West Belfast Republican Youth Weekend - Action Packed, Educational and Great Craic!

Roise McGivern
West Belfast
Ógra Shinn Féin

West Belfast Ógra Shinn Féin hosted an action packed weekend of events 19 – 21 September.

The weekend which saw activists travel from across Ireland, was hailed by those in attendance as being very thought provoking and great craic!


The Republican Youth events kicked of on Friday night in McDiarmada’s GAA club on the Falls Road with a ‘Youth in Struggle’ Talk by Republican leader’s Eibhlinn Glenholmes and Bobby Storey.

Both speakers recounted their involvement in the republican struggle, from their earliest youth, and spoke intimately of the many fine comrades they lost along the way, including Bobby Sand’s and Mairead Farrell. They also spoke of the invaluable necessity that an energised youth is to any revolutionary struggle, recounting Na Fianna, the prison struggle, and Ógra today.

Following a very open and robust Q&A, it was very clear how important a role young republican’s have played in Ireland’s liberation struggle, with a lot of our progress being attributed to their determination, selflessness and ingenuity.


Early on Saturday morning, activists had an early start, assembling at 10am at Divis Tower for a political tour of West Belfast.

The tour delivered by Former POW and An Fhirinne spokesperson Robert ‘Dinker’ McClenaghan, traced the beginning of Republicanism in Belfast back to it’s foundation by the United Irishmen at Cavehill in 1791, and brought it up to modern day.

Along the route of the tour, activists had an opportunity to engage with questions on the International wall, the history of the linen mills and associated strikes, cases of collusion and shoot to kill including Sevastopal Street and Pearse Jordan, James Connolly’s time in Belfast, and the republican plot at Milltown.

Following a very interesting and thought provoking tour, and after some lunch, the green post box campaign and all Ireland spirit was kept alive with a number of post boxes changed to their rightful shade of green.

Following a spot of painting that would put ‘An Post’ to shame, activists assembled in Ballymurphy for a march commemorating the 35th Anniversary of Óglach Jim Bryson and Óglach Padraig Mulvenna. The march ended with a passionate oration by Gerry Kelly.

After a very busy day, the weekend culminated at a thronged Whiterock Leisure centre for the launch of the Bryson/Mulvenna 35th Anniversary DVD, which traced the lives and exploits of these two daring and brave son’s of Ireland.

There was many a tear in the hall, as loved ones, family and friend’s spoke personally of the great times they spent with these young men. Of particular poignancy and relevance to the young Ógra activists, was a message from a close comrade who stressed the need for us, the modern day republican youth to continue Jim and Padraig’s fight, ensuring that their ultimate sacrifice was not in vain.

The inspiring DVD, and the stories it told was a fitting end to the weekend, with Sunday being left open for the All Ireland Final.

West Belfast Ógra Shinn Féin where honoured to host our comrades from across Ireland, and engage with local youth, so much so that we are already looking forward to organising for next year.

Beirígí Bua!