Ógra Shinn Féin take part in Successful Derry Weekend

Ógra Shinn Féin took part in a successful Republican youth weekend in Derry at the weekend.
Despite the bad weather a large crowd turned out on Saturday afternoon for a tour of republican plaques erected in memory of the Volunteers of Óglaigh na hÉireann who died on active service in the Creggan area.

The tour, which also the City Cemetery was given by comrades of those who died. In the city cemetery no fewer than 107 flagpoles are erected throughout the cemetery. Every flag pole was erected at the graves of Irish Republicans who have died in the name of Irish freedom down through the years.

Following the tour a discussion took place on 'Youth In Struggle'. Speakers from Sinn Féin and Ógra Shinn Féin addressed the event. Two DVDs were shown, one of which was the Ógra Shinn Féin, Youth in Struggle DVD released during the summer.

Barry McNally, who spoke on behalf of Ógra said in his address,

“The Republican struggle has always been a youthful one right from its inception of Irish republicanism. But until 1909 there wasn’t really a structured, co-ordinated approach to youthful opposition to British rule in Ireland. Following the formation of Na Fianna all that changed. Indeed many Na Fianna Members were active throughout Easter week of 1916 and 5 activists of Na Fianna lost their lives.”

Barry also spoke of the youth involvement in the current phase of the conflict in Ireland highlighting the Battle of the Bogside, the youth reclaiming the streets through riots, the hunger strikes and the huge mobilisation of youth on the outside at that time.

Moving on to speak about Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry highlighted many campaigns that Ógra are active on. He highlighted the British Demilitarisation campaign in Omagh which Ógra has recently claimed a victory for.

Following the youth in struggle talk events concluded for Saturday.

Sunday seen the annual Spirit of Freedom march, which started in front of the Beachwood shops. Accompanied by the Spirit of Freedom RFB and the Strabane memorial Flute band the parade made its way to the Telstar beside the Creggan shops. The march was well attended and refreshments were served following the march.

Speaking following the Weekend Barry McNally said,

“On behalf of the Ógra activists who attended this weekend I would like to thank the Spirit of Freedom for the invitation. The hospitality and events were of the highest standard. Such events organised by Irish Republican youth are an indication, if any were needed that the republican struggle is in safe hands.”