Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Marching on!

With the policing debate and the March elections the north Ógra activists and indeed Senior Sinn Féin activist have been busy to say the least. It is due to this that I am only getting around to responding to an article penned by a comrade back in November 2006 regarding Republican colour parties and Republican Flute Bands. Please excuse the delay but here it is….



Barry McNally

Numerous months ago an author, known only as ‘Young And Independent’ wrote an article in relation to Ógra Shinn Féin Colour parties and Republican Flute Bands. The author made it clear that he / she wished to see both things consigned to the dustbin of history.

Whilst I respect the argument I think that if the comments and wishes were given any credence, it could have far reaching negative consequences for the struggle.

Firstly I agree with the decision taken by the leadership of West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin (of which I am one) to allow an ÓSF colour party to lead the commemoration march for the Hungerstrikers in October past at the Omagh Demilitarisation Weekend. Far from being what the author describes as negative I believe the colour party provided a strong addition to the parade. Indeed the theme of the parade focussed on youth and the youthfulness of the Hungerstrikers and blanketmen. We also had young people wrapped in blankets and 12 young people all between the ages of 8 and 13 carrying picture of the Hungerstrikers participating in the parade. Therefore I believe it was appropriate to ask an ÓSF colour party, of which there are a number, to lead the parade.

We didn’t try and become Na Fianna Éireann, as the author seems to suggest, who rightly states they were disbanded in the early 1990’s. The very fact that the Ógra badge was present and visible on the coats wore by the colour party bore testament to this. Never in the publicity and / or literature did we try and claim we were anyone else other than Ógra Shinn Féin. It wasn’t a case of wink wink nudge nudge. We were very clear-it was an Ógra Shinn Féin colour party.

The comrade who wrote this article then refers to the ‘left wing activists laughing their heads off on indymedia’ when seeing pictures of the Demilitarisation weekend and the colour party. Whilst I wouldn’t be quick to appease (the many but not all) computer socialists sitting at their keyboards debating and theorising all day but not being active on the ground, I am of the opinion that any publicity is good publicity.

Indeed we got that front page of our local newspaper and a large write up in the paper. When a journalist rang me for a comment I was more than willing to defend Ógra’s decision in commemorating the Hungerstrikers in a disciplined, respectful manner.

In the last contribution, my comrade who penned the article, they pleaded ‘Decommission Republican Flute Bands’. They predicted that this would be ‘most advantageous’ to the struggle. I couldn’t disagree more with this remark.

As a young (er) person I looked forward to 3 things on Easter Sunday. These were
1.) Hearing the Army statement read by a Volunteer of Óglaigh na hÉireann
2.) Eating Fish and Chips till they were coming out of my ears
3.) Hearing the Bands parade through Carrickmore

After joining the Martin Hurson Flute Band numerous years ago I saw for myself the role Republican Flute Bands play in the struggle. For many young people who join these bands it acts as an education tool. Not only this but it is their niche in the struggle for freedom in Ireland. Indeed it was Bobby Sands that said, “No part is too big or too small”. These people I can safely say would not be involved in the republican struggle apart from the band. And if this is their contribution to the struggle it is certainly welcome.

Also in years gone by RFB’s kept morale among the republican people high when times were hard and morale low. Politics by its very nature is frustrating and morale sapping. So I think the role of RFB’s are as important now as they were anytime in the struggle.

As a proud member of the Martin Hurson RFB I am humbled when representatives of the Hurson family thank and praise the band for their dedication and work. After the Easter parade in 2006 the band members were asked to remain assembled for 10 minutes, which we did. Martin’s brother Brendan Hurson then thanked us for keeping the name and spirit of Martin Hurson alive for 25 years. He also told us to continue with our good work. This said to me that we were doing something right.

So I would say as by way of a conclusion that republicans should not be afraid or shy of where we have come from- we shouldn’t hide from the fact that we are proud to remember Ireland's patriot dead, whatever way that is. And neither do I think young republicans should be criticised for taking initiatives to do such. On a closing point the author states ‘let us mobilise behind the starry plough’. I have no problem with this but the tri colour shall be given precedence and the starry plough will be alongside the sun burst in the second line of the colour party.

(Provided the author doesn’t get their way that is)

Beirigi Bua agus Tiocfaidh ar la!



For previous article please follow link:

http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2006/10/can-gra-mobilisations-be-militant.html

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

At first glance, a notable difference between the style of the two colour parties photographed.

The one at the top of the post being less militaristic in appearance than the one at the bottom (Omagh colour party which was discussed by 'Young and Independent').

Still, I have to ask why the need for a uniformed colour party marching in formation. The flags which represent our struggle can be displayed at any political demonstration/commemoration without giving way to the opportuniity for a uniformed elite to emerge.

Points are both well made by Barry McNally and 'Young and Independent' but much debate needs to continue. We must rememember that we should not continue with practices just because they are perceived to be in the republican tradition.

We are revolutionaries - We take initiatives. We are about building political strenght and using it to advance our struggle.

I am sorry to say that not all publicity is good publicity. Image is everything!! I suspect that 'Young and Independent' is in the twilight of his/her youth and may have been involved in such republican band activities, which now is the cause of his/her cringing. (Note to self, revolutionaries never grow old, they are forever young).

Republican bands do indeed have a future but some bands have a whole lot of tidying up to do. New uniforms are required by many, and much practice in terms of marching and musical direction needs to be had. There definitely needs to be an end put to chanting.

Lets have the debate about how republican bands should be styled if they are to best serve the memory of our patriot dead.

Just to finish up, I love that rousing song which contain the line: Marching down Sackville Street with Starry Plough in hand.

It must be a favourite of 'Young and Independent' also.

LET THE DEBATE CONTINUE - No to Ogra colour parties - Yes to well disciplined and presented republican bands which play good tunes!!!

Anonymous said...

Just decided to state my point of view on this issue.

It is my opinion that colour partys and RFB's are the main reason that young people of today play a part in the movement and also find inspiration from them.

The reasons i say this is firstly because, as a very young individual I had very little knowledge in terms of the struggle and it was these marches by RFB's that opened my mind to the movement and encouraged me to find out about it and read deeper into republicanism.
Another reason why these marches are so important is because they commemorate the deaths of fallen comrades in the best possible way (in my opinion) and it keeps there spirits alive through music and statements read.

These RFB's and colour party's keep the spirits of the people high and keep people motivated!

Let the bands march on!!!

Anonymous said...

Just decided to state my point of view on this issue.

It is my opinion that colour partys and RFB's are the main reason that young people of today play a part in the movement and also find inspiration from them.

The reasons i say this is firstly because, as a very young individual I had very little knowledge in terms of the struggle and it was these marches by RFB's that opened my mind to the movement and encouraged me to find out about it and read deeper into republicanism.
Another reason why these marches are so important is because they commemorate the deaths of fallen comrades in the best possible way (in my opinion) and it keeps there spirits alive through music and statements read.

These RFB's and colour party's keep the spirits of the people high and keep people motivated!

Let the bands march on!!!

Anonymous said...

Young and Independent seems to be very quiet on this issue????

I'd like to hear their opinion.

Anonymous said...

The South Armagh and South Down Ógra colour parties paraded in Bodenstown. Well drilled and looked impressive - Im now a member in Cork.

Muck savage!

Anonymous said...

Just surfed in comrades. Haven't been on site for quite a while. All too busy unfortunately.

Regarding this thread,I've mellowed a little. While still totally opposed to Ogra colour parties, I have come around to Connolly Markievicz thinking regarding the future of RFBs.

Comrade McNally whatever about computer socialists, whats your thoughts on BEBO republicans?

There's an article for your soon to be relaunced Spark awaiting to be commissioned.
By the way Barry, I extend congratulations.

(I'm really jealous. I would love that role).

Viva la revolution!!.

Anonymous said...

From across the big pond...support, either spiritually or physically, shall never cease! God Bless!