Mid Ulster Launch of Sinn Féin Youth Manifesto

Young republicans from Clonoe/Coalisland Ógra Shinn Féin joined with Sinn Fein MLA's Francie Molloy and Michelle O'Neill for the Mid Ulster launch of the party's youth manifesto.

The Sinn Féin Youth Manifesto for the upcoming election can be viewed online at www.osf.ie.

Sinn Féin are the only party to have released a youth manifesto in this election, with the document being the end product of discussion and debate by hundreds of young republicans in Ógra Shinn Féin over the past year.

Speaking on the Mid Ulster launch of the youth manifesto, Ógra activist Padraig Quinn said,

"The youth manifesto covers all the most pressing of issues facing young people today, from housing, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide prevention to youth unemployment, and the green economy. We as young people who are constantly engaging the widest group of young people are highlighting and raising the issues that matter most to the youth of today. We are presenting our vision, on how we can find solutions to the many problems facing us and future generations."

"In the upcoming election Ógra Shinn Féin will be priortising the national question, priortising young people and priortising a future that is free, green and left. Only an Ireland that is environmental, egalitarian and sovereign can present us all with a brighter future. Help us deliver all of this by voting Sinn Féin on May 6th. Vótáil Martin McGuinness."

Roslea Hungerstrike Commemoration - Bígí Linn

Weekend of Events in Belfast

Countdown to 'Celebrating the Women of Struggle' Dinner Dance

Only 3 weeks and limited tickets remain until the much anticipated National 'Celebrating the Women of Struggle' Dinner Dance in the Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane on Saturday 15 May.

Falling the weekend after May 6th, it will provide the perfect election celebration.

The dinner dance is being hosted by Ógra Shinn Féin to pay tribute too, and celebrate the extraordinary, yet often over looked, role of women in Ireland's freedom struggle.

The Dinner Dance with its unique theme will be a first of its kind, bringing together families of women on the republican roll of honour and a number of honourees who have assisted and inspired Ógra activists greatly.



The honourees are Rose Dugdale, Pádraigín Uí Mhurchadha, Eibhlinn Glenholmes, Suzanne McGillion and a posthumous presentation will be made to the family of West Tyrone Ógra activist Paula Murphy who died tragically in a car accident on Easter Sunday 2003.

Profiles will be uploaded on each of the honourees in the coming week.

The Dinner Dance will kick of at 8pm, and will include a 4 course meal, a video noting the sacrifice and contribution of Irish Republican Women, guest speaker Senator Pearse Doherty, presentations to the families and honourees, and finished with dancing into the wee small hours with music by Ireland's finest folk and rebel band 'Paddywagon'.

Tickets are limited costing only £25; please contact Barry on 07885569940 ASAP to guarantee yours.



Speaking on the upcoming event, Ógra activist, Barry McColgan said,

"The dinner dance will be a perfect opportunity to honour the families and honourees and to celebrate and pay tribute to the huge role that women have played and are continuing to play in the Republican struggle. However there are limited tickets available so I would encourage anyone wishing to attend to contact me immediately."

"For all Ógra activists who will be attending, there will also be a talk on Irish Unity on the Sunday, the talk will be titled 'Ireland’s Future - Free, Green and Left' and will allow us to have a robust and broad debate on our role as young people in achieving a new and united Ireland."

An active year for NUI Maynooth Sinn Féín

This college year has been exceptionally busy and exciting for Sinn Féin Nuim. We got of to a cracking start with our An Chead Daíl exhibition during arts week to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the historic meeting in the mansion house in 1919.

2010 was kicked off with the enegetic Flag campaign in which we petitioned around the college to remedy the lack of an Irish national flag on campus. We have nine flagpoles at least and they all sit empty gathering dust except for open days etc. We believe that a tricolour should fly all year round and so do the 1000 people who signed our petition we will soon have a flag on the poles if not by the end of this year then at the beginning of next year.

In March after the Haiti earthquake it was time to get charitable. The decision was made to amalgamate our annual rebel night before Easter week with an event that could make a difference, thus the The Shinner Shave was born with beards decimated, long hair being shaved, legs and chests waxed, even a backside (a sight not easily repressed) and a bit of owl trad music.

Cathal Donnelly - Before

A few days collecting through the blizzards that raged on campus that week and a cracking lively event raised €1071.45 in total. We would like to thank all those non-affiliated to the party who helped out and even faced the razor for a great cause. Let us hope it helps those suffering in Haiti. Thanks to all who came along and supported.

Cathal Donnelly - After

Sinn Féin Nuim 2009- 10 has grown immensely and done some great things this year and things have never looked better for next year.

Beir Bua a chairde.

Rebel Night in Dublin

Ruane delivers educational presentation in St Mary’s College Belfast

Sinn Féin’s Ulster Colleges Comhairle Ceantar recently hosted a successful educational event in St Mary’s College Belfast on the theme, ‘The Classroom of the 21st Century’. The room which was packed to full capacity was made up of students who attend the teacher training college. A number of student musicians provided Irish traditional music as the large crowd waited attentively for the arrival of the special guest, Education minister, Caitriona Ruane.

The event was introduced by Student Union president, Una Kelly and Professor Peter Finn who spoke about how delighted the college was to welcome the Sinn Féin Education minister.

In her speech, Caitriona Ruane explained,

“For decades ministers appointed from London ran away from making any definitive decisions. We did not. We took the decision to end the practice of academic apartheid. The 11 plus is gone and isn’t coming back.”

Caitriona continued,

“Choosing teaching as a career is not an easy option. The role of the teaching profession is continually changing and we must recognize the increasingly complex role which teachers play in their day to day work.”

In her closing remarks Caitriona said,

“The 21st century teachers must be adaptive, collaborative, creative, reflective, visionaries, mentors and leaders. Together we can achieve an education system where there are no barriers to success and where every child can set their aspirations high and achieve their ambitions.”

Speaking at the conclusion of the event, St Mary’s Sinn Féin member Stiofan Scullion said,

“The focus of our presentation today is to articulate our party’s positive influence on education reform in the six counties since accepting this ministerial portfolio in 1999 and present the wide range of initiatives which we have implemented. Trainee teachers were today given the opportunity to hear about how our party will continue to shape and transform education provision across Ireland. Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring that the 21st century classroom is a centre of academic excellence providing and catering for everyone regardless of their social, religious or economic background – instilling high expectations and allowing all children to fulfill their unique potential.”

Derry Ógra Out on Canvass Trail for Martina

Derry Ógra Shinn Féin activists hit a busy city centre on Saturday alongside Sinn Féin's Foyle Westminster Candidate Martina Anderson MLA to canvass young and first time voters.

The youth canvass received a great response, with many young people engaging with Martina on a whole range of youth related issues.

Speaking on the Derry youth canvass, Ógra spokesperson Adrian Óg Kelly said,

"Young people and first time voters can make all the difference in this upcoming election, with your votes we could ensure that Martina, a truly progressive, dedicated, republican candidate is elected."

"Only Sinn Féin are genuinely interested and dedicated in delivering a better and more equal future for all young people. Sinn Féin work with young people to ensure that their issues are being raised at every level of government. Help us make history on May 6th, by voting for a strong republican candidate, dedicated to representing young people, vótáil Martina Anderson, vótáil Sinn Féin."

You can check out Sinn Féin’s Youth manifesto for the upcoming election at; www.osf.ie

Ógra South Roscommon focus on Headshops

As part of Ógra Shinn Féin's on-going campaign against the so-called 'legal highs' which are being sold in head shops around the country, Ógra Shinn Féin's Toby Mannion Cumann in South Roscommon conducted an interview with a local youth who - while wanting to remain anonymous - talks, of their dreadful experience after taking a substance which the youth bought from a head shop in a near-by town. Amazingly, the victim was only 15 years old when buying the product and, as is evident from the interview, was not even asked for age identification when buying the substance.

1. What age are you and were you ever questioned on your age when buying from a so-called ‘head shop’?

I was fifteen years old when I bought a pre-rolled ‘joint’ from a head shop (I am now seventeen) and was never questioned on my age.

2. Have you ever taken any illegal drugs before?

I have never taken illegal drugs before. At the time when I smoked the ‘joint’, purchased from a 'Myth and Magic' outlet I was, I guess, somewhat younger and naive enough to believe that because it’s ‘legal’ it must be ok.

3. What was the name of the product that you bought in the head shop?

As far as I can remember the name of the legal high I purchased was 'Triple X', however I'm not certain as the shop assistant placed an array of ‘joints’ on the counter and I randomly chose one. Triple X was a name I had heard mentioned before however I am not sure if that is what I actually took.

4. Was this your first time to purchase a ‘legal high’ from this or any other shop?

It was my first and last time to purchase a ‘legal high’ from any shop.

5. Can you explain the experience you felt after you had taken the substance?

After I had smoked the substance I fell into a deeply psychotic state from which all ‘rational’ thinking was non-existent. It started when I tried to stand from my sitting position but my body was unwilling to co-operate. I then heard a voice in my head saying 'I’m in control, not you'. At this point I started to, for lack of a better word, freak-out. I tried to stay calm, repeatedly telling myself 'it’s only the drug, chill out'. Yet while I was saying this my body was moving completely of its own accord, while the voice in my head told me it was going to kill me. At one point my head jerked, not of my doing (or so it seemed), in the direction of a tree and the voice said 'I’m going to hang you from there', then jerked in the direction of a river close to where I was, and the voice said “or maybe I’ll drown you”. From there onwards I completely lost all ability to keep myself calm and the voice was truly in control. He (and I say he and not me because I genuinely had no control of my own body) walked me into a packed shopping centre also close to where I was but I was unable to ask someone for help as I so badly wanted to. Inside I was a nervous wreck, it was such an unusual feeling, I could hear myself think, but it was like that was all there was of me, a voice, a thought inside the head of a body no longer in my control. Yet externally I showed no sign of my inner turmoil. I suppose you could compare it to a car skidding and about to crash on an icy road. The driver knows disaster is about to strike but can do absolutely nothing about it. Now imagine the drivers panic before the impact, that’s how it was, except it wasn’t for a few seconds, it was for hours, literally. I knew something terrible was very likely to happen, yet I was the driver of a car completely beyond my control. All the while this voice plagued me, telling me ways it might kill me, even ways it might kill other people using me as a medium. My body then brought me back outside to where I started from, while the voice in my head tried to decide whether it would have my body attack this person or that. Fortunately I mustered the strength to call my parents, although I knew It would pain them to hear what I was doing, I knew it was necessary, and an ambulance crew were called. When my parents arrived I roared abuse at them, while inside I just wanted to ask for their help. They came over and tried to restrain me as I flailed and kicked and spat. Some onlookers also helped until the ambulance crew arrived and sedated me. However as I far as I know the sedation had little or no effect. The next thing I have any recollection of is waking up in intensive care the following day.



6. What were the after-effects of taking the substance in the following weeks and/or months?

Thankfully the after-effects were not as bad as they could have been, although there is no doubt about it that that’s only because of my ability to contact my parents. If I had not I may well not be here right now. In that psychotic state my body was literally capable of anything. . Suicide, . . Assault, . Murder. After the incident it took weeks for me to fully regain complete mental coherence. I often thought for a second that maybe that voice is still there; maybe it’s just ‘staying under the radar for a while’. However I’m now fine and have learned a lesson from that experience.

7. Would many of your age group use products from head shops?

A surprising amount of people my age use head shop products. Some on a regular basis, others, just ‘the odd time’, perhaps on a night out. I hope that in doing this interview at least a few people may rethink their outlook on head shops, or even rethink their decision to purchase and consume the possibly lethal ‘legal highs’ on sale in these morally hollow, and socially unacceptable outlets.

Ógra activist Luke Callinan, who conducted the interview, had this to say: 'This interview gives a first hand account of how buying head shop products can have devastating effects. The really worrying aspect about the whole situation is that even hospital staff could not treat this youth who had taken legal highs as they didn't know what was in the product, in fact, when the victim was brought into the hospital the staff there did not detect anything unusual in the victims system. I would go as far as saying there may well have been deaths caused directly by these legal highs that we don't know of yet. In the coming weeks and months Ógra Shinn Féin will be conducting a number of these interviews all around the country to highlight how highly dangerous these substances can be and so to put a bed to the crazy state of affairs where potentially lethal substances can be sold over the counter'.

Pat Doherty MP launches Youth Manifesto in West Tyrone

West Tyrone Ogra have joined with local MP Pat Doherty in Omagh today to launch the Sinn Féin Youth Manifesto 'Creating the Future' for the upcoming 2010 Westminster Election. They were also joined by Argiculture Minister and Fermanagh South Tyrone MP, Michelle Gildernew.

Sinn Féin are the only party to have produced a manifesto specifically aimed at young people, an indication of the party's commitment to delivering for youth.

The youth manifesto has been drafted by Ogra Shinn Féin, with policies and proposals drafted by and for young people. Issues covered include suicide prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, education, housing, abolition of ASBO's, road safety, sexual health, youth facilities and Irish unity.

The Sinn Féin Youth Manifesto can be found online at; http://www.osf.ie

Speaking on the local West Tyrone launch of the youth Manifesto Pat Doherty MP said,

"Sinn Féin are a party of youth, with young people leading the discussion and debate within the party. This allows for greater focus on youth issues with Sinn Féin more than any other party being in touch with young people and prioritising their needs. A simple indication of that is that we are the only party to have produced a youth manifesto."

"We are committed to working with young people to deliver a better future, and the youth manifesto helps outline some practical ways we can do this. Sinn Féin and our very vibrant and active youth wing Ogra Shinn Féin will continue to lead and engage with the widest group of young people to ensure that young people are being listened too, and their voices are being heard. Join with us in creating a better future on May 6th by voting Sinn Féin."

Education Minister Launches Sinn Féin Youth Manifesto 2010

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane joined a large group of Ógra Shinn Féin members today at Down’s County Museum in Downpatrick, to launch Sinn Féin’s Youth Manifesto ‘Creating the Future’, for the upcoming Westminster election.

The Museum was selected as a site of historical significance, it previously being home of the County Gaol where United Irishmen leader Thomas Russell was executed on 21 October 1803.

The youth manifesto which was drafted by members of the party’s youth wing Ógra Shinn Féin forms the basis of the work and policies which Sinn Féin will be carrying out regards youth in the next 5 years.

These include education, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, calling for the abolition of ASBO’s, road safety, youth job creation, creating affordable housing, and progressing Irish Unity.

The Sinn Féin Youth Manifesto for the upcoming election can be viewed at the following link:

http://www.osf.ie/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76&Itemid=33

Following the launch, the large group of republican youth activists, carried out an intensive and upbeat youth canvass of Downpatrick town centre and the neighbouring village of Ardglass.


Speaking on the launch of the youth manifesto, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Donnchadh O’Laoghaire said,

“Young people have a lot to offer in building a new and free society in Ireland, the youth manifesto is an amalgamation of policies and debates thrashed out by hundreds of young people in Ógra Shinn Féin over the past year. These well thought out and grounded proposals in the youth manifesto are drafted by young people, and for young people, particularly those most in need.”

“Young people are the future of this country, and it will ultimately be them who will shape the nation and ensure it reaches it true potential. We believe it is vitally important that young people have their say, particularly at election time and that is why we launched the youth manifesto. Sinn Féin is a party genuinely interested in working for young people and representing their needs, we are a party of youth. The main theme of the manifesto is one of empowerment ‘Creating the Future’, and we ask you to join with us in creating a better future for all of us, on May 6th, Vótáil Sinn Féin.”

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Youth Election Broadcast 2010

West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin have launched a youth election broadcast today (21/04/10) for the upcoming Westminster Election on May 6th.

The youth broadcast features endorsements for Pat Doherty MP from Tyrone GAA County Star Sean O'Neill, Tyrone Hurler Mickey Kelly, and Dromore GAA supremo Fabian O'Neill who captained the triumphant 2007 Dromore Team to their first County Championship.



Encouraging young people to watch the youth broadcast on YouTube, West Tyrone Ógra chairperson Kerry McColgan said,

"Sinn Féin are a party of youth, led by young people and working for youth needs. It is very important that we engage young people were young people are at, particularly online on sites like YouTube and Facebook. On top of the traditional and essential door to door canvass we will be bringing this election into the 21st Century by canvassing online."

"The youth issues we will be working on in the next 5 years include, providing more youth investment in sports and youth clubs, providing more fair paid jobs for young people, delivering a state of the art Educational Campus in Omagh, providing increased funding for local initiatives on Suicide Prevention and Drug and Alcohol Awareness, lobbying and helping create affordable housing, ensuring increased funding and resourcing to the Irish language and continuing to build the peace process and progress Irish Unity. All of these issues are covered in the youth broadcast and it is our promise to the youth of West Tyrone to work with them in the next 5 years to achieve all of this. Everyone has their part to play, on May 6th play your part by voting Pat Doherty."

Ireland's History is not for Sale - Dublin ÓSF

Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin held a demonstration outside Adam's Auctioneers on St. Stephens Green yesterday to protest the sale of Historical Memorabilia associated with the Easter Rising and the Tan War. Items for sale included original flags, medals, weapons, uniforms and documents from the period.
Following previous demonstrations, including one which succesfully disrupted one of the auctions - Adams' staff were not taking any chances and quickly contacted the Gardaí who arrived within minutes of the beginning of the protest.

Protesters received great support from local Dubliners as well as tourists, many of whom were shocked that such historical items would be sold off to private collectors.

Speaking at the protest, Dublin Ógra representative Mark Ó Maoldomhnaigh said: " Ireland's History should not be sold off to the highest bidder, it should be retained for the benefit of the people of this country. The government has a duty to step in here and ensure that these items are brought into public ownership."

Ógra Shinn Féin erect mural to Coalisland/Clonoe patriot dead

On Sunday the 18th of April, the Ógra Shinn Féin Coney/Kilpatrick cumann erected a new mural listing the names of the fallen volunteers from the Coalisland/Clonoe area.

The mural, which is situated in the Coalisland square, was unveiled by the cumann and local Sinn Féin MLA and Councillor Michelle O'Neill.

Speaking on the unveiling, Ógra activist Padraig Quinn had this to say:

“I would like to commend the hard work carried out by the cumann and all those who aided in the production of this mural. The time and effort put into the making of it is evident and we feel the result only enhances the area. As republicans and as young people it is important to remember the sacrifices that have advanced our struggle to where it is today.”

“This mural is one of many initiatives planned by our cumann, and hopefully it will strengthen and popularise republicanism throughout our area, particularly with the younger people.”

Gilmore's 'One Ireland' rhetoric rings hollow

Following the labour party conference in Galway last weekend, Ógra Shinn Féin has highlighted what it believes as 'partitionism' in leader Eamon Gilmore's speech. It also raised concern about the labour party's commitment to the national democratic rights of those who live in the north east of the country.

Eamon Gilmore's 'One Ireland'

National Organiser Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire had this to say;

The speech of the Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore, with its theme of 'One Ireland', contained a great deal of noble, if slightly vague, sentiments in relation to a fairer economy, and creating jobs. However, given the frequency with which he repeated the slogan 'One Ireland' I find it peculiar and dissapointing that he declined to mention that the fact that the state he believes was 'conceived' in 1916, remains incomplete.

Some 1.7 million people live in a part of Ireland that has no representation in the Oireachtas, and will neither profit nor suffer from any policies he might implement were he in government. Indeed his comrade Margaret Ritchie of the SDLP , sitting among the crowd as Eamon Gilmore spoke, must have wondered had she wandered into a foreign country, as she heard him sound a welcome to all categories of people to this 'One Ireland', but apparently, not her , nor those who vote for the SDLP. Comrades indeed.

Given the developments of the last ten years, it might have been of interest to the Irish people to hear the Labour party's strategy on Irish Unity, and on completing that 'one Ireland'. However this was not the case, and it would appear as though the Labour party consider the Irish people who live in the 26 counties to be of greater priority in building this 'One Ireland'. Indeed it may well be symptomatic that the one motion on northern affairs* discussed at the conference was under the category of ' International and European Affairs'.

Until Eamon Gilmore takes note that Ireland doesnt end at Dundalk, then it would appear as though the only party truly interested in 'One Ireland' is Sinn Féin.

*http://www.labour.ie/conference2010/motions/detail/127080388813236915/

Agóid ar son óibrí ar phá iseal i nGaillimh.

‘What do we want? Justice!’, ‘When do we want it? Now!’, these were the cries of the crowd assembled outside Supermacs of Galway City at 1 o clock on Friday, 16th April. A protest, which was co-ordinated by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI), took place on Eyre Square for approximately an hour to show support for the low-paid workers in the catering sector.

Ógra Shinn Féin na Gaillimhe were out in force for the event which saw media outlets such as TG4 and others conduct interviews with activists regarding the protest.
Ógra Shinn Féin activist Senan Mac Aoidh, who was re-elected as Oifigeach na Gaeilge for the D’Arcy/Mellows cumann in NUIG recently, had this to say about the occasion: Chonacthas sa ghéarchéim eacnamaíochta seo an grúpa fostóirí, Quick Service Food Aliance, ag iarraidh pá na n-oibrithe, atá ar an an turastal is lú sa rannóg lónadóireachta, a ghearradh.

Ógra Shinn Féin are here today in order to show our absolute opposition to a recent legal challenge mounted by the Quick Service Food Alliance on current regulations put in place by the JLC (Joint Labour Committee) to protect minimum levels of pay for workers in the catering sector. Supermacs are part of this employers group which, among their many proposals, have called for a €1 reduction in the national minimum wage as well as a €1 reduction to the minimum levels of pay which have been agreed upon by the JLC. Tá sé seo ar cheann de go leor ionsaithe orthu siúd atá ar an phá is lú sa phobal. Caithfear stop a chur leis anois!’

Galway Ógra host Cuban Ambassador

The Town Hall Theatre in Galway was filled to near capacity on Thursday, 15th April for a talk hosted by Ógra Shinn Féin na Gaillimhe entitled ‘Cuba – A Revolutionary State’. The event kicked off at a few minutes past 6pm and after an introduction from Mairéad Farrell, Ógra Shinn Féin’s Galway City representative, the Ambassador spoke to the crowd regarding the current achievements and challenges faced by the Cuban people on a daily basis. She also spoke of the success of the revolutionary state to-date in the face of continued repression from its imperialistic neighbour, the USA.


A documentary showing followed the talk called ‘The Day Diplomacy Died’, It aimed to set the record straight on Fidel Castro’s so-called ‘Crackdown’ in 2003 when 75 Cubans were arrested and jailed. The Documentary, which was about 30 min. in length, included four Cuban State agents speaking out for the first time on film why the Cuban government locked up these 75 “independent” journalists, trade unionists and librarians. They tell of the inner workings of the dissident groups they infiltrated and of the various, and often frightening, plans hatched to destabilize their country. Following this, a questions and answers session took place where members of the audience had a chance to put their queries to both the Cuban Ambassador and Bernie Dwyer, a co-director of the documentary.
To end the event a representative from NUI Galway presented a framed poster to the Ambassador on behalf of the student population in solidarity with the Cuban people. Speaking on the success of the event, Ógra Shinn Féin activist Luke Callinan had this to say, ‘The talk, which coincided with Latin America week, was a great success as it put forward an alternative opinion on what happened in relation to the Cuban revolution and specifically the jailing of 75 people by the Cuban Government. The questions and answers session at the end was also very interesting because it gave us a chance to ask the representatives questions on a number of different aspects of the talk and the documentary’.

Cork Ógra unveil new Murals

A series of new murals has been unveiled by the MacCurtain/Doherty Cumann in Cork City. These include a mural of James Connolly, as well as a mural highlighting Ógra’s national Campaign ‘Who fears to speak of a United Ireland’, and a mural highlighting Ógra’s ongoing commitment to women’s issues.

The murals, which were attached to a wall at a busy junction in Cork’s Victoria Cross area, collectively highlight Ógra’s key priorities – Social justice, Gender Equality, and re-unification.
Speaking on the unveiling of the murals, Ógra activist Joe Lynch said ‘These murals were hung up as part of our activities over Easter, and has given Ógra a good deal of visibility in a busy area. These are core issues for republicans, and to highlight them in even this small way is worthwhile. We will be active on all these issues over the coming time, particularly on the National Campaign, and engaging with the people of Cork on the issue.’

Ógra Shinn Féin Canvass the Moy

Ógra Shinn Féin activists from across Tyrone canvassed the Moy today (Sunday 18th April), assisting Sinn Féin’s vigorous campaign in Fermanagh/South Tyrone to ensure that Michelle Gildernew MP is re-elected.

The youth canvass targeted a large swathe of the housing estates throughout the idyllic County Tyrone town and received a very heartening response.

The teams of young republicans engaged hundreds of people, many of whom were vocal in their support for Michelle, wishing to see a republican candidate returned to continue the positive, progressive work carried out locally, and continuing the strong work on progressing Irish Unity and building the peace process.



Speaking on a successful youth canvass, Ógra activist Laura Gildernew said,

”It is hugely important that Michelle is re-elected so that all the constituents across Fermanagh/South Tyrone can benefit from an inclusive and progressive candidate who operates and delivers a first class constituency service. Tory bigots and others blinded by their own self importance and selfish political reasons can not be allowed to prevail in this election, and the enthusiastic reception we received in the Moy today was a good indication of people’s strong support for Sinn Féin.”

“Ógra will be targeting young and first time voters in the weeks ahead. We will be working to ensure that they are voting for Sinn Féin, the only party with young people’s best interests at heart, the only party championing the cause for an inclusive society, a society which cherishes all citizens equally. Sinn Féin are leading the way for young people, and are working to provide a future of freedom, justice, and equality. On May 6th, Vótáil Michelle Gildernew, Vótáil Sinn Féin!”

Ógra blitz Ballycastle

Ógra activists from throughout the north, gathered in Ballycastle on Saturday to assist Daithi McKay in his bid for the North Antrim seat in the upcoming Westminster General Election.

The young republicans were spurred on by the great weather as they canvassed the majority of the town.

It was the first of many youth canvasses to be organised by Ógra throughout the election, and no better place to start than with the Assembly's youngest MLA.

Speaking on the youth canvass in Ballycastle, Ógra Uladh organiser Fra Cochrane said,

"We had a great response at the doors from young and old alike, and many were very complimentary of the hard work conducted by Sinn Féin and by Daithi in the area."

"The upcoming election will be key to ensuring that Sinn Féin remains the number one party in the north of Ireland, and in maximising the nationalist and republican vote in advance of next years Assembly election."

"Ógra will play their part and do their utmost for the next few weeks to ensure the maximum number of young people are turning out to vote Sinn Féin on May 6th. From youth election broadcasts, canvasses targeting young people, utilising social networks, painting murals to launching a youth manifesto, we will aim to engage with the maximum number of youth."

For Bobby!

Barry McColgan
Dermot Crowley Ógra Shinn Féin
West Tyrone

In the upcoming Westminster General Election in Fermanagh/South Tyrone, a single neo liberal, pro imperialist, sectarian, Tory bigot will stand against a progressive, inclusive, Republican Candidate.

It is reminiscent of 1981, when in a similar electoral battle, the good people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone came out in their droves to elect Hungerstriker Bobby Sands MP.

Bobby Sands stood against the then Unionist candidate Harry West, primarily on a ticket supporting the 5 basic demands of political prisoners of war, but sending a clear message to the world that the republican struggle was legitimate, that a cause to achieve freedom, peace, democracy and equality was in the interests of everyone.

British Tory Prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who constantly referred to Republican's as anti democratic, was shown to be hypocritical vindictive and brutal, unmasking herself to the world as she allowed Bobby Sands, an elected member of her Parliament, and who achieved more votes than her, to die on Hungerstrike.

She murdered Bobby Sands and 9 other Hungerstrikers dismissing the democratic wishes of citizens she wished to rule.

Her legacy, the Tory legacy would later become the brutal story of shoot to kill, Brit state sponsored murder and the ruination of the British welfare state, public services, national industry, and whole communities.

The neo liberal, and imperialist legacy of Thatcher and the Tories across the north of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, has been one of brutal attacks against those who fight for freedom, for social change, and the working class communities they represent.

From the British Miners to the Irish Hungerstrikers, Thatcher and her Tory Government brought death, and devastation.

This is the same Tories which Rodney Connor is adamant he will take his whip from in Westminster.

Do you want the Tory party, who murdered Bobby Sands MP elected?

Sinn Féin are the only republican party who can ensure that the Tories are kept where they belong, in Britain.

Sinn Féin are the only party genuinely interested in ensuring the maximum nationalist and republican representation across the 6 Counties.

Sinn Féin offered to stand aside in South Belfast to give the SDLP a clear run, and asked the SDLP to reciprocate in Fermanagh/South Tyrone. This opportunity was squandered by the SDLP who allowed narrow petty political agenda's come before the interests of the republican and nationalist people’s interests in the north.

It is clear that only Sinn Féin, with the sitting MP, and a progressive programme of change can keep out the Tory.

A strong sense of solidarity and unity is needed amongst the nationalist and republican people of Fermanagh/South Tyrone on May 6th, and that unity needs to manifest behind the hard working, dedicated, progressive Agriculture and Rural Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP.

Almost 30 years on from 1981, massive progress has been made on the road to Irish freedom; Bobby Sand's death was a catalyst in all of that.

Let us continue on that road, and build the Ireland that he fought, and died to achieve.

On May 6, you have two options;

- Allow Thatcher's party, the party of Shoot to kill, who murdered the Hungerstrikers, destroyed the British Welfare State and continues to support the murder and mutilation of thousands of innocent civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, to triumph.

Or.

- Re-elect Michelle, continuing to provide the best representation for all constituents, a party dedicated to developing all Ireland networks and the economy and the only party who will work to protect and enhance public services and build peace and freedom.

In short, a vote for Rodney Connor is s vote for Thatcher, a vote for Michelle and Sinn Féin is a vote for Freedom, Peace and Equality.

When you go to the polls on May 6th, 29 years and a day following the death of Bobby Sands, have him in your thoughts as you cast your vote.

Let’s win this.

For Bobby!

Sinn Féin Election Broadcast 2010

SDLP Spoof Election Broadcast

Ógra member re-elected as SU Vice-president

Paddy Daly the Vice Chair of Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin, has thanked his supporters for helping him get re-elected as Student Union Vice President for Griffith College Dublin in Ireland’s Largest independent College, on Wednesday the 14th of April.

Paddy Daly said at his post election campaign Function:

“I would like to thank everybody who supported me during my first year as Vice President, I really enjoyed this year, working in the Students Union for the development of the Clubs and Societies, and the Students of Griffith College.

I would like to thank everybody who helped in my election campaign and everybody who voted for me.

Next year, I hope to improve on a number of issues including providing professional coaches for our sports players, improving active participation in our Clubs & Soc’s, and offering Club’s and Societies that appeal to everyone.

If there is anything you feel needs improving or would like to see happen please don’t hesitate to contact me over the coming year.

I look forward to the year and challenges I may face, working for the development of the student union and for the students themselves.”

Wicklow Ógra leads the Way in Honouring 1916

Ógra Shinn Féin led the way in Wicklow in commemorating the 1916 rising.

Ógra was to the fore in organising this year’s events taking part in a wide range of activities. Young republicans were tasked to deliver on the theme of this year’s events in Wicklow.

The theme for 2010 was ‘unemployment’, Ógra set about distributing leaflets, designing banners and organising young people to play their role in commemorating 1916.

Ógra Shinn Féin led the County Commemoration which was held in Arklow were up to 150 people attended.

Speaking at the event was Ógra activist Jake Ó hAmhsaigh,

“It’s great to see so many young people here today actively commemorating what the leaders of 1916 went out and fought for. Ógra decided today’s slogan should be ‘The Unfinished Business of 1916’ because that’s where we are at. In today’s Ireland we see youth unemployment at an all time high, we see youth emigration and we live on partitioned island I don’t think I need to tell anyone this is not the Country outlined in the Proclamation of 1916”

Wicklow Ógra also took part in the Easter Commemoration held in Bray and in South Dublin. In the build up to Easter week Ógra promoted the Easter Lily through educational leaflets and Spray Painting.

Jobs for the Unemployed

One in four young people are now unemployed. Young men are worst affected with one in three men under the age of 25 being out of work. Dole payments for young people have been slashed and it is estimated that 60,000 people emigrated in the last year with many more expected to leave this year. The government is doing nothing to create jobs.

Do you want a job?

Do you want to stay in Ireland but feel you have no choice but to leave?

Are you fed up living at home with your parents but can’t afford to move out?

Do you want to put your skills and education to work?

Are you sick of a government that cares more about bankers than it does about youth unemployment?

Do you think it’s unfair that you have to live on a €100 a week while a disgraced FAS boss who wasted public money gets a €1 million golden handshake?

It’s time for you to join Sinn Féin’s campaign for “Jobs for the Unemployed”!



We are putting forward the solutions to youth unemployment.

These include:

• A youth jobs fund to create 20,000 new jobs.
• An individual plan for the long term prospects of every person under 25 who is on the live register.
• 2,000 places on a ‘One More Language Scheme’ to give the young unemployed a chance to learn an extra foreign language .
• 5000 free ECDL advanced places
• 10,000 new CE places
• 1,000 places on conversion courses at third level to help graduates convert their skills to potential growth sectors
• The elimination of useless, pointless and inadequate FAS courses.
• 8 measures to treble the number of under 25’s who are self employed including a national entrepreneurship programme, access to credit and greater support for high potential start ups.
• Create a publicly owned green tech firm for Ireland and initiate a major drive to attract FDI in renewable energy.
• Make Ireland a digital media leader through support for skills, infrastructure and entrepreneurship
• A ‘National Development Scheme’ to employ people directly on public works projects employing 2,000 workers.

We want you to join with us in campaigning to force the government to implement these proposals.

For PDF:

http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/18301

Gerry Adams to Address Public Meeting in Omagh - All Welcome!

Galway Ógra active at Easter Commemorations

Ghlac Ógra Shinn Féin na Gaillimhe páirt lárnach sna comóraidh a bhí ar siúl ar fud contae na Gaillimhe an deireadh seachtaine seo caite.

Thosaigh na comóraidh ar an Satharn le comóradh in Uarán Mór áit a raibh Mairéad Ní Fhearghail, de Ógra, mar an príomh chainteoir. Dúirt sí ‘Níl maitheas ar bith ann díreach teacht chuig comóradh nó dhó in aghaidh na bliana, caithfear a bheith gníomhach agus na haidhmeanna bhí ag daoine ar nós Howley agus Liam Ó Maoilíosa a bhaint amach.’
Galway Ógra Shinn Féin took part in the colour party at Galway’s main commemoration at Liam Mellow’s statue in Eyre Square on Sunday. Luke Callinan, who took part in the colour party, had this to say; ‘We were pleased to be able to play such an active role in this year’s commemoration. We felt the presence of the colour party made the commemoration more noticeable for the people of Galway and many stopped to watch as we marched to the statue.’

Mairéad Farrell spoke on youth struggle at the event, remembering in particular those young people from Galway who fought in the struggle, people like Michael McGreel, but also the Fian of the most recent phase of struggle, she said ‘In our most recent phase of the struggle we have 19 Fian on the Roll of Honour. That is 19 young people who saw the fight for freedom as the ultimate aim. How can anyone say that they do not have the time to bring about what they died for. These Fian were children and had an entire life ahead of them. So do not tell me that you don’t have time to even canvass or hand out a few leaflets.’


Ógra’s role could not be missed in Connemara either. Léígh duine de lucht Ógra Forógra na Poblachta as Gaeilge ag Teach an Phiarsaigh agus leag duine eile acu fleasc ag comóradh a bhí ar siúl sa Chlochán.

Bhí Ógra na Gaillimhe thar a bheith sásta leis an obair a rinne said thar an deireadh seachtaine. Bhí roinnt fáthanna ag baint leis seo. Ar dtús báire bhíodar in ann comóradh a dhéanamh ar na daoine a chaith a saol ag troid ar son na saoirse, ach chomh maith leis sin spreagadar suim daoine óga in ógra agus níor imigh said ó aon comóradh gan ball nua a fháil. Is cinnte go mbeidh an phoblacht againn sár a bhfad!

Take it down from the mast...

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, 24th March, a group of young, enthusiastic Ógra Shinn Féin activists gathered at an unknown location on the campus of NUI Galway with the intention of disrupting the social order within the University by hoisting a Tricolour (the national flag) somewhere on the grounds of the college.
A reconnaissance officer for the college cumann had surveyed the area a couple of hours previously and set the scene for the event. At approximately 20:25 the unit of militant youths congregated outside Áras na Mac Léinn, a cosy building which houses the Student Union and various other college staff. As it kicked off and one member was in the process of tying a knot to secure the flag, an eager security official noticed what was happening and quickly acted to put a stop to the reckless adolescents.

After being instructed a number of times to remove the flag from the flag-pole the security official proceeded to further questioning of the students. He asked if the accused had been in ‘the army before’ because if not they would ‘no nothing about it’. However, as the student was not sure as regards to what ‘army’ the official was referring to, he questioned him to that extent, to which the executive responded ‘Have you ever been in any military?. This left the accused feeling somewhat uneasy and his response was to state that no one present was involved in a military of any kind, but that even if they were they would not be in a position to disclose that information to the questioner. After a short dispute the flag was eventually taken down.

Although the college authorities probably felt they had prevailed, this is not the case; this campaign is ongoing within NUIG and will continue regardless.

After the event Ógra Shinn Féin campaigner in the college Ian Daly, had this to say:

‘The fact that having a symbol such as a national flag flying over a state building is so detestable to the administration in the 26 counties is further evidence that Fianna Fáil-ure should drop their self-composed title, ‘The Republican Party’ and come to terms with the fact that they are a politically corrupt and completely incompetent political party that promote partition in the Island of Ireland and they will be wiped out come the next general election.’