Armagh host Basque Delegation

Armagh Ógra Shinn Fein played host to the Basque delegation on Thursday as the group visited Armagh jail. On hand were republican ex POWs Sile Darragh and ex hunger striker Mary Doyle. Both women were there to give a very different version of events from that of the NIO employed guide. Both women recounted events in the jail over the years of their imprisonment. Mary served two terms, one as a prisoner with political status and a term as a protesting prisoner, she recounted the difference between both spells she spent in Armagh.

Following a tour of the jail Belfast republican Eibhlin Glenholmes gave a talk on women in struggle and the role of women in the current situation to the international delegation.

A tour of a local community centre and talk on community empowerment and struggle then took place. Paul McCann of the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) project was also on hand to speak about the issue of suicide prevention and the active role Ógra Shinn Fein played in this.

Thursday 8th May also marked the 21st anniversary of the Loughgall ambush. The delegation en route to Lurgan stopped in Loughgall village where they were told of the ambush before holding a minute’s silence.


Councillor Johnny McGibbon then met the group alongside Sinn Fein councillor Dessie ward where they took the delegation on a tour of Craigavon council. Following a short Q & A session with the councillors the delegation made their way to Armagh where they were scheduled to address a public meeting.



After being shown a short DVD of an Ógra Shinn Féin tour of the Basque country last summer the Basques addressed the public meeting.

With the conclusion of the meeting brought other day’s events to a close and the delegation returned to Omagh to unwind from a full day of engagements.