Roll Of Honour Lyrics

Song Details

Songwriter: Gerry O’Glacain

Song Brief:
Roll of Honour is closely associated with the 1981 hunger strike in Long Kesh, during which ten prisoners died. The song reflects one community’s perspective on those events, honouring the men involved and the sense of loss felt at the time. While strongly rooted in a particular viewpoint, it remains part of the wider musical tradition that emerged from the Troubles.

• Hunger Strike (1981): A protest carried out by republican prisoners in Long Kesh/Maze Prison, during which ten men died. It became one of the most significant and emotional events of the Troubles.
• Long Kesh / Maze Prison: A prison complex outside Lisburn, Northern Ireland, used to hold paramilitary prisoners during the Troubles. It was central to events such as internment and the 1981 hunger strike.
• H-Blocks: The cell blocks within Long Kesh, named for their “H” shape. They housed prisoners involved in the blanket protest and hunger strike.
• Internment: The policy introduced in August 1971 allowing people to be arrested and held without trial. It had a major impact on communities and is referenced in many songs from the period.
• Hunger Strikers / “The Ten”: The ten prisoners who died during the 1981 hunger strike. They are often commemorated in songs, murals, and memorials.
• Republican Movement: A broad term referring to political and paramilitary groups seeking a united Ireland.
• Ulster: A historic province in the north of Ireland, traditionally made up of nine counties. Today, six of those counties form Northern Ireland, while the remaining three are part of the Republic of Ireland.
• Black Flags: Black flags are commonly used as symbols of mourning. During the Troubles, communities displayed black flags to mark deaths, funerals, or periods of collective grief.
•  🌹The Ten Hunger Strikers (1981):
  
  1. Bobby Sands (1954–1981)
     From Belfast. The first to die on hunger strike and the most widely known internationally.
  2. Francis Hughes (1956–1981
     From Bellaghy, County Derry.
  3. Raymond McCreesh (1957–1981)From South Armagh
     
  4. Patsy O’Hara (1957–1981)
     From Derry.
  5. Joe McDonnell (1951–1981)
     From Belfast. Died after 61 days on hunger strike.
  6. Martin Hurson (1956–1981)
     From County Tyrone. Known for his quiet, reserved nature.
  7. Kevin Lynch (1956–1981)
     From Dungiven, County Derry. Former hurler; remembered strongly in his local community.
  8. Kieran Doherty (1955–1981)
     From Belfast. Elected as a TD (Teachta Dála) during the strike.
  9. Thomas McElwee (1957–1981)
     From Bellaghy, County Derry. Cousin of Francis Hughes.
  10. Michael Devine (1954–1981)
      From Derry. The last of the ten men to die.
• Teachta Dála (TD) — often shortened to TD — is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament. The term simply means “Deputy to the Dáil” in Irish. TDs are elected to represent constituencies across Ireland and take part in national legislation and debate.
  In the context of the 1981 hunger strike, Kieran Doherty was elected as a TD for Cavan–Monaghan while on hunger strike, which is why the title appears in historical notes and songs from that period.

Genre: Irish Rebel Song

Covers: The Wolfe Tones, Athenrye, The Irish Brigade, Tony bhoy Ray, Eire Og, Shea Doolin, Eimhear Ni Ghlacain, Mairtin O Huigin, ShaunMcCafferty, Shebeen, Justice.

Featured Artists: The Players Brigade - originating from Ireland, they are known for performing songs connected to Irish political history, remembrance, and the musical traditions that grew out of the Troubles.

💿 Album: Not officially released on a studio album
Released: Circulates in unofficial compilations
Country: Ireland
Format: Community recordings / unofficial collections
Label: Unofficial / Not credited

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