Lack of creative initiative for me. So here is a 1981 reprint.

February 21st, 1981
An Phoblacht/Republican News

Ex Hunger-Strikers Back On Blanket

(Image of article)

Two months after the ending of the last HBlock hunger-strike on Thursday 18th December, six out of the seven hunger-strikers, who have recovered from the more serious effects of their fast for political status, have gone back on the blanket protest, having been shifted from the Long Kesh prison hospital last Saturday, February 14th.

Brendan Hughes (Belfast) and John Nixon (Armagh City) resumed their protest and joined their comrades in H6-Block, whilst Ray McCartney (Derry City), Tommy McKearney (Co. Tyrone), Leo Green (Lurgan), and Tom McFeely (South Derry) went on the blanket in H4.

The seventh H-Block hunger-strikers, Sean McKenna (Newry) is still recovering in the prison hospital, and it is likely to be several weeks before he is transferred. For the six hunger-strikers it was bound to be a very emotional reunion given all that they have come through, and with the British government reneging on the terms and spirit of the settlement.

Meanwhile, harassment of the blanket men, in the run-up to the second hungerstrike, continues.

In H4-Block, three men were assaulted during a wing shift on Wednesday 11th February: Paddy Kane and Frank Canavan were kicked on the leg and John Bradley was kicked and punched in the back. A prisoner warder also threw urine over a set of blankets and pillows.

On Saturday 14th February, Fermanagh man Liam Ferguson, when returning from a visit, was struck several times across the face by two warders named as Alex Luke and Mervyn Ross.

Further news from inside the H-Blocks is that those remaining prisoners who had taken part in January's abortive pilot scheme and later smashed up cell furniture before being moved to H6, have now been transferred back to H3.  ¶ 3:44 a.m.