Frank Stagg (Irish republican)

Frank Stagg

Frank Stagg (4 October 1942 – 12 February 1976) was an Irish republican and a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA). He is best known for his involvement in the 1970s Irish hunger strikes and his death as a result of a hunger strike in Wakefield Prison in England.

Early Life

Frank Stagg was born in Hollymount, County Mayo, Ireland. He was one of thirteen children in a family with a strong republican tradition. Stagg attended local schools and later worked as a bus conductor in Dublin before emigrating to England in search of better employment opportunities.

Involvement in the IRA

Stagg joined the Provisional Irish Republican Army in the early 1970s. He was deeply committed to the cause of Irish republicanism and was involved in various activities aimed at ending British rule in Northern Ireland. His activities eventually led to his arrest and imprisonment.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike

In 1973, Stagg was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit arson and other related offenses. He was convicted and sentenced to ten years in Wakefield Prison. While in prison, Stagg became involved in the campaign for political status for IRA prisoners.

In 1974, he participated in a hunger strike along with other IRA prisoners, demanding to be treated as political prisoners rather than criminals. The hunger strike lasted for 62 days, during which Stagg's health deteriorated significantly. Despite the efforts of his family and supporters, the British government refused to concede to the prisoners' demands.

Death and Legacy

Frank Stagg died on 12 February 1976 as a result of his hunger strike. His death was a significant event in the history of the Irish republican movement and highlighted the ongoing struggle for political status by IRA prisoners. Stagg's funeral was a major event, attended by thousands of people, and he was buried in his hometown of Hollymount.

Stagg's death, along with that of other hunger strikers, played a crucial role in drawing international attention to the conditions of IRA prisoners and the broader political situation in Northern Ireland. His legacy continues to be remembered by those involved in the Irish republican cause.

See Also

• Provisional Irish Republican Army
• 1970s Irish hunger strikes
• Northern Ireland conflict
• Political status of IRA prisoners