Women in Struggle Interview: Orlagh McCauley

Orlagh at Hungerstrike Monument: Havana Cuba '06

How did you find out about Ógra Shinn Féin?
Although I was involved in Sinn Féin I first seen Ógra protesting in Dublin.

Had you been involved in politics before joining Ógra Shinn Féin?
Well I was brought up in a Republican house and from a young age I was constantly in Sinn Féin centre in Lurgan.

When and where did u join Ógra?
In 2004 I started studying in Magee and joined the cumann there.

What made you join Ógra?
I had already been very involved in Sinn Féin but not in the cumann structures. I knew joining the Magee cumann would give me a chance to become more involved in the party.

What positions do you / have you held (if any)?
As well as being a normal cumann member, last year I was the treasurer.

What are you priorities in the upcoming year for your role (position)?
I hope to contribute as much as possible to the Magee cumann as I will be leaving it in May. The elections coming up in March will be a priority. I hope to go to the University of Limerick next September to do a postgrad in peace and development. Im enthusiastic about joining a new cumann in a new place.

What have u done within your role? What does it entail?
As treasurer I had the responsibility of managing the cumann's money. As a normal cumann member I’ve taken part in organising fundraisers, protests, talks and debates.

Where has your interest in politics come from? And How?

Some of my interest in politics came from my parents. Both are good Socialists and Republicans. Growing up in Lurgan both me and my family were harassed by the Brits. On my Communion day my house was raided twice. Raids were normal and on regular occassions the Brits would arrest my Daddy and take him away for a few days.

As I got older I realised this was wrong. After a bomb was planted at my home in Lurgan we moved to Kildare. I was a complete shock when I first moved. We weren't being harrassed by the Brits but everything was much different.

From secondary school I took a real interest in Irish history, how the Brits first came to Ireland, Easter 1916, the partition of Ireland and the Civil War as well as the history of Irish Republicanism. In my final year of school I decided to go onto university and study international politics.

What would you be doing if you weren’t involved in Ógra?
Studying more for my degree!

What actions have Ógra taken in your area (weekend’s protests etc)
We have protested against the University of Ulster's car parking fees, the Brits watchtower in Rosemount and the American senator Mitchell Reiss coming to Magee talking about policing. During the last Westminster elections we held a debate between Mitchell Mc Laughlin and Mark Durkan. Bloody Sunday weekend 2005 was also the Ógra national congress. We held workshops, a protest outside Strand Road barracks and had a fundraiser. More recently we protested when the British army and navy was allowed to recruit in Magee.

Plans for Ógra in the future in the area?
Currently we are protesting against the University of Ulster's political protocol as well as organizing events for the Bloody Sunday weekend.

What do you like most about Ógra Shinn Féin?
It gives me the chance to campaign on issues important to me such as suicide prevention, mental health awareness, health care and education. I also learn a lot from my comrades.

Have u any major achievements within Ógra or things that you will remember for a long time to come?
Being in Ógra is good craic and I have met a lot of friends. A couple of years ago I was speaking at a function for the Colombia 3 in Co. Laoise, the whole pub was silent and really listening to what I was saying. The respect that was shown is something that I’ll never forget.

What do u enjoy doing outside of Politics- Hobbies/interests?
I love travelling, last summer I was in Cuba for 6 weeks. Hopefully I will be going to Prague and Vienna soon. Next summer I hope to go to the Basque Country. I love music.


Quickfire Round:

Favourite Food: my Ma's stew

Favourite Drink : tea, beer and Guiness

Favourite Music / Artist: I like most types of music and at the moment my favourite artist is John Frusciante.

Favourite Film: innocent voices, its really sad but it inspires me.

Favourite Book: Fidel Castro's History Will Absolve Me

Favourite Holiday resort: Cuba

Most memorable moment in Ógra: speaking in front of hundreds of people.

Person most influential in your life: both my parents

Person you would like to meet (living) Leonard Peltier

Person you would like to meet (deceased) Che Guevara

If you were president of Ireland or Taoiseach what 3 things would you do to change Ireland ?
Unite Ireland
Make Ireland a socialist democratic country
Prove the best possible healthcare and education to Irish people.