A weekend of events in Belfast marked the 50th anniversary of the blanket protest, initiated by Kieran Nugent on September 14, 1976, when he became the first republican prisoner convicted after the withdrawal of Special Category Status to refuse the prison uniform.

Nugent's refusal led to the blanket protest, which later evolved into the no-wash protest and the 1981 hunger strikes. He had declared himself a political prisoner rather than a criminal, and his action was followed by other republican prisoners within weeks.

On Saturday, a book launch was held at St Comgall’s for 'Kieran Nugent: The First Blanket Man', published by the Falls Commemoration Committee. A history exhibition at St Brendan’s Hall displayed photographs of Nugent and his family, as well as newspaper cuttings documenting his activism.

The event was chaired by Gerry McConville of Falls Community Council, who shared personal memories of Nugent. Danny Morrison spoke about efforts to raise awareness of the blanket protest, while Síle Darragh discussed the role of women in Armagh Gaol in the campaign for political status and their involvement in the 1980 hunger strikes.

Kieran's family was welcomed, and contributions from the floor were described as emotional, personal, and occasionally humorous. The book is available from An Fhuiseog on the Falls Road, priced at £10.

On Sunday, a graveside oration by Tom Hartley took place at the City Cemetery, chaired by Sinn Féin councillor Tina Black. Afterwards, a play about Nugent was shown at Davitt’s GAA club.

Councillor Black said it was an honour to chair the memorial event for Nugent. She noted that Hartley's oration was a re-reading of his original oration, and the words remained powerful. She thanked Nugent's family and wider circle, and the Falls Commemoration Committee for organising the weekend's events.

On Monday, a White Line Picket was held at the International Wall.