Bobby Sands statue unveiled in Belfast, commemorating 44th anniversary of death

A statue commemorating IRA hunger striker and former MP Bobby Sands was unveiled in Belfast's Twinbrook area to mark the 44th anniversary of his death. Sands, who died at age 27 during the 1981 hunger strike after 66 days without food, was the first of ten prisoners to die in the protest aimed at gaining political prisoner status from the British government. The event, attended by former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and others, featured speeches highlighting Sands's legacy, with Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan emphasizing that his sacrifice renewed the cause for Irish unity and contributed to ongoing momentum for political and social change. The statue, designed by artist Packy Adams, depicts Sands holding a flag during a republican parade in 1976 and stands near the Republican Memorial Garden. Speakers at the unveiling also remembered Sands as a father, son, and community activist, underscoring a broader vision for a more inclusive and unified Ireland. Calls were made to continue working toward Irish unity, described as not inevitable but achievable through collective effort.