Bobby Sands

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Bobby Sands

Robert Gerard Sands (Irish: Roibeárd Gearóid Ó Seachnasaigh; 9 March 1954 – 5 May 1981) was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who died on hunger strike while imprisoned at HM Prison Maze (also known as Long Kesh). He was the leader of the 1981 hunger strike in which Irish republican prisoners protested against the removal of Special Category Status.

Early Life

Bobby Sands was born in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, into a Roman Catholic family. He grew up in the predominantly Protestant area of Rathcoole, where he experienced sectarian violence and discrimination. Sands left school at 15 and became an apprentice coach builder.

Involvement with the IRA

Sands joined the Provisional IRA in 1972, following the outbreak of the Troubles. He was arrested in 1972 for possession of four handguns and sentenced to five years in prison. After his release, he continued his involvement with the IRA and was arrested again in 1976 for possession of firearms and involvement in a bombing.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike

Sands was sentenced to 14 years in HM Prison Maze for possession of firearms. While in prison, he became the Officer Commanding of the IRA prisoners. In 1981, Sands led a hunger strike to protest the British government's refusal to grant political status to IRA prisoners. The hunger strike began on 1 March 1981, and Sands was the first to refuse food.

Death and Legacy

Bobby Sands died on 5 May 1981 after 66 days on hunger strike. His death drew international attention to the plight of the hunger strikers and the political situation in Northern Ireland. Sands was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Fermanagh and South Tyrone during the hunger strike, highlighting the political dimension of the protest.

Sands' death and the hunger strike had a significant impact on the Northern Ireland peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. His writings, including his poetry and diary entries, have been published and continue to inspire those involved in the struggle for Irish republicanism.

See Also

• Provisional Irish Republican Army
• The Troubles
• HM Prison Maze
• 1981 Irish hunger strike
• Northern Ireland peace process
• Good Friday Agreement