Marching on!

With the policing debate and the March elections the north Ógra activists and indeed Senior Sinn Féin activist have been busy to say the least. It is due to this that I am only getting around to responding to an article penned by a comrade back in November 2006 regarding Republican colour parties and Republican Flute Bands. Please excuse the delay but here it is….



Barry McNally

Numerous months ago an author, known only as ‘Young And Independent’ wrote an article in relation to Ógra Shinn Féin Colour parties and Republican Flute Bands. The author made it clear that he / she wished to see both things consigned to the dustbin of history.

Whilst I respect the argument I think that if the comments and wishes were given any credence, it could have far reaching negative consequences for the struggle.

Firstly I agree with the decision taken by the leadership of West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin (of which I am one) to allow an ÓSF colour party to lead the commemoration march for the Hungerstrikers in October past at the Omagh Demilitarisation Weekend. Far from being what the author describes as negative I believe the colour party provided a strong addition to the parade. Indeed the theme of the parade focussed on youth and the youthfulness of the Hungerstrikers and blanketmen. We also had young people wrapped in blankets and 12 young people all between the ages of 8 and 13 carrying picture of the Hungerstrikers participating in the parade. Therefore I believe it was appropriate to ask an ÓSF colour party, of which there are a number, to lead the parade.

We didn’t try and become Na Fianna Éireann, as the author seems to suggest, who rightly states they were disbanded in the early 1990’s. The very fact that the Ógra badge was present and visible on the coats wore by the colour party bore testament to this. Never in the publicity and / or literature did we try and claim we were anyone else other than Ógra Shinn Féin. It wasn’t a case of wink wink nudge nudge. We were very clear-it was an Ógra Shinn Féin colour party.

The comrade who wrote this article then refers to the ‘left wing activists laughing their heads off on indymedia’ when seeing pictures of the Demilitarisation weekend and the colour party. Whilst I wouldn’t be quick to appease (the many but not all) computer socialists sitting at their keyboards debating and theorising all day but not being active on the ground, I am of the opinion that any publicity is good publicity.

Indeed we got that front page of our local newspaper and a large write up in the paper. When a journalist rang me for a comment I was more than willing to defend Ógra’s decision in commemorating the Hungerstrikers in a disciplined, respectful manner.

In the last contribution, my comrade who penned the article, they pleaded ‘Decommission Republican Flute Bands’. They predicted that this would be ‘most advantageous’ to the struggle. I couldn’t disagree more with this remark.

As a young (er) person I looked forward to 3 things on Easter Sunday. These were
1.) Hearing the Army statement read by a Volunteer of Óglaigh na hÉireann
2.) Eating Fish and Chips till they were coming out of my ears
3.) Hearing the Bands parade through Carrickmore

After joining the Martin Hurson Flute Band numerous years ago I saw for myself the role Republican Flute Bands play in the struggle. For many young people who join these bands it acts as an education tool. Not only this but it is their niche in the struggle for freedom in Ireland. Indeed it was Bobby Sands that said, “No part is too big or too small”. These people I can safely say would not be involved in the republican struggle apart from the band. And if this is their contribution to the struggle it is certainly welcome.

Also in years gone by RFB’s kept morale among the republican people high when times were hard and morale low. Politics by its very nature is frustrating and morale sapping. So I think the role of RFB’s are as important now as they were anytime in the struggle.

As a proud member of the Martin Hurson RFB I am humbled when representatives of the Hurson family thank and praise the band for their dedication and work. After the Easter parade in 2006 the band members were asked to remain assembled for 10 minutes, which we did. Martin’s brother Brendan Hurson then thanked us for keeping the name and spirit of Martin Hurson alive for 25 years. He also told us to continue with our good work. This said to me that we were doing something right.

So I would say as by way of a conclusion that republicans should not be afraid or shy of where we have come from- we shouldn’t hide from the fact that we are proud to remember Ireland's patriot dead, whatever way that is. And neither do I think young republicans should be criticised for taking initiatives to do such. On a closing point the author states ‘let us mobilise behind the starry plough’. I have no problem with this but the tri colour shall be given precedence and the starry plough will be alongside the sun burst in the second line of the colour party.

(Provided the author doesn’t get their way that is)

Beirigi Bua agus Tiocfaidh ar la!

For previous article please follow link:

http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2006/10/can-gra-mobilisations-be-militant.html