Black Flag vigil held in Mayo town to commemorate Frank Stagg

A Black Flag Vigil was held at the Humbert Monument last night (Thursday, February 12) to honour Hollymount native Frank Stagg on the 50th anniversary of his death.

Frank Stagg died in Wakefield Prison on February 12, 1976, after 62 days on hunger strike.

Addressing those gathered in Ballina, his brother, George Stagg, thanked supporters and acknowledged the work of local party members in organising the vigil and upcoming commemorations.

“On behalf of friends and family, we sincerely thank you for organising and for attending this vigil,” he said. “Fifty years on, remembering Frank tells us something very powerful — that his sacrifice is not forgotten, and that memory itself can be an act of resistance.”

He added: “This is not an easy time for our family. Time does not dull the loss of Frank, it only teaches us how to carry it [...]. Go raibh míle maith agat from the members of the Stagg family.”

Mr Stagg’s final message from 1976 was also recalled during the vigil: “We are the risen people, this time we should not be driven into the gutter. Even if this should mean dying for justice. The fight must go on. I want my memorial to be peace with justice.”

READ MORE: Sinn Féin to mark 50th anniversary of death of Mayo hunger striker

Cllr Gerry Murray told attendees that the events surrounding Mr Stagg’s death had left a lasting mark on the west of Ireland.

“What happened to Frank Stagg on that infamous weekend would not have happened in Belfast or Dublin,” he said. “The fact that Frank Stagg came from the west, the fact that he came from the parts of Mayo, the Free State government felt that they could do it, and they could get away with it. And on that Sunday, in Ballina, there is recollection of people being there, of all political views and persuasions.”

Sinn Féin representatives said supporters in Derry also held a simultaneous commemoration despite harsh weather conditions, describing it as a show of unity and solidarity. Members of the Cú Chulainn Running Club Doire completed a 12k run ahead of the vigil in tribute.

Further events are planned in Ballina this weekend. A 12k Commemoration Run and 5k Walk will begin at 12pm on Saturday, February 14 from Healy Terrace, followed by a formal commemoration at 1.30pm at Leigue Cemetery. Organisers say all are welcome to attend.