Kieran Doherty (hunger striker)

Kieran Doherty H-Block

Kieran Doherty (16 October 1955 – 2 August 1981) was an Irish republican and a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who died during the 1981 Irish hunger strike. He was elected as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency during the hunger strike.

Early Life

Kieran Doherty was born in Andersonstown, Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was the third of six children in a family with strong republican beliefs. Doherty was educated at St. Teresa's Primary School and later at St. Thomas's Secondary School.

Involvement in the IRA

Doherty joined the Provisional IRA in the early 1970s, during the height of the Troubles. He was involved in various activities and operations against the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).

Imprisonment

In August 1976, Doherty was arrested and charged with possession of firearms and explosives. He was sentenced to 18 years in the Maze (also known as Long Kesh) prison. While in prison, he participated in the blanket protest and the dirty protest.

Hunger Strike

Doherty joined the 1981 Irish hunger strike on 22 May 1981, demanding political status for IRA prisoners. He was elected as a TD for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency in the 1981 Irish general election while on hunger strike. Doherty died on 2 August 1981 after 73 days without food.

Legacy

Kieran Doherty is remembered as one of the ten hunger strikers who died in 1981. His death, along with the others, had a significant impact on the Northern Ireland peace process and the political landscape in Ireland.

See Also

• 1981 Irish hunger strike
• Provisional Irish Republican Army
• Maze Prison
• Troubles (Northern Ireland)
• Cavan–Monaghan (Dáil constituency)