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Several hundred people attended the annual commemoration in Camlough on Sunday 17 May to mark the 45th anniversary of the death of IRA volunteer Raymond McCreesh, who died on hunger strike in 1981. The Camlough man died on 21 May 1981 after 61 days on hunger strike, aged 24.
Among those present at the commemoration were members of the McCreesh family, along with comrades, friends and neighbours. The event was chaired by Slieve Gullion Councillor Declan Murphy at McCreesh's graveside in St Malachy's cemetery.
Earlier, the large crowd had made its way from the monument in Camlough village, dedicated to Raymond McCreesh and his comrades who died on hunger strike, before proceeding to the graveyard for the ceremony.
Cllr Murphy told those present: "We gather here to remember Raymond and also his H-Block comrade Patsy O'Hara. Both died on 21 May after 61 days on hunger strike. This annual commemoration, organised by the Raymond McCreesh Memorial Committee, holds a special place in all our hearts as we gather with Raymond's family and friends to respectfully pay tribute to the sacrifice made by Raymond and his comrades who died on hunger strike."
The main speaker at the event was veteran Irish Republican and former POW Jim Gibney, who in 1981 served as a member of the National H-Block/Armagh Committee and acted as a liaison for the hunger strikers.
Addressing the crowd, Jim Gibney said: "Raymond and his comrades were ordinary young men and women who rose to the challenge of the extraordinary times they lived in. His death was, and remains, a tragic blow to his family and a huge loss to the Republican Movement. He will always be remembered as a heroic and selfless young person, and I hope his memory continues to inspire future generations, as it has inspired all of us gathered here today."
The commemoration was organised by the Raymond McCreesh Memorial Committee.
