Women in Struggle Interview - Tiarna McCorry

Gemma McKenna
Gender Equality Officer
Uladh Ógra Shinn Féin

To continue the women in struggle interviews, I sat down with Tiarna McCorry, Culture Officer for Lurgan Ógra Shinn Féin, and asked her a few questions on her motivations, experience and activism.

If anyone would like to suggest someone for an interview, or just make a general observation, please leave a comment. Go raibh maith agat.


How did you get interested in politics?

From a young age I took an interest in local political affairs and this was largely because of British presence throughout my area. I grew up in a predominant nationalist estate in Lurgan and on many occasions, although I was barely six or seven, I witnessed the brutality of British forces in and around my estate. I then, as an inquisitive young person began my quest for answers, turning to family recollections and experiences. As I gained a better understanding to events and history in Ireland it is then when politics played some part in my life.

Were you involved in politics before getting involved in Ógra?

I was not involved in any other political group before Ógra but I was however very interested in politics and attended many historical and political events organised by Sinn Féin.

How did you find out or know about Ógra Shinn Fein?

I found out about Ógra Shinn Féin, by attending various Sinn Féin functions and events. Also by a neighbour who is involved within he cumman and of course through the ever-persistent Johnny Mc Gibbon.

Has your interest in politics come your family influence? And How?

No it has developed largely through the evidence of struggle in Ireland and British oppression. But I have to say my family although they did not play a big part, often enlightened me on many events.

What would you be doing if you weren’t involved in Ógra?

I would have a lot more time on my hands that’s for sure but honesty I’d be lost without it JWhat actions have Ógra taken in your area (weekend’s protests etc).

Throughout the Narc campaign we have been going into schools and youth centres and delivering a short slide show presentation on the dangers and effects on alcohol and drugs on our bodies.

We also engaged in the No campaign for the Lisbon Treaty. I have just been elected as the Irish Language officer and will hope to start doing campaigns locally to do with language rights. We also did a vigil just last week for Pol Brennan. Although I love campaigning locally I also enjoy attending national events and I am looking forward to my first national congress.

What do you like most about Ógra Shinn Féin?

Ógra Shinn Féin is not just a political group in my opinion. It is a group where young activists can express views and opinions important to them, where friendships are found and confidence and personalities are developed. It is a great way for young people to interact through a subject they all have in common. Most of all I feel Ógra has helped bring about change in many towns and this I feel is a change for the better.

Have you any major achievements within Ógra or things that you will remember for a long time to come?

Culture and Gaeilge Officer for Ográ An Lorgain ;)

What do you enjoy doing outside of Politics?

I enjoy playing Gaelic Football for my local club, playing in North Armagh Republican Flute Band, socialising with friends at the weekends and of course ag labhairt gaeilge.

How do you think you make politics relevant to young people and what are the major pressing issues for young people?

It is becoming increasingly difficult to make young people realise how relevant politics is to them and how much it actually affects there daily lives. But I think Ogra in general with the A.R.IS.E campaign, the good work surrounding suicide prevention and now N.A.R.C. we are definitely speak directly to young people and issues that they are concerned with.

Quick fire Round

Favourite Food:
Pasta

Favourite Drink:
Lucozade Sport

Favourite Music / Artist:
I’m in to all music like R’n’B, charts and Irish Republican artists

Favourite songs :
All songs nearly, my favourite of all time but is, Only Our Rivers Run Free by Eire Óg

Favourite Films:
Braveheart

Favourite Book:
Ten Men Dead

Favourite Holiday resort:
Florida

Person most influential in your life:
I am influenced by many people, not just one. All those who have worked and continue to work to meet our objectives and the objectives of all other nations in the same predicament as ourselves.

Person you would like to meet (living)
Nelson Mandela

Person you would like to meet (deceased)
Martin Luther King

If you were president of Ireland or Taoiseach what 3 things would you do to change Ireland?

Lower university fees for students

Ensure equality for Irish language speakers and give more opportunities for people to learn and speak the language.

Ensure there is equality throughout this island.