Analysis: The circumstances which led to Bobby Sands embarking on a hunger strike in Northern Ireland in 1981 all started with the move of the republican prisoners from Mountjoy Prison to Portlaoise Prison.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the hunger strikes in the H-Blocks of HMP Maze, Co Antrim. On 1st March 1981, Provisional IRA Volunteer Robert Bobby Sands embarked on a hunger strike. A series of hunger strikes by men in the H-Blocks and women in Armagh Women s Gaol had not brought the desired outcome in the previous autumn.
After 66 days, Sands died on 5th May. Nine more republican prisoners, three of whom were members of the socialist Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), died in the hunger strikes. While on hunger strike, Sands was elected as a republican candidate in the Fermanagh/South Tyrone by-elections.
New book claims IRA ordered senior member be shot for running brothel with loyalists Agents of Influence: Britain s Secret Intelligence War Against the IRA is published by Merrion Press 13 April, 2021 01:00
Dr Aaron Edwards
THE IRA ordered that a senior member who later emerged as a suspected informer be shot for running a brothel with loyalists in the 1970s, a new book claims.
Former British soldier John Joe Magee went on to be a leading figure in the IRA s internal security unit, known as the nutting squad .
Its role was to root out and interrogate informers and agents - many of whom were later shot dead.
Carl Frampton can walk into retirement with his head held high
Carl Frampton remains classy to the end, writes Matt Christie
THEY say life flashes before the eyes of those approaching death. When Carl Frampton dropped in cinematic slow motion in the sixth round of his bout with Jamel Herring, it was almost as if he’d relived his entire career before his backside hit the canvas. Because the look in his eyes as he turned to pick up the referee’s count said it all: It was over.
From his days with Billy McKee, his old amateur coach he so dearly wanted to dedicate victory to last weekend, through to his final years under the tutelage of Jamie Moore, Frampton made his mark in boxing history both as a man and as a fighter.
Jamel Herring dominates Carl Frampton, who announces his retirement
play
Herring stops Frampton with a sixth-round TKO to retain the belt (0:43)
Jamel Herring dominates Carl Frampton and wins by sixth-round TKO to keep the WBO junior lightweight world title. (0:43)
•Has been reporting on British boxing for over 15 years
•Appears on BoxNation s Boxing Matters show
Jamel Herring sent Carl Frampton into retirement with a sixth-round TKO in a third defense of his WBO world junior lightweight title Saturday.
Herring fought to a career-best win as he thwarted Frampton s attempt to become the first boxer from Ireland to win world titles in three weight divisions. Afterward, an emotional Frampton announced his retirement.
Those were led by the man who had just beaten the Belfast star as Jamel Herring admitted his admiration for his opponent. Yes, this probably the biggest victory of my career, but I just want for everyone to pray and show love for @RealCFrampton . I’ll always be a fan, and he’s a true gentleman. God bless you, my man. Please make it home safely to your beautiful family, he tweeted.
Boxing promoter Lou DiBella, summing up the feeling of many in the aftermath of the announcement: Congratulations @RealCFrampton on a legendary career. You were a true champion and a real warrior in the ring and no one will ever forget that. Best wishes to you in your retirement.