On this Father’s Day I am very saddened to hear the news that John Sands, the father of famed hunger striker and Irish martyr Bobby Sands, has passed away. I cannot imagine the pain of a father losing a child and I hope that how Bobby has been remembered and the love of the rest  of his family made his life easier after the loss of his son.  I also hope that son’s beautiful smile was the first he saw in his afterlife for that would be a happy Father’s day indeed.

Rest in Peace sir.

His memorial service will be held  Tuesday, 17^th June, at St Agnes’ Chapel, Andersonstown Road, in Belfast.