Date Posted:Sat, Jun 02 2007, 12:37:04 PDT Author: Irish Political Status Committee. Subject: Remembering Volunteer Michael Gaughan.
After being force-fed 17 times, Oglaigh na h-Eireann volunteer Michael Gaughan died in HMP Parkhurst on June 3 1974.
The British government of the day claimed he died from pheumonia, but the autopsy showed he died after prison doctors injurd him fatally when food lodged in a lung - punctured by the force-feeding tube.
He had been on hunger-strike 67 days and was 24 years old.
In a final message to his family on June 2 he said -
"I die proudly for my country and in the hope that my death will be sufficient to obtain the demands of my comrades."
"Let there be no bitterness on my behalf, but a determination to achieve the new Ireland for which I gladly die. My loyalty and confidence is to the IRA and let those of you who are left carry on the work and finish the fight."
Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost.
Grieve not for him.
Speak not a word of sorrow.
Although his eyes saw not his country's glory, the service of his day shall make our tomorrow.
