Ógra mobilise in west Tyrone for Prisoners month

Saturday 22nd December seen the annual day of action for republican prisoners take place in west Tyrone. In Omagh and neighbouring Strabane Ógra Shin Féin held vigils in order to raise awareness of the men’s plight and in an act of solidarity with our imprisoned comrades.

In Omagh Ógra activists took to the streets with banners posters and leaflets. Thousands of leaflets were distributed in the town of Omagh, bustling with Christmas shoppers. Meanwhile in Strabane Ógra activists held banners and posters at Melmount Road / Bridge Street junction. Hundreds of cars were leafleted and many more drivers showed their support by sounding their horns.

Speaking following the day of action Barry McColgan, national organiser of Ógra commended all those involved variously throughout Ireland on the day of action

“The events in west Tyrone were two of a number of events held throughout Ireland in solidarity with our prisoners this year. In the New Year I would urge the two governments to show maturity and leadership and release the POWs, a number of whom face long years behind bars.

The two governments must fulfil their commitments regarding republican prisoners. Republicans have shown leadership and commitment to the peace process throughout the last decade, something that is lacking form both the Dublin and London governments.

We will continue to remember and campaign for the release of our imprisoned comrades until the day our prisoner’s are home for good. The decision to hold these men despite an end being called to the armed campaign by the leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann is totally unacceptable and immature.