheehan, who participated in the 1981 protest, addressed the gathering. He said the hunger strikers' actions remain a source of inspiration and that their sacrifice helped transform the political landscape.

Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Sheehan added that the pursuit of Irish unity now continues through peaceful and democratic methods. He said those who died helped create the conditions for the current national conversation about the future of the island.

The committee encouraged widespread attendance at the Ballina event on 30 August.