Camping, Debating and Educating

The Tí Chulainn Cultural Activity centre, An Mullach Bán, in the picturesque ring of Gullion was the setting for Campa Náisiúnta Óige ‘08. The Centre is the jewel in the crown of South Armagh tourism and offers an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The sloping hills of Slieve Gullion and meandering lakes between counties Armagh and Louth was an ideal setting for the 5th annual 3 day event.

From early Friday morning groups from throughout Ireland began arriving in South Armagh . By early evening a camp site was clearly evident to the rear of the Tí Chulainn centre.


Barry McColgan welcomed delegates from thoughtout Ireland and also a number of international delegates who travelled for the event. Those who had arrived on Friday evening were then given a tour of the Tí Chulainn centre and its striking surroundings.The first formal event then kicked off. Ógra’s Barry McNally chaired a public talk on barriers to young people in society. A young POW Tomas Marron, Senan McAoidh, who is a young Irish speaker and a young woman, Claire O’Hanrahan outlined the prejudice within society due to their positions.

Tomas spoke of the presence of a so called ‘criminal record’ placed barriers in front of him in terms of employment, entry into various countries and he also highlighted the break down of relationships due to long periods of imprisonment.

Claire, in her presentation outlined her opposition to a view that women were second class citizens in many walks of life. She said the Free State constitution of 1937 underlined the view that the women’s place should be at home. She said that republican's should be to the fore in challenging this. She pointed to the 1916 proclamation as the only constitution republican's should recognise. She pointed out that the ‘Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens’.

Last to speak was Senan McAoidh, a young Irish speaker. He spoke at the lack of provision for Irish speakers living outside the gaeltacht areas. He also outlined the difficulties of dealing with statutory bodies through the medium of Irish. Following the conclusion of the presentations by the 3 people a lively question and answer session kicked off.

Quick of the heels of the public discussion was West Belfast Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Harry Connolly. Harry spoke of 'A Century of Republican Youth in Struggle', which following the screening of a DVD on the same issue. Harry highlighted the role of republican youth throughout the struggle for freedom in Ireland from 1909 to the present day. Following the DVD showing and talk the political events concluded for the day.

The entertainment for the evening was provided by Armagh triumvirate Paddywagon.

Saturday morning seen a tour of South Armagh taken by two member of the Republican Movement in South Armagh. Included on the tour were various republican monuments, and spots were Irish Republicans lost their lives in the latest phase of the conflict.

Following the conclusion of the tour there was a public talk on the proclamation of 1916. Various youth groups including Labour Youth, Young Unionists and SDLP Youth participated alongside Ógra Shinn Féin. A very lively debate erupted following the submissions by each speaker.

Next to address the Youth Camp was the keynote speaker Arthur Scargill. Arthur spoke passionately on the issue of ‘reclaiming our economic and political rights’. He also congratulated the 26 County electorate for rejecting the Lisbon treaty, and also spoke about his political life, recounting many personal stories that forever shaped the course of British and world history. He spoke particularly on the part he played in the Coal Miner's strike and on the role that socialists have in creating a better Ireland, and a better world.

Wrapping up political engagements for the youth camp was an international talk from members of the Catalan youth movement JERC and Sinn Féin's youngest MLA Daithi McKay. They spoke of the long standing links between Irish republicans and republicans in the Catalan Countries, and how each nation can continue to inspire each other as we progress to freedom and equality.

Barry McColgan of Ógra than stepped forward to conclude the political aspect of this year’s youth camp and commended all those who attended and paid tribute to the Republican Movement in South Armagh for hosting the event.

Derek Warfield of the Wolfe tones provided that nights entertainment in the nearby Silverbridge resource centre. It was there that Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser presented the representatives from the Catalan independence movement with a token of Ógras gratitude. He presented them with a Hungerstrike bodhran from Castlerea jail.

Speaking following the weekend National organiser of Ógra Barry McColgan said,

"The camp provided an opportunity for young republican's and international delegates to come together, build comradeship and debate many key issues in our struggle. Every activist who attended the camp, have left more informed and more confident in the struggle we wage for national liberation and socialism."

"It was of particular honour for Ógra Shinn Féin to host the legendary socialist and Trade Unionist Arthur Scargill who delivered an absolutely inspiring speech on our role in building an alternative Ireland and an alternative world, his analysis and passion was hugely thought provoking, and provided much debate and reflection."

"The National Youth Camp, has created an annual forum to build comradeship, confidence and debate amongst Irish Republican Youth. We look forward to the year ahead to build and put into action, the debate and education we gained throughout the weekend."