Newcastle Republican Youth Weekend Success!

This past weekend Ógra Shinn Féin held the Newcastle Republican Youth weekend, in Newcastle, Co. Down.

The weekend began on Friday 9th January, with a public talk in The Belfry, in Newcastle hosting Sinn Féin MLAs Caitríona Ruane and Barry McElduff of West Tyrone, as well as other leading republicans in the South Down area.

Inline with the weekend’s theme of “From Prisons to Politics”, the meeting covered various topics and issues, in the context of prison. This ranged from Education, to Cultural and Irish Language isuues, as well as discussing the development of Republican strategy into electoral politics.

Ógra Shinn Féin then held a successful candle-lit vigil to highlight the ongoing plight of the people of Palestine. With many passers by showing their support and some joining in the vigil.

Saturday 10th saw Ógra activists gather at Ballykinler British Army base for a successful demilitarization protest. Ógra activists blocked the main road into the base for an hour on Saturday morning.


The afternoon proceeded with historical tour of South Down, including stopping at the site of the Narrow Water ambush in 1979; despite violent protests by some reactionary unionists.


The afternoon’s events then concluded with another event in the Belfry entitled “Lessons from the Cells”. Local Sinn Féin Councillor Eamonn McConvey and Lurgan Republican Brendan Curran, discussed their various experiences in Long Kesh and there was a healthy participation amongst the 50 or so in attendance.

Speaking on the weekend Newcastle Ógra Shinn Féin chairperson Fra Cochrane said,

"This weekend has proved to be a great success with over 30 young people from throughout the whole of Ireland in attendance. "

"It was a successful weekend despite a bomb hoaxe, and a despicable protest by some reactionary unionists, in which they engaged in physical assault on people as they walked by.”

He continued,

“The talks involved were all extremely valuable and gave a unique insight into the life of a political prisoner. We also took the opportunity to once again raise the issue of demilitarisation, and this was heard loud and clear at Ballykinler British Army camp, when Ógra Shinn Féín held a peaceful protest, blocking the entrance to the camp”

Mr Cochrane concluded,

"Newcastle Ógra Shinn Féin is growing rapidly, and we will continue to make our presence known in the area. We will continue to promote Republican politics amongst young people and continue to play our role in the struggle for Irish Freedom.”