Weekend events to be held as part of Kevin Lynch annual commemoration

A number of events have been organised to take place in Dungiven this weekend as part of the Kevin Lynch annual commemoration weekend.

The proceedings will kick off on Friday, July 26 with a talk by former P.o.W. and blanket man Séamus Kearney in Glór, Dungiven.

The event, which takes place at 7.30pm, has been organised by the Thomas Ashe 1916 Society as part of the memorial weekend which marks the 43^rd anniversary of hunger striker Kevin Lynch's death.

During the talk, entitled 'Exposing Stake Knife', Kearney will tell his story and that of his comrades, including his brother in what has been described as 'an emotional rollercoaster that will have you gripped to your seat'.

Séamus will relay stories from his youth to his days in the H-block of Long Kesh and the harrowing tale of his brother in how he was betrayed, making it an event not to be missed.

A spokesperson for The Thomas Ashe Society said: “The Thomas Ashe Society, a Craobh of the local Crann of 1916 Societies, which includes the Patrick Loughran and Sean Larkin Societies, are engaged in a program of bringing the concept of Republicanism to the community and wider Society at large. Showing them that Republicanism is about giving people a voice and an actual say in how they are governed, through a proper democratic process.

“Having already held events in Bellaghy and engaged in the cleaning of the Roddy McCorley monument in Toome which is dedicated to the Protestant United Irishman, we also have other events planned throughout the year.”

Other events scheduled to take place over the course of the weekend include a trad seisiún in the Arcade Bar from 9pm on July 26 – all musicians are welcome to attend.

On Saturday, July 27, the Arcade Bar will host band Foggy Duo from 9pm.

The Kevin Lynch Memorial Flute Band have organised a commemoration on Sunday, July 28 from 12.30pm at the chapel car park. A number of bands will be in attendance and will take part in a parade of the town followed by refreshments in the Arcade Bar and live music later by Stíofan and Ricky Nixon.