Martin Hurson facts for kids

Edward Martin Hurson (born September 13, 1956 – died July 13, 1981) was a young man from Northern Ireland. He was part of a group called the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA). He became known for taking part in a hunger strike in 1981. This was a protest where people refused to eat. Martin Hurson was the sixth person to die during this protest.

Early Life and Family

Martin Hurson grew up in Cappagh, County Tyrone, which is in Northern Ireland. He was one of nine children in his family. His parents were Johnny and Mary Ann Hurson.

After finishing school, Martin worked as a welder for a while. He then moved to England for about a year and a half. There, he worked in construction with his brother, Francis. In late 1974, he returned to County Tyrone.

Time in Prison

In November 1976, Martin Hurson was arrested with four other men. He was held in police stations in Omagh and Armagh. He later moved to the H Blocks of Long Kesh, which was a prison.

In November 1977, Martin went to trial. No scientific evidence was used against the men. Statements were taken from them under difficult conditions. Martin Hurson was found guilty of being involved in three incidents involving landmines. These incidents happened in Cappagh, Galbally, County Tyrone, and Reclain between 1975 and 1976. He received sentences that added up to twenty years in prison. While in prison, Martin faced harsh treatment. In December 1978, he spent a month in the prison hospital after a difficult incident.

The Hunger Strike

This memorial in Dublin remembers those who took part in the hunger strike.

While in prison, Martin Hurson became engaged to his girlfriend, Bernadette Donnelly. He was part of a "blanket protest" before the hunger strike. This was a protest where prisoners refused to wear prison uniforms. Instead, they wore only blankets.

On May 28, 1981, Martin joined the 1981 hunger strike. This was a protest where prisoners refused to eat to demand certain rights. He took the place of another protester who had to stop due to health issues.

After about 40 days on hunger strike, Martin could no longer drink water. He died from not having enough water after 46 days. This was a shorter time than most others on the strike. His family thought about trying to save his life. However, they were told he would likely have serious health problems if they did. Soon after he died, Martin Hurson's body was moved from the prison to Omagh Hospital. Over 100 cars followed his hearse from Omagh to his family's home in Cappagh.

In the 1981 Irish general election, Martin Hurson was a candidate in the Longford–Westmeath area. He did not win, but he received 4,573 votes.