Raymond McCreesh

Remember the Hunger Strikers Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin

Raymond McCreesh
Born	Raymond Peter McCreesh 25 February 1957 Camlough, County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Died	21 May 1981 (aged 24) HM Prison Maze, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Nationality	Irish
Known for	Irish republican hunger striker

Raymond Peter McCreesh (25 February 1957 – 21 May 1981) was an Irish republican and member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who died during the 1981 Irish hunger strike in the Maze Prison.

Early Life

Raymond McCreesh was born in Camlough, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, into a large family with strong republican beliefs. He was the seventh of eight children. McCreesh attended the local primary school and later went to St. Colman's College in Newry.

Involvement in the IRA

McCreesh joined the Provisional Irish Republican Army in the early 1970s, during a period of intense conflict known as the Troubles. He was involved in various operations against the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).

Arrest and Imprisonment

On 25 June 1976, McCreesh was captured by the British Army after a failed ambush in South Armagh. He was convicted of attempted murder, possession of firearms, and membership in the IRA. McCreesh was sentenced to 14 years in prison and was sent to the Maze Prison.

Hunger Strike

In 1981, McCreesh joined the 1981 Irish hunger strike, which was part of a protest by Irish republican prisoners to regain Special Category Status. This status would recognize them as political prisoners rather than criminals. McCreesh began his hunger strike on 29 March 1981.

Death

Raymond McCreesh died on 21 May 1981, after 61 days on hunger strike. He was the third of ten prisoners to die during the 1981 hunger strike. His death, along with the deaths of the other hunger strikers, had a significant impact on the Northern Ireland conflict and increased support for the Sinn Féin political party.

Legacy

Raymond McCreesh is remembered as a martyr by many in the republican community. His sacrifice is commemorated annually, and various memorials have been erected in his honor.

See Also

• 1981 Irish hunger strike
• Provisional Irish Republican Army
• The Troubles
• HM Prison Maze
• Sinn Féin