Ógra Shinn Féin Proudly Lead Derry Hungerstrike March

A large Ógra Shinn Féin contingent led the National Hunger Strike March in Derry on Sunday. It was the first time in its 27 year history that it was held outside of Belfast.

Throughout the weekend Ógra activists had been busy making final preparations for the march including making banners and painting murals as well as other features involved with the parade.

Ógra Shinn Féin alongside young relatives of the Hunger Strikers led the march with the Ógra activists flanking pictures of the 12 hunger strikers carried by their family members.


As well as forming up as a contingent in the march and carrying banners, Ógra activists participated in re-enactments of different events stretching the length of the prison protest from 1976 until 1981.

Two Ógra Shinn Féin activists also read aloud the Hunger Strike Roll of Honour at the Rally following the parade, and there was also a large Basque contingent present at the invitation of Ógra, who also took part variously in the Republican youth weekend preceding the march.

National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McColgan said,

“It was a huge honour for Ógra Shinn Féin to proudly lead thousands of Republicans through the streets of Derry in honour of the enormous courage and sacrifice of the Hungerstrikers.”

“The huge turnout at the march, has inspired everyone present, it will no doubt bring many new members, and also encourage activists to go out and increase their activism, ensuring the successful conclusion of our struggle.”

“Young Republicans played a significant role throughout the struggle, and it was fitting that it was this generation of Republican Youth that led the march, demonstrating very clearly that ‘The Struggle Continues!”