A weekend of events has been organised by Sinn Féin to commemorate the 40thAnniversary of the ‘Three Volunteers’ Óglach Dermot Crowley, Óglach Seán Loughran and Óglach Patrick Carty who were killed on active service on the Gortin Road, Omagh on 25th June 1973.
The events will include the Dermot Crowley Memorial lecture in The Venue at 8pm on Friday 28th June, exploring the courageous life of this young 18 year old Cork City native. The lecture will be delivered by a fellow young Cork man, Donnchadh O’Laoghaire, and Stan Corrigan from Tyrone who knew the three men personally. Music will be provided afterwards by Liam Lappin in the Glebe Bar.
Martin Ferris TD will deliver the main oration at the ‘Three Volunteers’ commemoration at Strathroy Republican Monument at 1pm on Saturday 29th June. Later that evening at 9pm, a Big Summer BBQ will be held in The Boe Inn Dromore, with music by legendary rebel band, The Irish Brigade.
Encouraging people to attend the events, Cllr Martin McColgan said,
“We are inviting you to join us in remembrance and to commemorate the 40thAnniversary of the ‘Three Volunteers’. We have organised this programme of events to remember Patrick, Seán and Dermot’s ultimate sacrifice for Irish freedom and to keep alive their names. Fuair siad bás ar son Saoirse na hÉireann.”
On Sunday 16th of June Republicans from Cork
and further afield braved the horrific weather to commemorate the 40th
anniversary of Cork Brigade Volunteer Dermot Crowley, who alongside his
comrades Volunteers Paddy Carthy and Seán Loughran were killed when a bomb they
were transporting on the Goirtín Road outside Omagh, Co. Tyrone exploded
prematurely.
The crowd assembled at Rathcooney Fruit Farm for the
commemoration march and were led by the MacCurtain/MacSwiney Republican Flute
Band to Rathcooney cemetery where Dermot is buried. Once there local Sinn Féin
Representative for Cork North East, Pat Coughlan, welcomed everyone and thanked
them for coming along. From there wreaths were laid on behalf of the Republican
Movement by Arnie O’Connell, on behalf of Ex-POWs by Leo Mullins, on behalf of
the Ahern/Crowley cumann by Jim O’Donovan and on behalf of Sinn Féin Óige Phoblachtach
Chorcaí by local activist Chris Kelleher. A short lament was played by the
piper and the colour party lowered their flags in memory of Volunteer Dermot
Crowley and all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom.
The main speaker on the day was Tyrone MLA Francie Molloy
who made the long journey to Cork for the commemoration. Francie spoke of the
importance to remember the sacrifices the Volunteers of Óglaigh na h-Éireann
made during the course of the struggle and how we would not be where we are
today if it was not for them, he also spoke of the importance to commemorate
those who gave their lives in the cause of Ireland’s freedom and to continue
that same struggle today which they fought and died for. The tactics may have
changed but the overall goal remains the exact same. The subject of the recent
arrest and charging of Donegal Republican John Downey was mentioned in
Francie’s oration and he condemned the British Government for going against
what is enshrined in both the Good Friday Agreement and Weston Park Agreement.
The ceremony then concluded with the MacCurtain/MacSwiney
RFB playing with Amhrán na bhFiann.
Speaking on the day’s events local Óige Phoblachtach
activist Dave Barry had this to say,
“It’s fantastic to see so many people turn out today
despite the bad weather to honour and commemorate Volunteer Dermot Crowley. I’m
glad to see such a strong youth presence here today also as Dermot was only 18
years old when he was killed on active service in Tyrone. He was just an ordinary
young person who stepped forward when his country needed him the most to play
his part, and unfortunately lost his life in the process. The month previous
Dermot’s death his friend and comrade Tony Ahern had been killed while on
active service in Fermanagh fighting the British forces of occupation. Both
Dermot and Tony remain a big influence on all Óige Phoblachtach activists here
in Cork today, and no better tribute can be paid to them by continuing on to
achieve that same goal which they gave their lives for.”
Sinn Féin Republican Youth’s incoming National Youth
Committee has held a planning session to discuss activity and strategise for
the year ahead. The Committee consists of six elected members and a range of
co-options spread geographically across the four cúige.
This year’s meeting saw a great level of enthusiasm with innovative
ideas being put forward by all delegates. The neoliberal onslaught of austerity
by a right wing Fine Gael-led administration in the 26 counties, propped up by
the ironically-titled ‘Labour’ Party, coupled with Tory inspired cuts in the
north has left working communities across Ireland under serious financial
pressure. Unprecedented levels of youth unemployment, increases in education
fees and mental health issues as well as the scourge of emigration have been
the result of these attacks and young people are among the worst affected
groups in society. Óige Phoblachtach has seen a sway of new members join its
ranks who, despite a desolate state of affairs, are more determined now than
ever to bring about genuine social, economic and cultural change for this
country.
Chairperson of
the National Youth Committee, Darren O'Rourke said; "The annual planning
meeting affords members of the National Youth Committee to identify national
priorities in terms of campaigns and activities for the year ahead. This year's
meeting in Omeath was a very engaging affair and set out a plan for a busy
period in the months to come. Campaigns on youth unemployment and emigration,
suicide and mental health and LGBT rights will keep members busy in colleges
and communities right throughout the country. Specific targets in terms of
organisational development, online presence, merchandising, education and child
protection practices were also identified as priorities."
The ‘Guarantee Our Future’ conference, organised by MEP
Martina Anderson and Senator Kathryn Reilly, last Friday, was a major success.
Young people from across the 32 counties of Ireland attended the discussion
forum which focused on the issue of youth unemployment.
There was a range of informative speakers including
Valerie Duffy of the European Youth Forum who highlighted the staggering levels
of unemployment in the EU. She commented that 1 in every 4 young people,
between the ages of 16 and 25 are out of work. James Doorley, Deputy Director of the National Youth
Council Ireland, noted that 142,700 people under 25 emigrated between 2008 and
2012. The debate centered on the ‘Youth Guarantee’ scheme, something which
Kathryn Reilly has been arguing for.
The conference included an international dimension as
Portuguese MEP Ines Zuber, member of the European Parliament’s Employment and
Social Affairs Committee addressed the gathering. She explained the current
economic situation in Portugal, stating that public debt in Portugal is a
staggering 123% of GDP. Stefan Lindborg President of the Ung Vänster (Young
Left) in Sweden also spoke. He outlined a left alternative to the jobs crisis.
Fermanagh Sinn Féin Republican Youth activist Sophie McClintock, was also in attendance, she said ‘The Guarantee our future talk really highlighted the growing problem of youth unemployment, not only in Ireland, but Portugal and Sweden also, with representatives from both countries explaining how many of their young people are neither employed nor in full time education. Youth unemployment and emigration is a serious issue in border counties such as Fermanagh with friends and family as young as 19 feeling they have no other option but to leave home to find work.’
Matt Carthy, former Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser
and current mayor of Carrickmacross, was at the conference.
Afterwards he remarked: “Martina Anderson and Kathryn Reilly are to be
commended for organising the event. It was clear from listening to various speakers
that governments, not only in Ireland but across Europe , are failing young
people in particular. What is also clear is that the Sinn Féin platform of
stimulus and development is gaining traction. That can be seen in
pronouncements from the EU and even government Ministers in Dublin of late.
What we now need is to move beyond pronouncements and statements and onto
action plans that will make a real difference to young people. The Youth
Guarantee has the potential to be an important first step but above all we need
to change direction; we need the policies and the plans to create the
conditions where young people can get sustainable, well-paid jobs in their home
country. Effectively we need what Sinn Féin has been arguing for over the past
five years of austerity”.
Young Sinn Féin members from across South Antrim have come
together to establish a Sinn Féin Republican Youth Committee in their area.
At their first meeting they decided to name the cumann after
United Irishman Roddy McCorley. Roddy McCorley participated in the 1798 Irish
Rebellion in Antrim and has provided inspiration to many young republicans in
the years that followed. He was executed in 1800 at Toome Bridge.
Mary Kate Quinn, a member of this new cumann, said ‘We are
excited about the fact that a group of young, like minded people have come
together to further and develop Sinn Féin’s youth structures in County Antrim.
We are looking forward to the summer during which we plan to organise a few
actions and campaigns. All new members are welcome to attend our meeting!’
The Mairéad Farrell Youth Committee, in conjunction with
Clonard Martyrs Cumann, are organising a night at the races on Saturday the 15th
of June in Davitt’s Club. The funds raised will be used to help build Sinn Féin
and the Youth Committee in the local area.
MFRYC Chairperson Eoin McShane said ‘Anyone who has attended
a Night at the Races will be aware how successful such a night can be. We have
sold well over 100 tickets already so it is set to be a great night. 'We encourage all local activists to come along and we would gladly welcome members from other areas who wish to attend.'
Tickets are only £3 which provides entrance to eight races
and to the disco afterwards. There are also fantastic prizes to be won on the
night mar sin bígí linn!
For tickets, or for more information, contact the Mairéad Farrell Republican Youth Committee on Facebook.
Senator Kathryn Reilly is organising a 'Guarantee Our Future' conference on Friday the 7th of June in the Cavan Crystal Hotel in Cavan Town. This conference will enable a forum for discussion around the issues of youth unemployment and the 'Youth Guarantee'. Speakers include Martina Anderson MEP, Ines Zuber, a Portuguese MEP, and president of the Young Left in Sweden, Stefan Lindborg. Senator Reilly has said: “Over 30% of under 25s are unemployed. More than 30,000 young people are on the live register for more than 12 months. Youth emigration continues at an alarming pace. There is an urgent need for the government to invest in stemming the youth unemployment crisis. One way of doing this is to invest in a Nordic style youth guarantee scheme which would ensure than no young person was left without a job, training or education for more than four months after becoming unemployed." The event begins at 10am & will finish with a free lunch at 1pm. There is a bus travelling from the 6 counties which will only cost £5 per person and will pick up in the following places:
7am: Belfast (Sevastopol Street) 7.30am: Lurgan (Loughview Park & Ride) 8am: Dungannon (Bus Depot) 8.15am: Ballygawley (Park & Ride) 9.00am: Lisnaskea (Bus Stop) Please contact Barry on 07885569940 to confirm your place. Spaces limited.
Óige Phoblachtach Shinn Féin, Lú is organising a youth weekend due to be held in Omeath, Co.Louth 14-16th June. Táille: €40/£35 which includes accommodation, meals and admission to all functions and tours. Gerry Adams opening the weekend of ceol, craic, debate, workshops and tours. Bring an instrument and join in with local musicians 'Ceol Heads' for an seisiún ceol on Friday night!
For more information, to register or if transport from Newry or Dundalk bus/train stations is required please contact Eimear 00353879030462 or Conor 00353871458746.
Dé hAoine - 14/6/2013
5pm: Clarú / Registration.
6pm: Gerry Adams TD ag oscailt an deireadh seachtain le nuashonrú polaitiúil/ Gerry Adams opening address/political update.
7pm: Dinnéar
8pm: Droichead Uisce Cúng -Narrow Water Bridge. Ag aontú Eireann, droichead amhain ag an am. Uniting Ireland one bridge at a time!
9pm: Séisiún ceol!
Dé Sathairn - 15/6/2013
9:30am: Bricfeasta
10:30am: Bus go Dun
Dealgan. Turas de phriosún Dún Dealgain/ Tour of Dundalk Gaol.
1pm: Lón
2pm: Dundalk Outcomers Society (LGBT Society) & PIPS 4:30pm: Turas stairiúl Ómeith trí mhéan na Gaeilge/ Irish language historical tour of Omeath.
7pm: Dinnéar
8pm: Mícheál Mac Donncha - 1913 Lockout & its Legacy 9:30pm: Ceol Beo le
Ronan
Cork SFRY will be holding a fundraiser on Saturday the 13th of July in An Spailpín Fánach. They are delighted to announce that Clann Éireann will be providing the entertainment for the night. All welcome to attend/ Tá fáilte roimh cách!
For more information contact Cork SFRY via Facebook.
