Launch of new book on Bobby Sands

antrim | history and heritage | event notice Monday September 11, 2006 18:57 by C

D'éirigh mé ar maidin

Earlier this year Denis O’Hearn launched his biography of Bobby Sands, Nothing but an Unfinished Song, published by Nation Books (New York) and Pluto Press (London). Even before the book was published, however, Denis and former hunger striker and writer, Laurence McKeown, were working on an adaptation of the biography for younger readers. The result was I arose this morning, published last month by Beyond the Pale Publications and the Irish language version, D’éirigh mé ar maidin, translated from the original by Rath na Gaeilge and edited by Seán Mac Aindreasa is published this week by Coiscéim. The book also contains illustrations by Thomas ‘Dixie’ Elliot, a former blanket man from Derry who shared a cell with Bobby Sands for a time.

This coming Saturday, September 16th, a simultaneous launch of both the English and Irish language versions will take place in An Culturlann, Falls Road, at one o’clock, hosted by An Ceathrú Póilí. Jake Jackson, former prisoner, blanketman and friend of Bobby Sands will officially launch the book.

Laurence McKeown described the book as another important contribution to this year’s 25th anniversary events commemorating the hunger strike. “The hunger strike period is now being discussed in schools as part of the curriculum so Denis and I thought it would be good to have a book specially written for younger readers and in particular to have it in Irish given that events in the H Blocks contributed significantly to the revival of the language. Many former prisoners are today Irish language teachers and indeed, principals of Irish language schools, which is testament to the role they have played upon release.”

Denis O’Hearn is equally delighted that his biography of Bobby Sands will now reach a wider audience. “The original biography asked how people like Bobby Sands become activists and then strengthen their beliefs to the degree that they willingly make tremendous sacrifices and do extraordinary things. Writing for young people adds a new dimension to this question because we directly addressed the ethical dilemmas that Bobby and others faced in joining the IRA and then doing things that were quite controversial. Young people face hard choices nearly every day and we hope this book will encourage them to think about the consequences of the choices they make, even if they are less dramatic than those that Bobby Sands faced.”

Copies of the book will be available on the day to be signed by the authors and other former prisoners. Everyone is welcome.

‘D’éirigh mé ar maidin…’
Beathaisnéis Roibeaird Uí Sheachnasaigh do Léitheoirí Níos Óige

Curtha in oiriúint ag Denis O’Hearn agus Laurence McKeown
Léaráidí le Tomás “Dixie” Elliot

Saturday 16th September, 1pm
An Chultúrlann
Falls Road, Belfast