Michael was an inspiration and will be missed!
Ógra Shinn Féin will be interviewing a number of its key activists in the coming weeks. Speaking of his role recently appointed Ógra Shinn Féin Belfast Organiser PIERCE GORMLEY sets out his priories for the republican youth group in Belfast.
Pierces initial introduction to Ogra Shinn Fein came through his involvement with the Magee Ogra Shinn Fein group in Co. Derry, where he was studying Irish History and politics. A lot of people who were involved initially when I joined Ogra Shinn Fein have moved on to Sinn Fein and a number are elected representatives in North Antrim and Derry. Indeed this shows the importance of the youth within the republican movement.
When I first joined the cumann, we were not a very active group but with a reshuffle of Ogra Shinn Fein in 2003 this all changed and activism throughout the colleges, including Magee increased massively.
Before being appointed Belfast organiser in 2006, Pierce held a number of key briefs for Ogra. He was college co-ordinator, both on a national and 6 county basis, which to he points as his major achievement in Ogra. The establishment of a strong college base in the 6 counties was a major achievement for myself. We now have an active Ógra Shinn Fein group in every campus in the north of Ireland, and which I am honoured to have been involved in.
Pierce was also chairperson of the Magee Ogra Shinn Fein cumann for a number of years and is also current National Ogra Shinn Fein finance officer and sits on the Ogra Shinn Fein National executive.
Reflecting on the work of Ógra Shinn Féin in Belfast Pierce commented,
"During the summer we hosted a very successful youth in struggle weekend, which seen a large number of youth descend in Belfast from throughout Ireland and abroad. During that weekend a large number of events were held highlighting youth participation in worldwide struggles of liberation. The weekend culminated with the youths forming a large contingent at the National hunger strike rally in Casement Park."
"Just next month we will be taking part in a political tour at Belfast aimed at young people below 18, which is to encourage political thought and education of the youth of today. We will also be rolling out a citizenship program in Belfast, which is aimed at young people who want to take ownership of their communities. For far to long communities are put under constant fear by people up to no good- particularly at weekends, we want to help young people claim back their communities and work for the betterment of themselves and their communities."
On the priorities of Belfast Ógra Shinn Féin Pierce set out,
"We wish to establish a strong working executive in Belfast so that we can develop and strengthen an activist base in the city. We wish to develop a large youth movement in the city, which promotes and work towards Irish freedom and secondly campaigns actively on social issues. It is a 3-thronged approach of Education, recruitment and campaigns."
"Ogra Shinn Fein are the only youth movement prepared to stand up for young people against injustice and speak out for young people and empower young people to take ownership of their communities and themselves and to give young people an arena to make important decisions and develop their leadership skills."
Reflecting on major achievements to date in Ógra Pierce said meeting UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan in Derry in 2004, was a momentous occasion for himself. He also pointed out that he travelled to Brussels to visit the EU Parliament and NATO, which he said was another achievement of his during his time in Ógra.
Reflecting on the death of a comrade and personal friend, Michael Ferguson Pierce first of all extended condolences to the Ferguson family on the death of a father and husband. He stated Michael was 'an inspiration to the people of West Belfast and beyond'.
"I worked closely with Michael on a number of issues when I was college co-ordinator for Ogra Shinn Fein. He is a loss to the republican movement, his family and a major loss to the community in west Belfast."
"Michael was an inspiration and will be missed!"
2 comments:
Congratulations to Pierce on being appointed Belfast Organiser. OGRA Shinn Féin is well assured of a bright future in the city with Pierce at the helm.
Also it's great that Barry McColgan has accepted the role as National Organiser, even though it apprears that he needs to get some advice according to the DUP fashionistas on Slugger.
Well one young women from County Derry was overheard to say that with Barry attempts at the iconic revoloutionary look (beard), the DUPers are right - Barry is more chav than Che.
Barry: Ireland has been in (chunky)chains in long enough.
Well Done to Pierce
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