Ógra Shinn Féin promote National Congress through Film

Ógra Shinn Féin are gearing up for their National Congress on 2 – 4 November by launching a film to promote the event.

The final deadline for motions, delegates and visitors is Friday 5th October at 5pm.

National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McColgan said,

“The film will be used to raise awareness of the National Congress, we would urge everyone to watch the film, to put it up on their bebo and myspace page and use it as a tool to further promote the event amongst activists and young Republicans in your area.”

“Debate, discussion and developing work plans for the year ahead ensures that the National Congress is an extremely productive, engaging and educational weekend, equipping young activists with skills and confidence.”

“The National Congress is the biggest Ógra event of the year and this Congress is expected to be the biggest yet. We have a packed clár of events with debate, workshops, leadership address from Gerry Adams, attendance of International comrades, a vigil on the issue of Road Safety and much more.”

“The National Congress will provide education, activism and assist in building comradeship amongst the national organisation – we would urge you to play your part in making this years National Congress a success!”

UUJ Successful Fresher's Fayre

Fresher's Faryes in Ireland continued on Thursday in the Unievrsity of Ulster Jordanstown Campus.

Ógra had an extremely successul day with just short of 100 on the sign up sheet and over 200 on the 1Million4Disability Petition.

Ógra Jordanstown activist Liam Lappin said,

"Ógra Shinn Féin recieved great attention today from the student body in UUJ. We are glad to see young students taking an interest in our politics and we look forward to building on our already strong Jordanstown Cumann.

He continued,

"We have planned our first meeting for Tuesday 2nd October at 7.30pm and I would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to anyone who maybe interested."

If your interested in joining UUJ Ógra Shinn Féin please contact osfnational_secretary@yahoo.ie

Ógra Fresher's Recruitment Well Underway

Ógra Shinn Féin's recruitment campaign in Ireland's Universities and colleges is now well underway.

Wednesday 26th September saw Ógra in the University of Ulster Coleraine campus for their Fresher's Fayre. Activists used the opportunity to engage with students and contiuned to promote the 1Million4Disability campaign, in which Sinn Féin is playing a leading role.

Ógra activist Fergul Connolly commented,

"Today was a success for us. We used the opportunity to promote Republican politics in the University, and give the students a chance to join and learn more about Ógra Shinn Féin.

He continued,

"We had over 40 signatures on our registration form and almost 200 on the 1Million4Disability petition. We were well recieved by all in attendance and look forward to building in the year ahead,"

TO SIGN 1Million4Disability Petiton Log On to: http://www.1million4disability.eu

Ógra Shinn Féin Drogheda Host Talk on Gender Equality

The importance of gender equality in the Irish Struggle was the theme of discussion on Saturday 22 September in Drogheda County Louth. The talk was delivered by member of the Ard Comhairle and head of the Gender Equality Department, Eibhlinn Glenholmes.

The talk was chaired by Ógra National Organiser Barry McColgan.

And where better to deliver the talk, as Drogheda Ógra Shinn Féin are spearheading the way in terms of gender quality, with 70 % of their activist base being female.

Chairperson of Drogheda Ógra Shinn Féin, Áine Ní Dhúbháin,

“The talk was well attended and Eibhlinn was excellent detailing the need for more women, especially young women to come to the fore and have the confidence to challenge for responsible positions within Ógra and Sinn Féin.”

“She also said that gender equality was simply not an issue for women, but that male activists have a huge role to play to ensure that over 51% of the population are properly represented in the struggle.”

“She also noted the fine contributions of women like Mairead Farrell, and said that young activists should take inspiration from this great republican activist.”

“What is very clear coming from the talk is that everyone has a role to play in ensuring more women come into the struggle, and that we cannot achieve true freedom without the freedom of women. Ni saoirse go saoirse na mban!”

Ógra An Lorgain Launch Disability Rights Campaign

Ógra Shinn Féin in Lurgan launched the 1Million4Disability Campaign locally this week. With petitioning already well on underway in the area, they have organised a stall for this coming Saturday 29th September in the town centre.

The campaign was launched by Ógra activist Cllr. Johnny McGibbon, Banbridge Cllr. Dessie Ward and Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd.

Cllr. McGibbon said,

"This campaign has been gaining support right across the board. A campaign that reaches into all communities and is based on equality, people have been signing in mass.

"In the run up to the 4th October deadline, Ógra will continue to mobilise throughout the country to maximise the numbers on the petition,

"I would like to urge the public to make an effort to sign the petition when they come across our stalls, or alternatively sign online."

Put your name against Disability Discrimination at:

http://www.1million4disability.eu

Soldiers of Destiny March North!

Gerry Junior

Finally a real alternative! The one you’ve been waiting for.

Supports the occupation of Iraq, shrugs at Ireland’s neutrality, gives Shell whatever they want, ploughs through any old thing ‘like the Hill of Tara’ and are led by Mr Brown Envelopes.

Yes you’ve guessed, ‘Soldiers of the Legions of the Rear Guard!’

Up the Republic!

I think not with this bunch of pin stripe ‘Soldiers of Destiny.’

So by this stage you should all be aware that the ‘republican (small r) party’ Fianna Fáil are heading north.

No they’re not finally moving Bertie to the North Pole, the really really really republican party that is free sta…… I mean fianna fail have decided after 70 odd years to come to the occupied part of Ireland that they had long forgot about.

But hey, better late than never, now they can introduce all they’re traits to the North. Be prepared for cute whoreism and brown envelopes in abundance.

And the Ógra Free Staters are to recruit in the northern colleges; with there pin stripe suits, comb overs and ‘Pimp my Party’ posters they should do well.

Don’t hold your breath for northern representation, all Ireland presidential elections or the such that would be too republican. Much better to put republican party on your posters – because that’s what it’s really about.

Bertie ‘brown envelopes’ Ahern lead you, Soldiers of the Legions of the Rear Guard!

Suicide Prevention Short Film

As part of their ongoing campaign on suicide prevention, Ógra Shinn Féin has produced a short film on the major issue which is the biggest killer of our young people in Ireland.

Speaking on the short film, Ógra National Organiser Barry McColgan said,

“Suicide has reached national emergency levels in Ireland, especially amongst the youth, and young males in particular.”

“The short film is intended to raise awareness around the national tragedy of suicide, and to encourage everyone to play their part in order to prevent further people taking their own life.”

“On the issue of suicide prevention, Ógra Shinn Féin have to date held public talks, leafleted extensively, met with government ministers, held vigils, organised ASSIST workshops and now this is a further extension of the campaign to raise its profile and encourage others to get active in Suicide Prevention.”

Leanann an scéal go Fóill

le Peadar de Bluit

Ba ionsaí, dúnmharú Rosemary Nelson, ionsaí ar bhuncearta daonna, comhionannas agus coir. Chuir sé isteach go tromchúiseach ar a gclann gan dabht ar bith. Ina theannta sin áfach chuir sé isteach ar an bpobal áitiúl, ar an gcomhphobal Poblachtánach / Náisiúnach / Caitliceach sna Sé contae, agus lucht na cearta daonna mórthimpeall na cruinne araon. Lena chois sin áfach chuir an tragóid uafásach seo isteach go mór ar muintir Bóthar Garvaghy. Thaispeáin sé don bpobal sin cé chomh oscailte is a bhí said ó ionsaithe cosúil le seo, agus ar barr an méid seo ar fad bhain sé uatha ceann dá cosainteoirí ba láidre is ba dhíongbháite. Inniu níos mó ná ocht mbliain níos déanaí tá ceisteanna thar a bheith tábhachtach fós gan freagra i dtaobh dunmharú an bean seo.

Ón noiméad a phléasc an buma faoi carr Rosemary Nelson tá ceisteanna á rothlú timpeall nach bhfuil freagra faighte orthu fós. Tá roinnt des na ceisteanna is dáirire bunaithe timpeall ról an RUC agus aon inchur nó eolas a bhí acu ar an bplean máthair triúr a mharú. Foilsíodh go soiléir sna laethanta agus seachtain díreach i ndiadh dúnmharú tragóideach an bean seo go raibh láthaireacht slándála an throm mórthimpeall tigh Nelson sna seachtain roimh an buma. Chuir sé seo le ciall i measc mórán daoine go raibh eolas éigin ag na fórsaí ‘slándála’ faoin méid a bhí i ndán do Rosemary. Faraor áfach más rud é go raibh puinn eolais acu níor tháinig sé chun cinn in am agus fágadh clann gan máthair agus bean chéile. Go dtí an lá seo níl an réiteach faighte ag clann Nelson, agus líon suntasach ceisteanna atá fós gan freagra.

An tseachtain seo, tá fear an phobail na bpoilíní, Nuala O’ Loan, in ainm is ráiteas a chur amach i dtaobh cás Rosemary Nelson. Ceaptar go mbeidh an easpa fiosrúcháin ós na poilíní ar chás Rosemary chun cinn ar an dtuairisc. Tá líomhaintí ag rothlú le blianta anois nár deineadh fiosrúcháin cruinn ar bhagairtí ar shaol Rosemary. Cuirtear an milleáin don easpa fiosrúcháin seo ar idirbheartaíocht idir na péas agus na paramíleataigh dílse. Táthar ag súil go bhfreagrófar roinnt des na ceisteanna seo i ráiteas O’ Loan. Faoi láthair tá an cás seo ag dul ar aghaidh le níos mó ná ocht mbliain agus an clann fós ag fuireach ar go leor freagraí go bhfuil ceart acu orthu.

Tá sé éilithe again i Sinn Féin ó thus an fiosrúcháin seo go mbeidh cruinneas iomlán i dtaobh ról na péas agus na comhlachtaí móra slándála i dúnmharú Rosemary Nelson. Má táimid riamh chun muinín a bheith againn as na bpéas ó thuaidh caithfear a admháil cén gnó a bhí ar siúl acu i rith an coimhlint sa Tuaisceart, agus críoch a cur leis an gcuid seo de stair na hÉireann. Ní féidir aon moill a chur ar phróiséis na bhfírinne a thuilleadh tá sé in am dúinn bogadh ar aghaidh, ach tá dúnadh ar an gcás seo agus cásanna cosúil leis de dhíth céaduair.

Belfast Demands Rights For Those With Disabilities

Republicans in Belfast held a stall today in Belfast City Centre, as part of the European 1Million4Disability Campaign. Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún and party spokesperson on disability Michelle O’Neill MLA, along with Belfast City Councillors, members of Ógra Shinn Féin and party activists took to the City Centre to demand rights for people with disabilities.

Liam Lappin spokesperson for Ógra Shinn Féin was in attendance,

“The response today has been great. Being an issue which reaches in to all communities and walks of life, we as young republicans must strive towards ending all forms of discrimination. This is a huge issue in Ireland and I hope over the next week people will have their say and sign the petition.”

Speaking on the Sinn Féin website Bairbre de Brún MEP said,

“The 1Million4Disability Campaign was launched in January by the European Disability Forum. The campaign is about getting the EU to introduce effective legislation to combat all forms of discrimination and guarantee full inclusion of the more than 50 million people in the EU who live with disabilities.

"The campaign objective is to collect 1 million signatures to present to the European Commission and President of the European Parliament on October 4th. However, the deadline is approaching and Ireland is short of its quota by 4,000 signatures.

"Sinn Féin have agreed with the campaign that we would support it by organising a country wide signature collection drive.

"This campaign is very important for Ireland. On a daily basis across Ireland people living with disabilities live with inequality and face unacceptable barriers. This is a simple and practical way that everyone can play a role in ensuring the rights of people with disabilities are protected and promoted."

Before 4th October:

Please sign the petition at: www.1million4disability.eu

'Irish Republican Youth in Struggle' Film online

Following a huge demand for the first Ógra Shinn Féin film ‘Irish Republican Youth in Struggle’ with over 1000 DVD’s sold throughout Ireland, they have now released the film online at: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7043494147650447240

The quality of the online edition is lesser than the official copy, so if anyone would like the official ‘Irish Republican Youth in Struggle’ it is available to buy priced £5 or 8Euro. Send payment + £2.50 (postal and packaging), name and address to: Ógra Shinn Féin Merchandise 4 - 5 James Street Omagh County Tyrone Ireland. For more information contact osfnational@yahoo.ie

Speaking on the film, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan said,

“The film traces Irish Republican Youth from the formation of Na Fianna in 1909 until the modern day activism of Ógra. It traces the role youth played through significant dates and events in Irish history, it also notes some of the campaigns that Ógra have been involved in from their formation in 1997.”

“I would encourage everyone to view the film. It is not intended to give a definitive history of Republican Youth, but only a brief overview of their role in struggle throughout the last century, and it is hoped it will bring greater interest to the struggle to as many people as possible.”

Ógra Shinn Féin Road Safety Protest, Wicklow

Yesterday morning, Monday 17 September in Druid’s Glen, Co. Wicklow a group of Sinn Féin and Ógra activists held a Vigil outside the annual Fianna Fáil ‘think-in’. The activists were protesting around the delay in funding for a stretch of the N11 between Rathnew and Arklow.

Assembled from early in the day the activists watched as a torrent of Fianna Fáil elected reps and senior politicos sped into the ‘think-in’ - all of whom showcased the evident wealth of Fianna Fáil through their pricey saloons. The principal quarry of the day however was Fianna Fáil leader, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who arrived shortly before noon.

Having agreed to come out and meet the assembled crowd, the Taoiseach eventually shirked the invite sending in his stead, local TD, Joe Behan. Behan was presented with a letter addressed to an Taoiseach, calling on him to intervene around the continued delays in upgrading the stretch of the N11 road between Rathnew and the Arklow.

Speaking at the Vigil local Sinn Féin councilor, John Brady said,

“We have already had three deaths this year alone. It has been described by the Road Safety Authority as one of the most dangerous sections of roadway in the country. We are being told that the finance for the project has been diverted and that it may not be built for another few years ­ possibly 2010 and beyond. This is unacceptable and I have no doubt will lead to more deaths on this particular stretch of road.”

“We are appealing to the Taoiseach today ­ as Fianna Fáil gathers here in County Wicklow ­ to do what is right and ensure that the funds needed are released so that upgrade work can begin immediately.”

Local Ógra organiser Jason Doyle said,

“This is an extremely important issue for us here in Wicklow, however it also resonates of the situation that many are experiencing right across the country. In the context of Ógra’s national campaign this is especially poignant. Road casualties and fatalities cannot be avoided by any level of careful and responsible driving if the relevant roads are not up to scratch. While our message in this campaign remains the same, Moilligh Síos! Our message to an Taoiseach today is quite the opposite, Brostaigh Ort! (hurry up)

Ógra Shinn Féin mobilise for Disability Rights

Saturday last Ógra activists took to the streets of Dublin collecting signatures for the campaign for disability rights in the EU. The Ógra activists set up a stall outside the GPO on O’Connell street asking members of the public to sign the petition calling on the EU to enact comprehensive non-discrimination legislation to protect people with disabilities.

The objective of the campaign, begun in January by the European Disability Forum, is to collect 1 million signatures in order to put pressure on the European Commission and individual states to deliver disability rights in all aspects of life. Ógra Shinn Féin played its own small part in this endeavour on Saturday afternoon, collecting in excess of 300 signatures from shoppers and passers-by.

Speaking at the stall Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald said, “Beginning in Dublin today Sinn Féin members in every county in Ireland will be asking people to sign the petition. We are hoping that Ireland can far exceed its quota and help reach the 1 million signatures needed.”

“This campaign is very important for Ireland . Since the introduction of the Disability Act 2005 discrimination against people with disabilities in terms of access to services has actually increased by 16%.”

Ógra Átha Cliath organiser Oisín Ó Dubhláin said afterwards that he was delighted with the reception the activists received in the city.

“The willingness of so many people here today to support this campaign is very encouraging. Ógra are very happy to be to the forefront of this campaign in the coming weeks Ógra cumainn the length and breadth of Ireland will be taking to the streets, petitioning people for their support on this worthwhile and extremely important campaign.”

“We are calling on people in communities across the country if they see Ógra or Sinn Féin activists collecting signatures to take a moment and sign the petition. Alternatively they can log on to http://www.1million4disability.eu and sign for disability rights.”

Ógra Shinn Féin Launch New Recruitment Poster

Ógra Shinn Féin are undertaking a major recruitment drive for the months of September and October with the launch of new recruitment material. As well as producing thousands of A2 posters, they have also produced a new leaflet and a new edition of the Revolutionary Handbook.


The material will be distributed throughout universities and communities in the following months.

Speaking on the recruitment drive, Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser Barry McColgan said,

“We have produced the new recruitment material primarily for Fresher’s Fayres happening in university campus across Ireland, but unlike other years we will also be extending recruitment to outside of the Colleges.”

“The new design captures what it is to be a young Republican, with an image of Republican Socialist James Connolly, an image of campaigning at an Ógra Demilitarisation Rally and it also states very clearly the different strands of revolutionary thought in Irish Republicanism.”

“We are confident that through the months of September and October, Ógra cumann will recruit hundreds of new activists into the republican struggle, ensuring that a new generation of young republicans are playing their part in achieving the vision outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.”

Save 16 Moore Street!

While Ógra would never dream of violating Dublin City Councils rules on postering and such, or the inalienable right to private property, the cornerstone of this glorious state, we really must commend the young republicans who in support of our movement have attempted to remind the people of Dublin of the revolutionary history of their city.

16 Moore St. the final HQ of the Provisional Government of The Irish Republic in Easter week 1916 now represents the minority of the Parnell Street area which has not been revitalised by the "new" Irish. It lies in disrepair, shut up and until recently anonymous to the thousands who pass it everyday.

Since named as a protected structure by DCC in 2005 which halted an attempt by its owner to demolish it, 16 Moore St. has remained untouch and unopen. This is a great shame as it holds the potential for a focal point in what is now a very vibrant part of the city.

Ógra Átha Cliath Organiser Oisín Ó Dubhláin had this to say:

"16 Moore St is the property of the Irish people and should be developed with its historic past in mind to the benefit of its people. Over the coming months and years we must fight to ensure that the revolutionary history of Dublin is not forgotten and is at the heart of the development of places like 16 Moore St and the GPO which if we are not careful could soon be turned into luxury apartments for the descendents of those who called for the execution of Clarke, Connolly, Pearse, MacDermott, MacDonagh, Ceannt and Plunkett."

Don't stand by and allow this piece of our history to fall into further disrepair.

SAVE 16 MOORE ST!

Disability Rights - final push to reach the million mark

A campaign to secure one million signatures on a European wide petition for disability rights is in its final couple of weeks. The European Disability Forum had set themselves the ambitious target at the start of the year with the aim of presenting the one million names to the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament in Brussels on 4 October. The 1 Million 4 Disability campaign is about getting the EU to introduce effective legislation to combat all forms of discrimination and guarantee the full inclusion of the more than 50 million EU citizens that live with disabilities in the Union. As the deadline approaches the pressure is on to get the final numbers needed to make the initiative a success.

Supporting the campaign is Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald who has called on Sinn Féin activists the length and breath of the country to come out in the coming weeks to secure the final few thousand signatures needed from Ireland.

“This is a great campaign by the European Disability Forum”, she said.

“The target of one million signatures they set, while ambitious is I believe very achievable. In Ireland we need about another 8000 names before the end of September. I am calling on Sinn Féin activists and supporters to lend their support to this very worthwhile campaign – to give a day and go out and collect as many signatures as possible. Last Saturday launched a leaflet and poster to coincide with the campaign. We are looking for our people to set up stalls outside shopping centres, churches, education centres etc – to go door to door – to effectively do whatever it takes to get these names. And I would appeal to the public to respond positively.”

While Sinn Féin members will be collecting signatures at locations around the country during the coming weeks members of the public still have time to sign the online petition, which can be found at the European Disability:

http://www.edf-feph.org

Bua don Gaeilge

Fáiltíonn Ógra Shinn Féin deireadh le cás cúirte Máire Nic an Bháird a tháinig inné i mBéal Feirste. Caitheadh an cás amach as an gcúirt tar éis triail seafóideach a mhair le míonna fada anuas.

Ag labhairt ar chás Máire Nic an Bháird, dúirt Oifigeach Cultúrtha agus Gaeilge de chuid Ógra Shinn Féin, Senan Mac Aoidh,

“Taimid thar a bheith sásta go bhfuil deireadh tagtha leis an iarracht amaideach seo cos ar bholg a cur ar ceart muintir na Sé Contae a dteanga dúchais a labhairt.”

Dúirt Mac Aoidh nach raibh a leithéad de thrialach sasúil sa lá atá inniu ann.

“Bhíomar cinnte ó thus na trialach seo nach raibh an cás ceart ná coir ar chor ar bith. Bhí SPTÉ (PSNI), ag iarraidh an sean chleachtais de cearta Poblachtánaigh agus Náisiúnaithe a ídiú a choinneál, ach theip glan orthu. Bheimís ag súil tar éis deireadh na trialach seo nach feicimd a leithéad arís, agus go féidir linn anois leanúint ar aghaidh le gnó mór cearta labhartha lucht na Gaeilge a chur i gcrích sa stáitín ó thuaidh.

Ógra Shinn Féin welcome the end of the court case of Máire Nic an Bháird in Belfast yesterday. The case has now been thrown out after a lengthy spell in court that has lasted for too many long months.

Speaking on the case of Máire Nic an Bháird, Irish and Cultural officer for Ógra Shinn Féin, Senan Mac Aoidh said,

“We are very happy that this nonsensical effort to diminish the right of the people in the Six Counties to speak their native language has ended.”

Mac Aoidh said that such a trial was in no way acceptable in today’s society.

“We were certain from the very beginning that there was no foundation or basis to this case whatsoever. The PSNI were trying to continue their old ways of breaking down the rights of Republicans and Nationalists, but they failed miserably. We would hope following the end of this trial that we will not see its likes again, and that we can now continue with the more important business of engraining the rights of Irish speakers in the north.”

Ógra Shinn Féin play active role in Shell to Sea Day of Action

Yesterday, Friday September 14, members of Ógra Shinn Féin joined with Shell to Sea campaigners from all over Ireland. The activists, who came to show solidarity with the local community in Rossport, took part in a sit down protest outside the main gate of the proposed gas refinery in Bellinaboy.

At around 08.30, more than 80 of the assembled group including Ógra activists stormed the building site, after getting over the main gate. Inside the site the protesters were met with heavy handed tactics from both site security staff and Gardaí, who made it clear that the state’s priorities was the welfare of a private company rather than the citizens.

Upon entering the site protesters occupied building machinery, ensuring the stoppage of work on the site. Following that the protesters again engaged in a sit down protest on the site. At this point rank and file Gardaí stepped back in order to allow the public order unit to deal with the situation.

The public order unit used brutal and excessive measures to clear the protesters from the site, acting with almost absolute impunity as they bore no identification details similar to those usually seen on Gardaí. The public order unit employed whatever means necessary in order to clear the protesters from the site, including kicking and punching them. One Ógra member suffered a mild concussion after receiving a kick in the head.

Ógra Shinn Féin spokesperson and co-ordinator,

Áine Ní Dhúbháin said after the protest that she was very happy with the day’s events,

“I am extremely pleased with today’s protest. Ógra Shinn Féin, along with many other groups, came here today not just to protest against the building of this pipeline but also to show our solidarity with the local community in their fight for justice. The situation in Rossport is not now and has never been acceptable. A multi-national corporation is endangering the lives of the local community in Rossport in order to increase their profit margins. If this project is allowed to be completed it will set a dangerous precedent for developments like here and in other countries in the future.”

Speaking on the role of the Gardaí in the day’s events, Ní Dhúbháin said that,

“The Gardaí have today further isolated themselves from the local community, and the country at large. They have proven today that they are no more than professional security guards for Shell. However despite the actions of the Gardaí and on-site security guards, the protesters maintained their discipline and did not re-act to the continuing provocative actions of the Gardaí.”

“Today must act as a rallying call to every right-minded person in this country that Shell, have no right to abuse our communities, and exploit our resources for private gain. This is a message we must send not only to this multi-national company, but also to the pro-business, neo-liberal group who govern this state.”

Derry to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of Che Guevara with weeklong series of events

Derry Sinn Féin Cuban solidarity group will be holding a weeklong series of events in October to mark the 40th Anniversary of the death of Ernesto 'CHE' Guevara, which includes a visit to Derry by Noelle Carrillo the Cuban ambassador to Ireland, lectures, film shows, youth forums, seminars, an information evening and the unveiling of a new mural.

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney said,

'This year is the 40th Anniversary of the death of Ernesto 'CHE' Guevara. Derry Sinn Féin Cuban solidarity group will be holding a weeklong series of events from the 8th -14th October to mark his death.'

'Like Nelson Mandela and Bobby Sands, Che Guevara is an international recognisable revolutionary figure; the week of planned events intend to look beyond the iconic image to find more about Che the man, his politics and his legacy in many parts of the world.'

'It will also look at the shared history of Cuba and Ireland and transition from armed struggle to political struggle. Ireland has long been a beacon for those in the wider world seeking justice and equality and struggling against colonialism and imperialism. We have also learned from other nations who have had to struggle for their freedom. During the 1981 hunger strike Fidel Castro stood up in the United Nations in defence of the men in the H Blocks and the women in Armagh and we must never forget that that.'

Event coordinator Sean McMonagle said,

'Octobers week long series of events will see the unveiling of a new mural, the Cuban Ambassador to Ireland Noelle Carrillo will be quest of honour at a special lecture followed by a social evening .There will also be a weekend of film shows and youth forums, Cuban information day and seminar hosted by the ambassador. The dates and times of venues will be released in the week's ahead."

If anyone is interested in helping out or being part of the week of events can leave their contact details at 02871 377551.

Large Ógra Shinn Féin Mobilisation to the Basque Country

Over 20 delegates from Ógra Shinn Féin cumann across Ireland, will be attending a week long mobilisation to the Basque Country. The main focus of the event is to enhance and develop international relations with the Basque youth movement Segi.

Also in attendance will be Kurdish and Palestinian youth movements.

Ógra Shinn Féin activist, Councillor Johnny McGibbon said,

“We will be primarily travelling to the Basque Country to show support for our Basque youth comrades in Segi who are currently deemed a ‘terrorist’ organisation, and whose former leadership is in jail. We want them to know that their plight is remembered in Ireland and that we will campaign against the constant repression.”

“We believe the international delegation will be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from each other and also as Irish Republicans and Internationalists, to show solidarity and support with the Basque people.”

Cllr McGibbon also said,

“During the delegation we will be attending public meetings, cultural festivals, youth houses and rallies, the whole event will help equip us with knowledge of the phenomenal organisation of the Basque youth and give us an opportunity to learn of the current situation in the Basque Country at first hand.”

Ógra Shinn Féin Hold Road Safety Vigil at GPO, Dublin

Ógra Shinn Féin organised a Road Safety vigil in Dublin at the GPO tonight, Monday 3^rd September. The vigil was held as part of Ógra’s current national campaign Moilligh Síos (Slow Down).

Barry McColgan, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin speaking from the vigil said,

“There was a great response from the public today, over 1000 leaflets where distributed and thousands of drivers and pedestrians passing by witnessed the activists holding placards.”

“It is important that this is a peer based campaign and while holding the vigil tonight we engaged with hundreds of young people.”

“In the months ahead we intend to take this campaign across Ireland, from vigils like this today, leaflet drops, erecting murals and public meetings, we aim to promote the message of Moilligh Síos (Slow Down)."

South Down Ógra Remember Vol. Tom Williams

Several hundred Republicans from across South Down decended on the sea side town of Warrenpoint to commerate the 65th anniversary of the exceution of Vol. Tom Williams.

Among those taking part were repersentatives of the two local Ógra Shinn Féin Cumain in South Down as well as Ógra activists from Newry and South Armagh.

Chairing the proceedings, Cllr. Mick Murphy paid tribute to Vol. Tom Williams and cited that the large attendance partricularly of young people at the event was testimony to the enduring menory of the Volunteer's life.

His sentimoneys were echoced by Michael Grey, Chairman of the Padraig Pearse Ógra Shinn Féin cumann who said that,

''Not only have hundreds come out and remembered Tom, but many here today are in their late teens and early twentys.''

He continued,

''Today is an example of the continued growth of Sinn Féin but more importantly of the growth of Ógra.''

"Not only are we here to remember Tom, but we are also here to open our new three storey offices which will be able to facilate the growing demand by people within the local area.''

Agallamh : Niall Ó Donnghaile, urlabhraí Shinn Féin in Oirthear Bhéal Feirste

Mol an óige...

Ar mhaith leat cuir síos a dhéanamh ort féin?

Is mise Niall Ó Donnghaile, is urlabharaí Shinn Féin in Oirthear Bhéal Feirste mé, tá mé 22 bliain d’aois. Is ón Trá Ghearr ó dhúchais mé agus tá mé i mo chónaí ann go fóill. Tá mé fostaithe mar cúntóir ranga i nGaelscoil in Iarthar Bhéal Feirste.

An mbíonn gnáthlá agat a Niall?

Cad é an rud é gnáthlá? I ndáiríre, bíonn cinnte, is ceantar beag an Trá Ghearr í agus nuair a bhíonn daoine ag iarraidh rud ar bith déanta nó rud ar bith is féidir linne i Shinn Féin cuidiú leis bíonn siad i dteagmháil agus tá mise breá sásta cuidiú le dhuine ar bith.

Cé chomh fada an bhfuil tú i Sinn Féin agus cad é mar atá cursaí i dTrá Ghearr anois?

Chuaigh mise isteach i Ógra Shinn Féin nuair a bhí mé 16, cé gur phoblachtach mo shaol ar fad mé, le linn léigear na Trá Ghearr i 2001/2002.

Faoi láthair sa Trá Ghearr, mar a gcéanna le achan áit tá muid ag iarraidh an pháirtí a thogáil, tá muid ag iarraidh lámh cairdeas a chuir amach don phobail aontachtach agus dílseach, cuimhnigh gurbh é an toghcheantair is aontachtach sna Sé Chontae é Oirthear Bhéal Feirste agus níos tábhachtaí arís tá muid ag iarraidh an suíocháin a bhí ag Joe O Donnell a fháil ar ais agus an phobail náisiúnach, poblachtánach a shamhlú i Halla na gCathrach.

Cad é faoi Sinn Féin agus na hóige?

Bhuel is duine óg mé fhéin agus chuir Shinn Féin anseo chun tosaigh sa toghcháin deireanach mé mar sin de sílim go léiríonn sin go bhfuil an pháirtí dáiríre faoin t-aois óg a cuir chun tosaigh sa pháirtí. Sílm go bhfuil áit ag daoine óga taobh istigh dár streachailt inniu mar a bhí acu i gcónaí, níl agat ach amharc ar na fir agus mná óga a chuaigh amach le troid ar son saoirse agus sóisialachas na hÉireann agus a fuair bás, is inspioráid domhsa daoine cosúil le Joey Fitzsimmons ó cheantar s’agam fhéin a fuair bás agus é 17 bliain d’aois ach cheánna féin Óglach oilte é a chaith am i bpríosún agus a scaoileadh le linn cath le Arm na Breataine é. Sílim go bhfuil dualgais ar an pháirtí meoin agus spiorad an t-aois óg sa streachailt a chothú-cuid den am tá siad i bhfad níos polaitiúla na mar a shíleann chomrádaithe níos sinne agus is féidir leo, tríd Ógra na tríd an pháirtí é sin, cuid mhór a thabhairt don streachailt agus an gluaiseachta a thabhairt ar aghaidh agus ar aghaidh.

Tá spéis agat inár dteanga náisiúnta, nach bhfuil?

Is cinnte go bhfuil, tá an Ghaeilge mar cuid lárnach de mo shaol óna thosaigh mé ar Naíscoil Mhic Airt i 1987 agus ansin ar aghaidh liom go Bunscoil Phobail Feirste ar Bhothair Seoighe agus Meanscoil feirste ar Bóthar na bhFál i ndiaidh. Anois ar ndóigh tá mé ag obair sa chorás Ghaelscolaíochta agus ag obair taobh istigh den pháirtí lenár dteanga náisiúnta a chur chun cinn.

Ar bhain tú taitneamh as Meanscoil Feirste?

Cinnte, thosaigh mé Meanscoil Feirste i 1996 nuair a bhí muid go fóill lonnaithe sa Chultúrlann agus ní raibh áit ar bith cosúil leis. Bhí muid ar scoil ach thíos staighre bhí caife gníomhach agus siopa leabhair ann, thuas staighre bhí oifigí Lá, bhí TACA ann, bhí Ráidió Fáilte ag craoladh go neamhdhleathach ón suíomh sna laethanta sin agus bhí aisteoirí ag cleachtadh san amharclann thuas staighre fosta; ait ar leith a bhí ann agus is cinnte go raibh an meascán d’oideachas, cultúir agus phobail mar tionchar mhór orainne na daltaí agus deirfinn gurbh é sin an fáth a bhfuil mhór acu anois ag obair i gcuid mhóir gnéithe éagsúla den tsaol sa chathair. Am iontach spéisialta a bhí ann sa mheánscoil.

Anois, ba mhaith liom caint leat maidir le ábhar Acht na Gaeilge. Cad é an cineál Acht atá de dhíth ar phobal na Gaeilge chun ceartaí s’acu a chinntiú agus cá mhéad ullmhúcháin atá déanta cheanna féin?

Níl de dhith orainn ach Acht atá bunaithe ar cearta dhaonna, tá an phobail ghaelach ag fás i gcónaí fud fad na tíre ní amháin sna 6 chontae. Ach is cinnte go bhfuil dualgais ar Rialtais na Breataine na gealltanais a thug siad i Chomhaontú gCill Rímhín a chuir i bhfeidhm gan mhoill. Níl an teanga galánta seo mar bagairt do dhuine ar bith agus caithfidh mé a bheith ionraic, cuireann sé isteach orm cuid mhaith nuair a deireann polaiteoirí aontachtacha go bhfuil muidinne i Shinn Féin ag úsáid mar ‘liathróid polaitiúla’ é an teanga; níl muidinne ach ag iarraidh ceartaí a neartú agus a chinntiú, an rud a dhéanann muid le achan duine. Níl mise ag iarraidh cearta s’agam mar ghaelgóir cinntithe tríd reachtaíocht le cuir isteach ar dhuine ar bith, is dearcadh chomh sotalach e sin, tá mise ag iarraidh cearta s’agam cinntithe mar is gaelgóir i chónaí in Éireann mé!

Cad é an fís atá agat a Niall do thodchaí na teanga?

Go mbeidh an seal ag achan duine an teanga a bhaint amach agus a fhoghlaim más mian leo, ach níos tábhachtaí arís, go mbeidh tábhacht agus stair an teanga foghlamtha againn, sílim go bhfuil sé tábhachtach meas a bheith agat ar saibhreas ar dteanga náisiúnta. Ar ndóigh ba chóir go raibh cearta s’againn neartaithe tríd reachtaíocht fiúntach a chinntíonn go bhfuil cothrom na féinne ag cainteoirí.

An bhfuil pleananna agat féin?

Leis an ghaeilge a cuir chun cinn? Lean ar aghaidh ag déanamh an méid agus is féidir, mar shampla anseo sa Trá Ghearr tá breis agus 90% de na sráidainmneacha dhátheangach, bhí orainn comharthaí sráide ag impí ar dhaoine moilligh síos a chuir in airde ar sráid sa cheantar agus tá siad i nGaeilge. Tá muid ag cuir tús le grúpa Ghaelach a chuir ar bun sa cheantar a bheas mar aidhm aige an teanga a chuir chun cinn agus áis sóisialta thabhairt do na neart gaelgóirí atá lonnaithe sa cheantair.

Go raibh maith agat a chara agus mar chríoch, dá mbeadh saoirse na hÉireann againn cad é a dhéánfá?

Ceiliúradh ar dtús ar ndóigh, ach mar is cóir, oibriú ar son prionsabal forógra 1916 a chuir i bhfeidhm, rud a chinntíonn cearta na dhaoine ar fad sa tíre. Sin atá mar aidhm agam mar urlabharaí Shinn Féin agus mar Phoblachtach.

'To be a student and not a revolutionary is a contradiction!'

Oisin Dolan
College Co-ordinator
Ógra Shinn Féin

To succeed in our goals and achieve the Republic we must build a mass movement and a party of thousands of young, dedicated, educated and radical activists who campaign for social and economic justice, and Irish unity on a daily basis. The need to build the party in membership and structure is one that is constant and undeniable.

'To be a student and not a revolutionary is a contradiction.' -- Salvador Allende

With this in mind Ógra Shinn Féin will be setting up cumainn in more colleges this Autumn than ever before. This year we aim to have a republican presence in over 30 colleges and IT's across the country but in the years to come it will be possible to have a presence at every higher learning institute of note. This is our goal and we are strongly focused on achieving it.

Ógra will be campaigning throughout the year on issues which are relevant to young people and students including road safety, housing, educational resources, campus censorship and college fees. We seek to create a real political alternative to the snobbery and negativity of youth politics and stand as a strong voice for irish youth.

This is a massive task and Ógra will need your help make our plans a success and organise for freshers events. Ógra calls on all local party structures to aid them in the development of Sinn Féin and the republican ethos in colleges across Ireland, we also ask high profile members of the the party to lend their support to our efforts.

If you are interested in helping Ógra organise for college freshers starting next week, or would be interested in joining a College cumann please contact us at oisindolan@gmail.com or 00353879153106.

Extended and Final Deadline for National Congress

A chara,

The majority of delegates and motions have now been submitted for the upcoming Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress, however in order to facilitate college and new cumann, we are extending the deadline to Friday 5th October. Send all registration forms to osfnational_secretary@yahoo.ie.

In order to ensure adequate accommodation, we would also ask all who are attending, both delegates and visitors to send in their name and £30/40Euro to 4 – 5 James Street, Omagh, County Tyrone by Friday 5th October at the latest.

Is mise le meas,

Barry McColgan
National Organiser
Ógra Shinn Féin