“I think that the number of new recruits we have gained here tonight is a comforting indication that the patriotic flame is still well and truly alive among the youth of this area.”
The evening began with the screening of a DVD produced by Ógra entitled ‘Youth in Struggle’. This proved to be a useful insight into Ógra Shinn Féin for the new members present and also attracted praise from some senior activists, with the chair of Strabane Comhairle Ceantair commenting; “Productions like this are an excellent educational tool for new members of the party, and events such as this should be held on a more regular basis.”
Following the film screening it was over to the panel debate focussing on the role of young people in political struggle. Presentations were made by national organiser of Ógra, Barry McColgan, and Gerry O’Hara from Derry who was instrumental in organising Na Fianna Eireann in the city in the 1970s.
Opening the debate Barry praised the work of Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin saying; “it is important to highlight the sacrifice that young people from this area have made during the armed struggle against british oppression. Naming the local Ógra cumann after a local volunteer of Na Fianna Eireann is an important step in making the youth of today more aware of what the boys and girls of a similar age had to endure not so long ago”.
The main speaker of the evening, Gerry O’Hara began by explaining the circumstances surrounding the death of the young Fian. Gerry also outlined how far we have come since the death of Tobias Molloy and the fact that we now have a political situation that allows us to advance the cause of Irish freedom without resorting to armed actions, which have cost the lives of a large number of our young people. He also stressed the importance of young people taking up leadership roles within the party and to prepare for the future. “The current leadership of the movement have taken us through some of the most difficult phases in the struggle, and have been around for a long time. However they will not be around forever and a young energetic future leadership must be aware of the momentous tasks that lie ahead.”
Following the two presentations we engaged in a very thorough question and answer session, with new members gaining important information on the role Ógra plays within the movement. Closing comments of the evening were made by members of the Molloy family who praised Ógra Shinn Féin for keeping the memory of Tobias alive among the republican youth of Strabane.
1 comment:
Good luck to the cumann.
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