A large delegation of Ógra Shinn Féin attended the annual Bodentstown commemoration on Sunday 22nd June. Many of the Ógra activist’s present had attended the National Youth Camp in South Armagh.
The 2008 commemoration was led by a republican colour party responding to commands in Irish. A number of republican flute bands also took part and earlier in the day the South Derry memorial flute band had captured the Fergal Caraher memorial cup in the bands competition.
A number of Ógra banners were on show and provided a very colourful addition to the parade as it took its traditional route from Sallins to the graveside of Wolfe Tone in Bodenstown graveyard.
Ógra fed into the main parade which was several thousand strong.
Main Speaker of Bodentown was Mary Lou McDonald MEP in her address she said
“This time last year who would have predicted the political landscape we find ourselves in today. Both Ian Paisley and Bertie Ahern have gone. The people have rejected the Lisbon Treaty. Our own party has undergone a significant re-organisation and renewal. Republicans are facing forward with confidence.”
“10 days ago almost one million people in this state voted No to the Lisbon Treaty. We have now reached a moment of democratic truth. The actions of the Government on this matter must reflect the clearly expressed will of the people. At present there is a window of opportunity. The Government can either seize or squander that opportunity. The choice is theirs. If the political will exists a better deal can be renegotiated not only for Ireland but also for the peoples of Europe. Earlier this week we submitted a set of clear cut deliverables that could be achieved through renegotiation. We will continue to play a constructive role in the renegotiation process.”
“As we go forward from here today we are under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. But equally let no one be under any illusion about the determination and ability of this generation of republicans to meet those challenges head on and to achieve the re unification of our nation. An Phoblacht Abú, A chairdre, An Phoblacht Abú.”
No comments:
Post a Comment