That dream was of a 32-County Socialist Republic.
Today they lie in cold graves and the dream has been reduced to the hope that one day, at a time of their choosing, the British will grant a referendum on Irish Unity.
Yesterday Gerry Adams stood in front of the image of one of those brave young Irish men, Bobby Sands, and spoke of the civil case taken against him, referring to it as a show trial.
You'd almost believe that he had been through a Diplock Court. Incredibly there are deluded fools who actually believe that he was.
I have noticed that Adams uses the image of brave Bobby in a way which makes it appear that he is looking over his shoulder.
In interviews there will be a photo of Bobby visible in the background. I noticed on one occasion Bobby's biography, Nothing But an Unfinished Song which had been placed facing out on a book shelf.
Adams, the man with whom Bobby trusted with his funeral arrangements.
Bobby wanted to be buried in Ballina alongside Frank Stagg and Michael Gaughan. He was buried in Milltown Cemetery.
Bobby asked that he be wrapped in a blanket and not a suit nor a humiliating shroud. He had the heart of a poet and he knew that the screws would never hand over a blanket for him to be buried in.
What he was requesting was a similar type of blanket which would be symbolic of his time on the blanket protest.
That simple request was even denied to him as he was buried wearing a humiliating shroud.
Bear that in mind the next time you see Adams using Bobby's image or his name to try and sell something.
 |
Thomas Dixie Elliot is a Derry artist and a former H Block Blanketman. Follow Dixie Elliot on Twitter @IsMise_Dixie |
Gerry Adams will always have those who both support him and are critical of him within republicanism. Bobby Sands will always be revered. I think that lasting and enduring respect, admiration, love and reverence for Sands will always be a testament to his memory. He will never be forgotten
ReplyDelete