Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin organise successful vigil in support of IRA POWs

As part of Ógra Shinn Féin’s annual December weekend of action for political prisoners, the youth movement held a successful candlelit vigil on Lifford bridge on Friday evening (12th December). The vigil was also attended by Strabane District Council Chairperson, Jarlath McNulty.



It is Ógra Shinn Féin’s firm belief that all excuses have been removed, which prevents the release of IRA prisoners. It is totally unacceptable that three years on from the IRA’s declaration of an end to the armed campaign we still have men in prison for their role in that political conflict.

Commenting on Friday’s vigil, spokesperson for the Tobias Molloy Cumann Ógra Shinn Féin Neno McFarland had this to say;

“We held a successful vigil on Lifford bridge this evening reiterating our call for the release of all IRA prisoners, and highlighting the hypocrisy of both the British and Irish governments on this issue. Hundreds of information leaflets were handed out to passing motorists with many sounding their horns in support.”

“While we remember our political prisoners this Christmas, we also reaffirm our solidarity with people all over the world who are incarcerated for their political beliefs, such as Leonard Peltier, the Miami Five, and over 700 Basque POWs held by the Spanish and French governments.”

“At Friday’s vigil there was also deep rooted anger at the continued incarceration of Kevin Walsh and local man Pearse McCauley by the Dublin government. These men qualify for release under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement which saw the release of hundreds of political prisoners here.”

“It is unacceptable ten years on from the signing of this international agreement that these men are still in jail. We in Ógra Shinn Féin call for their immediate release and will continue to campaign until all IRA prisoners are free!”