Ógra Shinn Féin Proudly March in Memory of the Hunger Strikers and Na Fianna Éireann

‘The voice of truth for Irish youth’ was heard aloud in Galbally, as young faces filled the crowd and Ógra Shinn Féin activists played a full part in the fitting commemoration that came to Tyrone for the first time in 28 years since those dark yet inspiring days of 1981.

Hundreds of Ógra activists, joined by international guests, descended on Galbally village, County Tyrone on Sunday 16th August to participate in the National Hunger Strike Rally.

Ógra activists played their part alongside thousands of other republicans in paying tribute to all the brave young men who have courageously given their life on Hunger Strike, and where ever mindful of local Hunger Strikers Vol. Martin Hurson and Vol. Sean McCaughey as they marched the quiet country roads of rural County Tyrone.


Young republican activists where involved in stewarding, republican flute bands, carrying banners, re-enactments of Martin Hurson’s life, and also organised a large colour party to commemorate the actual 100th Anniversary of the founding of Na Fianna Éireann.

Ógra activist Paddy Breslin laid a wreath on behalf of the republican youth movement, Ógra activists Laura Gildernew and Barry McNally read a short biography of each of the Hunger Strikers, and Kerry McColgan read the Ógra statement urging young republicans to play their part in the struggle today, by joining Ógra Shinn Féin.



Speaking on the Tyrone Hungerstrike Rally, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan said,

“Ógra Shinn Féin paid a fitting tribute to the Hunger Strikers and Na Fianna Éireann in Galbally. Fresh from a busy and successful weekend of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna and the 1981 Hunger Strike, Ógra activists displayed leadership and confidence in their various roles throughout the national rally, from the fitting colour party, to the fine speeches; they demonstrated that the republican struggle has a strong future.”

“The thousands of people who turned out in County Tyrone, shows the pride in which our heroes of 1981 are held. They serve as massive inspiration to Irish people and other oppressed peoples across the world who are fighting for their freedom. Thousands of republicans young and old left Galbally that day, more inspired and determined to achieve an Irish Republic that we can all be proud of.”