Kilkenny '08 - 'Phenomenal Success'

The third annual Republican Youth Weekend in Kilkenny City has been hailed as a 'phenomenal success' by the weekend's organisers. Young Republicans came from right across the country to partake in the weekend organised by ÓSF Proinsias Ó Riain. The theme of this year's weekend was Internationalism and Socialism in the 21st century. Despite this however, the weekend began with a decidedly Irish theme - a talk around the heritage of the pike men of 1798. Wexford man Bill Murray joined the young activists to explain the profound effect the actions of the pike men had during their own time and, in more recent times with the foundation of pike groups in Wexford and across the country. Following Bill's introduction a lively and informative discussion ensued which was a clear sign that the pike men's legacy is still a central part of Irish Republicanism.



The theme of the weekend was clear to be seen during the sessions on Saturday which began with a discussion on Imperialism and Globalisation. Local Sinn Féin member Burlano Mawumbi, spoke to the group detailing how exactly his home country of the Congo had been ravaged by the scourges of Imperialism and Globalisation; the continuing external interference in the running of the Congo, the abuse and foreign exploitation of natural resources for external gain, and the enduring war and suffering of his people. The facts and experiences Burlano shared with the group clearly had a profound affect on the group, and led to a broad discussion around the current state of African politics, and the future for the continent. Following this discussion the group began two workshops dealing with how Ógra Shinn Féin can help the development of the Basque struggle; and how Ógra can, internally and externally further the use of an gaeilge among young people. These two workshops were facilitated by Ógra International officer, Orlagh McCauley, and Oifigeach Cultúrtha, Senan MacAoidh. In all the workshops lasted almost two hours and produced some concrete ideas relating to both topics.



Following a quick lunch an Ógra organised march took place through Kilkenny City, supported by Ed O'Brien RFB and Carrick-on-Suir RFB. Outside Kilkenny Castle Ógra member Ryan Fulton read na Fianna Éireann Roll of Honour, and afterwards speaking entirely in Irish local Ógra organiser, Peadar de Bluit, spoke to the crowd encouraging Republicans to continue onwards and achieve the goal of a democratic Socialist republic, emphasising the need to promote the participation of young people as Republicans aim to achieve that goal, and the need to further promote and speak the Irish language. Afterwards Séamie Davitt of the Ed O'Brien RFB played the last post in honour of na Fianna, followed by Amhrán na bhFiann before marching back to the train station.

After the march the group returned to Andrew Ryan's, where the weekend's discussions were taking place, before the start of the youth debate between; Ógra Shinn Féin, Labour Youth, and the Connolly Youth Movement. Speaking first on behalf of the CYM Gareth Murphy expounding the need to unite working people and engage in a class struggle against capitalism in order to bring about a Socialist state. Patrick Nulty speaking for LY spoke in favour of further co-operation between parties on the left in order to dismantle the strangle-hold conservatives have on Irish politics, and speaking for Ógra Shinn Féin, Senan Mac Aoidh, pressed the need to engage in community politics and bring about real social, political, and economic change from the bottom up. The debate was stimulating and at times heated but by the end all present was agreed on one point: that the status quo was unacceptable and unsustainable and all on the left should work together in the future to dismantle it.



Immediately after the debate Republican activist Dan Connolly, facilitated a discussion around the Vietnam War. Three speakers; Prof. Scott Kauffman, visiting professor of American History in UCD, Sean Edwards and Eddie Glacken, both of whom are members of the Communist Party of Ireland and who were members or the Irish Voice for Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Between the three speakers they gave a very thorough and insightful analysis of the war in both a historical and political context. Having heard the contribution of the speakers, the Ógra members present engaged in a discussion with the speakers with questions ranging from the heritage of the war, the present state of Vietnam, and parallels with the US war in Iraq today. After the discussion the Ógra members attended a Republican function in Kilkenny taking a well earned break after the intensive weekend, before returning home on Sunday afternoon.


Speaking in the aftermath of the weekend local organiser, Peadar de Bluit, expressed his gratitude to all who had attended the event;

"On behalf of ÓSF Proinsias Ó Riain, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those who helped make this 3rd Kilkenny Youth weekend a phenomenal success. Many factors played a part during the weekend, the hard work Ógra invested locally in organising the weekend, all those who accommodated us during the weekend, not to mention Ógra comrades who travelled great distances to be with us. I am very pleased with the quality of discussion and debate during the weekend. One of the ways we said beforehand that we would judge the success of the weekend was on the level of the discussion during the weekend and we were certainly happy with that, our only hope now is that those who were here during the weekend will bring back to their local area the information they garnered here and put it into practical application. We in Kilkkenny thoroughly enjoyed this weekend, and hope that all those who attended the weekend didi also, it was in our view by far the best Republican Youth weekend to date and look forward now to Kikenny '09. Mo bhuíochas le gach aoinne a chabharaigh in aon slí i rith na deireadh seachtaine agus thar ceann ÓSF Proinsias Ó Riain tá súil again sibh a fheiceáil arís."