Joe McDonnell (hunger striker) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe McDonnell
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| Born |
Joseph McDonnell
14 September 1951 |
| Died | 8 July 1981 (aged 29) HMP Maze, Northern Ireland
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| Burial place | Milltown Cemetery |
| Organization | Provisional IRA |
| Known for | Hunger strike of 61 days, from 9 May 1981 |
| Spouse(s) | Goretti (1970–1981; his death) |
| Children | 2 |
Joseph "Joe" McDonnell (born September 14, 1951 – died July 8, 1981) was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA). He became known for taking part in a hunger strike and sadly passed away during it.
Contents
Joe McDonnell's Early Life
Joe McDonnell was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Slate Street. He was the fifth of eight children in his family. He went to a local Roman Catholic school.
In 1970, Joe married Goretti. They moved into a house on Horn Drive. Their house was one of only two Catholic homes on a street where most people were loyalists. Because of this, their home was attacked many times. They eventually had to move in with Goretti's mother. Later, they found a new house on Lenadoon Avenue.
Joe McDonnell and the IRA
Joe McDonnell was arrested during a time called Operation Demetrius. He was held on a prison ship called HMS Maidstone. Later, he was moved to HM Prison Maze.
After being released, he joined the Provisional IRA Belfast Brigade. He met Bobby Sands while planning an attack on a furniture company. During a shootout with the police and army, Joe, Bobby, and two others were arrested. Joe McDonnell and the others were sentenced to 14 years in prison for having a firearm. They did not agree with the court's authority. After his sentencing, he returned to HM Prison Maze.
The Hunger Strike of 1981
Joe McDonnell supported the goals of the 1981 Irish hunger strike. The prisoners wanted five main things:
- The right not to wear a prison uniform.
- The right not to do prison work.
- The right to spend time with other prisoners.
- The right to organize their own learning and fun activities.
- The right to one visit, one letter, and one package each week.
Joe McDonnell joined Bobby Sands and others in the second hunger strike in 1981. While on hunger strike, he ran for election in the Republic of Ireland. He was an Anti H-Block candidate for the Sligo–Leitrim area. He received 5,639 votes but just missed getting a seat.
His hunger strike lasted for 61 days. Joe McDonnell passed away on July 8, 1981. He had two children. His wife, Goretti, worked hard to support the hunger strikers.
Joe McDonnell was buried next to Bobby Sands at Milltown Cemetery.
Remembering Joe McDonnell
Joe McDonnell was one of 22 Irish republicans who died on hunger strike in the 20th century.
After his death, Joe McDonnell became a very important figure in the movement. He is still remembered today.
There is a memorial for Joe McDonnell at Waverley Cemetery in Sydney, Australia.
Joe McDonnell is also remembered in a song by the Wolfe Tones called "Joe McDonnell." His family is mentioned in the Irish Brigade's song "A Father's Blessing." He is also one of the ten hunger strikers named in the song "Roll of Honour."
