Large crowd gathered in Ballina to mark 50th anniversary of Frank Stagg’s death

A large crowd gathered at Leigue Cemetery in Ballina on Saturday, February 14, to mark the 50th anniversary of the death on hunger strike of Mayo republican Frank Stagg.

The commemoration, organised by Sinn Féin, was described by those in attendance as emotional, dignified and deeply moving, with people travelling from across Ireland to honour the Hollymount native who died in Wakefield Prison in England on February 12, 1976, aged 34.

Frank Stagg spent 62 days on hunger strike protesting for political status and against conditions imposed on Irish republican prisoners in English jails. Speakers at Saturday’s ceremony said that five decades on, respect for his sacrifice remains undiminished, describing his actions as rooted in conviction, courage and a belief in Ireland’s right to self-determination.

One of the most powerful moments recalled was Stagg’s final words to his wife as he lay dying: “Well, this is how a hunger strike ends.” Another quote from his final days was also shared with the crowd: “We are a risen people. This time we must not be driven into the gutter, even if this should mean dying for justice. The fight must go on.”

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Sinn Féin TD for Mayo, Rose Conway-Walsh, delivered an address reflecting on Stagg’s life and the wider legacy of the prison struggle. She spoke about the continued relevance of his political vision and the impact of the hunger strikes on Ireland’s political landscape.

Among the speakers was Gerry Kelly, a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly who was imprisoned in England at the same time as Stagg and also took part in a hunger strike. Kelly recalled the harsh conditions endured by Irish prisoners in English jails during the 1970s and the campaign for political status.

Several speakers also referred to the controversial events following Stagg’s death. The then Fine Gael-Labour coalition government took control of his remains, denying his family access and refusing his wish to be buried alongside fellow Mayo hunger striker Michael Gaughan in the Republican Plot in Ballina.

Instead, in February 1976, Stagg’s coffin was transferred by British police to Irish authorities at Heathrow Airport. While family members and supporters waited at Dublin Airport, the plane was diverted to Shannon on government instructions. He was subsequently buried in an isolated grave in Leigue Cemetery, which was covered in concrete in an effort to prevent his remains being moved.

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In November 1977, following a period of Garda surveillance, Stagg’s remains were removed and reinterred in the Republican Plot in Ballina in accordance with his wishes — an episode long regarded as one of the most contentious chapters of the period.

Music provided by members of the Stagg family added a personal and reflective tone to Saturday’s ceremony. A particularly poignant contribution came from Frank’s brother, George Stagg, who received sustained applause as he spoke about the family’s loss and the events surrounding his brother’s reinterment.

He reflected on the night in 1977 when a small group removed Frank’s remains from the concrete grave and laid him to rest in the republican plot, reminding those present that behind political sacrifice lies deep and enduring personal loss.

The ceremony concluded with thanks to organisers and a renewed reflection on Frank Stagg’s legacy. Those gathered in Ballina reflected not only on the events of 1976 and 1977, but on the lasting imprint they have left on both county and country.