REPUBLICANS from across Ireland are expected to travel to Co Tyrone this weekend to mark the 35th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike.
Organised by the 1916 Societies, the parade and commemoration will take place in Galbally, near Dungannon, on Sunday.
The hunger strike, which ended on October 3, 1981, claimed the lives of 10 republicans including that of Martin Hurson, a native of Galbally.
Veteran republican and trade unionist Tommy McKearney, who himself spent 53 days on hunger strike in 1980, will speak at the event.
Mr McKearney said that "from a republican perspective it is important to remember the hunger strike".
"This is something that has to be kept in mind at all times and it underlines the huge commitment that republicans made during the struggle," he said.
Relatives of the hunger strikers and former republican prisoners are expected to attend the parade which will be led by a republican colour party and include several bands.
Mr McKearney said he intends to speak about the "challenges facing republicans in the wider context" on both sides of the border.
Sunday's parade will start at Galbally Community Centre at 2pm before making its way to Martin Hurson's grave, which is nearby.
A panel discussion involving Mr Kearney and other former republican prisoners will take place at the Ealú Ex Prisoners Centre in Dungannon at 7.30pm on Saturday.
