Warrenpoint Talk on Republican Youth a Success

Padraig Pearse Ógra Shinn Féin in South Down recently organised a public talk on ‘A Century of Republican Youth in Struggle’ commemorating in particular the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna Éireann.

The talk took place in Warrenpoint Town Hall, and the packed room was addressed by the National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan, and former Na Fianna member and current Ógra activist, Eddie Gallagher.

The talk traced the formation of the first republican youth movement, their role and development, and also looked at the emergence of Ógra Shinn Féin in recent times as the leading republican youth movement.

The talk focussed on the changed realities of struggle and the need for activists to adapt and change in order to progress the struggle, and how Ógra need to be the radical campaigning edge of the party, taking inspiration from Na Fianna, and recruiting a new generation of activists constantly.

Speaking on the talk, Noreen Rodgers, chairperson of Padraig Pearse Ógra Shinn Féin said,

“This is a significant year in the republican youth calendar, marking the 100th anniversary since the formation of Na Fianna Éireann. The talk was organised as part of a number of commemorative events we will be organising throughout the year, and the high level of interest as demonstrated by the numbers present show the constant relevance of republicanism to young people.”

“We will be using the inspiration of Na Fianna to awaken an interest in Irish youth, to campaign on the major issues facing young people today. While times and the realities of struggle change, until we achieve our objectives, republican youth will continue to campaign and agitate on the most important issues facing the communities across Ireland, and continue to challenge the illegal occupation of our country until it is ended.”