Spirit of Na Fianna burns strong at Campa Náisiúnta Óige ‘09

Knockatallon, County Monaghan, an area of outstanding beauty, with a rich history to match was the setting for the National Youth Camp 2009.

Young people from across Ireland gathered in the republican heartland on Friday 19th June to pitch their tents in anticipation of a weekend of education, debate, craic agus ceol.

The theme of the weekend ‘Republican Youth – A Century in Struggle’ was inspired by the 100th Anniversary of Na Fianna Éireann and the Campa Náisiúnta Óige 2009 wanted to re-capture some of the energy, education and inspiration from the original Fianna camps.

BASE CAMP

After successfully establishing base camp, the young republican activists gathered in Sliabh Beagh Community Hotel to be welcomed by the outgoing Mayor of County Monaghan, Councillor Matt Carthy.

Matt, a previous National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin thanked the young people for traveling long distances, and spoke of the importance of young people meeting up at events to educate and empower themselves, and to take a serious attitude to the weekend ahead, approaching the debates with confidence and of a mindset ‘as if we where in the control of Sinn Féin.’

He spoke of the importance of a constant stream of young people coming through in the struggle, and stresses that only a strong vibrant youth party, with educated, dedicated youth at every level of influence in the party, could we properly engage young people and convince them of our objectives.

100 YEARS OF REPUBLICAN YOUTH

Following the failte by Matt, and a big dinner, delegates and local young people assembled for the first talk of the weekend, ‘Republican Youth – A Century of Youth in Struggle.’

Pádraigín Uí Mhurchadha, a Sinn Féin councillor for 24 years, and sister of one of Ireland’s most famous patriots Fergal O’Hanlon and Barry McColgan, the National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin led the discussion.

Pádraigín spoke of her own experiences as a longstanding republican activist and of the great pride she holds for her brother, she spoke of Fergal’s life, his personal loves, and ambitions, including the burning ambition for his country to be free. She spoke of the regard in which Fergal was held in Monaghan, and following his untimely and tragic death alongside his comrade Sean Sabhat, there was a huge outpouring of grief across Ireland and a galvanizing of support for Irish republicanism, that has endured until today.

Barry touched on the 100th Anniversary of Na Fianna Éireann, and the significant role they played in Ireland’s freedom struggle. He spoke of the sacrifice that many Fian’s paid with their liberty and their lifes, demonstrating the conviction and sincerity of Irish Republican Youth, but also the huge role that Na Fianna played in educating and empowering generations of activists to become the leaders of the future whether in the Republican Movement or their community.

He said that the proud republican youth lineage of Na Fianna Éireann could be found in Ógra Shinn Féin today, who are continuing that invaluable role of recruitment, education and campaigning, and urged young people to look to Na Fianna, their actions and their sacrifice for all the inspiration they need to maximise our efforts to achieve an Irish Republic.

After an engaging and lively discussion which included some former Na Fianna members speaking of their exploits and experiences, a table quiz was held.

Following a table quiz, which shamed some and glorified others, the main entertainment for the night Paddywagon came on stage, playing a mixture of folk, traditional and rebel music until the early hours.

The dancing of the night before didn’t deter or tire the eager campers, who where up early for another day of education and debate.

DON’T EXTRADITE THE BASQUES

The first talk of Saturday morning was with Basque activist Arturo ‘Benat’ Villanueva on the recently launched campaign ‘Don’t Extradite the Basques’.

Benat spoke about the current attempts by the Spanish Government to extradite himself and fellow Basque Inaki de Juana from their new homes in Belfast back to Spain.

The talk had to be conducted via a video conferencing as Benat is unable to travel outside of the North as part of his bail conditions set as a result of the repressive extradition request.

He spoke at length about the extradition requests which lacked any weight and where politically motivated and said they where an example of the wider repression by the Spanish government on the Basque people.

Many questions where asked of Benat, and following the talk, Ógra activists and young republicans developed different ideas and actions which could help highlight the case and bring pressure to bare on the British Government to stop the extraditions.

OUTREACH

Workshops on ‘New Generation – New Opportunities’ followed with Gemma McKenna opening the session with interesting observations on new opportunities for outreach with the unionist community, and also the huge potential for outreach to left progressive groups and activists across Ireland.

The workshops produced much debate, with many practical measures being suggested on how Ógra can help assist and aid the development of a broad left alliance, encouraging co-operation through the youth wings, through youth at schools and in University.

It was also highlighted the Ógra are currently working with all the various youth wings in the North on the issue of youth mental health, and it was pointed too that projects like this are crucial in outreaching to young unionists, as mental health is an issue that affects us all, and is something we all need to be united in tackling.

COMMUNITY STRUGGLE

After a hearty lunch, and a bit of a breather, delegates gathered for the last talk of the weekend, ‘Community Struggle – Back to Basics.’

Two speakers addressed the crowd, Jim Monaghan, one of the Colombia 3, a lifelong republican activist and published author, and Bromwyn McGahan, former Republican POW, member of the Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle, and member of the Dungannon DPP.

Jim addressed the need for all republicans to involve themselves in community activism, and to be responsible to your community and play your part, however small, in helping empower communities and bringing a republican ethos to your area.

He gave various examples of community activism, and how small measures and an organized community response can politicize whole areas, rally people and prevent things like the privatisation of community land.

Jim said that community activism was one of the most vital aspects of Sinn Féin work and can play a huge part in promoting republicanism across Ireland, and building support and he asked was the Sinn Féin structure currently fit for purpose to facilitate the best delivery of that.

Bromwan McGahan spoke about policing and the community, and how young republicans can help in holding the PSNI and Gardai to account.

She said that young people will play a key role in ensuring that change is brought to policing not only in the north but also in the 26 Counties. She stressed that Sinn Féin’s approach to policing was on a 32 County basis with the long term objective of forming an All Ireland accountable civic unarmed policing service.

REPUBLICAN TOUR AND COMMEMORATION

After much debate and ideas on how to progress the wider issue of community engagement, it was on to the bus, and around Fermanagh and Monaghan, visiting many historical sites and monuments.

Local historians and republican activists joined the group on the tour showing sites such as the Seamus McElwain monument, Roslea graveyard, Tony Ahern Monument, Mulligan’s house and the Pearse Column Monument, dedicated to Sean Sabhat and Fergal O’Hanlon.

Local people spoke at each of the sites, and at some of the monuments dedicated to our patriot dead, Ógra activists laid wreaths.

Many of those in attendance commented that it was the most interesting and engaging republican tour they had ever been on, and many questions where asked at all the spots.

Even the swarm of midges couldn’t deter their enthusiasm as a local commemoration was held for the various volunteers who had spent time in the Knockatallon area but where later killed on active service or as a result of British State Collusion.

Local young republican Ruari Cosgrove, laid a wreath on behalf of Ógra Shinn Féin at the monument and following an oration by local republican Sean Lynch, Barry McColgan addressed the commemoration on behalf of Ógra, saying that it was an honour to be amongst such resilient people, and thanking them for their warm hospitality which they have extended to republicans down through the decades.

The delegates arrived back in Knockatallon for dinner, followed by a night of craic agus ceol with music in the bar, a rock band in the hall, and an open mike session that continued on well after the hotel closed.

The undoubted star of the open mike was Ross with his eclectic mix of ‘Hallelujah’, to ’25 years’ and even a Basque song thrown in for good measure, although a Cork duo where close second with a lovely rendition of ‘My Lovely Horse.’

BODENSTOWN

Surprisingly everyone was up bright and early, for Sunday morning, packing up their tents and sleeping bags, and grabbing some much needed breakfast before the long journey to the annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration, starting in Sallins, County Kildare.

Continuing on the theme of the weekend, and to commemorate a century of youth in struggle, Ógra Shinn Féin had a Na Fianna Éireann colour party, with other Ógra activists carrying Na Fianna flags throughout the march.

The thousands of republicans coming together at Bodenstown to remember the father of Irish Republicanism was a fitting end to an excellent weekend. The spirit of Na Fianna Éireann burned strong and no doubt the memories, lessons, and inspirations of Campa Náisiúnta Óige 2009 will stay with all in attendance for the rest of their lives.

An Phoblacht Abú!