Francis Hughes, born on February 28, 1956, in Ireland, was the youngest boy in a family of ten siblings. He dropped out of school at the young age of sixteen and began working as an apprentice painter. Little did anyone know at the time, but this young man would go on to become a controversial figure in Irish history.
Francis Hughes became involved with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) at a young age, and his involvement in criminal activities soon followed. He was known for his participation in various violent acts, including bombings and shootings. However, his most infamous moment came in a shootout with the Special Air Service, where a soldier was tragically killed.
After the shootout, Francis Hughes was arrested and sentenced to prison. He became a key figure in the 1981 hunger strike at HM Prison Maze, where he and several other prisoners demanded political prisoner status. The events of the hunger strike were later dramatized in the 2008 film Hunger, directed by Steve R. McQueen.
Francis Hughes became a symbol of resistance and a martyr for the Irish Republican cause. His death during the hunger strike in 1981 only solidified his place in Irish history. Despite his criminal past, he is remembered by many as a hero who fought for his beliefs.
Francis Hughes may have had a troubled past, but his actions and beliefs continue to inspire generations of Irish nationalists. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who continue to fight for a united Ireland.