Successful and Thought Provoking Republican Youth Weekend in Waterford

Young Republicans from across Ireland descended on the Deise between the 20 – 22 March as Waterford Ógra Shinn Féin hosted its first youth weekend.

The weekend began on Friday evening with the launch of Eoin O’Broin’s new book, and a discussion on Left Republicanism.

This set the context for the weekend, with a lot of debate focussing on a new left alternative and our economic outlook, with a further discussion the next day led by local Councillor David Cullinane on the economy, following a protest in Red Square calling for job creation at this time of crisis.

An extensive leaflet drop of the town centre was then undertaken with ‘Educate to be Free’ pamphlets.

Also as part of the weekend, the history of Waterford was traced on a walking tour on the Saturday morning, and a talk on the Irish language was facilitated by Peader DeBluit before delegates watched the triumph of Ireland’s Rugby team edge to grand slam victory.



Speaking on behalf of Ógra Shinn Féin Waterford, Seán Ó Briain stated –

"This was our first, but certainly not our last youth weekend to be hosted in the Déise. I would like to personally thank Eoin, Peadar and David for providing us with thought-provoking speeches. All were brilliant in their own right, and it really assisted in adding educational substance to the weekend."

"I would also like to thank all activists who travelled long distances across Ireland from Tyrone to Cork, to make this event and for participating in the weekend's activities and assisting in accommodation. It was great to see huge numbers protesting the streets of Waterford, in solidarity with the many people of Ireland who are losing their jobs at an unfathomable rate. The response from the Waterford public was very positive."