Former hunger striker to speak

Liam McCloskey, from Dungiven in County Derry, will speak as part of the Testimony project, organised in partnership with Towards Understanding and Healing.

The event will take place from 12.30pm on Wednesday, November 23 at Holywell Trust premises, located at 10-14 Bishop Street.

Liam was born and raised in Dungiven and worked in the family business during his youth.

He said that during his teenage years he became concerned about what was happening in the north.

Speaking ahead of the event in Derry next week, he said: “Seeing civil rights marchers being beat off the streets and then shot off the streets, it seemed that taking up arms was the only option.

“I became interested in the Republican cause, got involved with the Official IRA then the INLA.

“I was arrested with a number of others including Kevin Lynch who later died on hunger strike in 1981.

“I took Kevin’s place on hunger strike and came close to death.

“During the blanket protest, and after, I had been reconsidering my views.

“After release in 1983, I was involved in reconciliation work.

“I went into third level education in 1988 and have been living and working in Donegal in the caring profession.”

The Lunchtime Session event begins with a light lunch at 12.30pm with the Testimony event proper beginning at 1pm.

For catering purposes, anyone wishing to attend is asked to confirm their attendance with Lisa Clements at Holywell Trust, telephone 02871261941.