Michael Gaughan (Irish republican)

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Michael Gaughan

Michael Gaughan (5 October 1949 – 3 June 1974) was an Irish republican and member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who died on hunger strike in HM Prison Parkhurst.

Early Life

Michael Gaughan was born in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland. He was one of six children in a family with strong republican beliefs. Gaughan attended the local national school and later went to secondary school in Ballina. After completing his education, he moved to London in search of work.

Involvement in the IRA

Gaughan joined the Provisional Irish Republican Army in the early 1970s. He became involved in various activities aimed at furthering the cause of Irish republicanism. His activities eventually led to his arrest and imprisonment.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike

In 1971, Gaughan was arrested in London and charged with involvement in an IRA bank robbery. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and was initially held in HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs before being transferred to HM Prison Parkhurst.

While in prison, Gaughan participated in a hunger strike to protest the treatment of IRA prisoners and to demand political status. The hunger strike began on 31 March 1974. Gaughan's health deteriorated rapidly, and he was force-fed by prison authorities, a practice that was widely condemned.

Death and Legacy

Michael Gaughan died on 3 June 1974 as a result of complications from force-feeding. His death had a significant impact on the Irish republican movement and drew attention to the plight of IRA prisoners. Gaughan's funeral in Ballina was attended by thousands of people, and he is remembered as a martyr for the cause of Irish republicanism.

See Also

• Provisional Irish Republican Army
• Hunger strike
• HM Prison Parkhurst
• Irish republicanism
• List of members of the Irish Republican Army