Ógra Shinn Féin
An Cáislean Nua
2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Na Fianna Eireann, the first Republican Youth organisation. Its founders, Countess Markievicz and Bulmer Hobson sought to utilise the youth of Ireland in the struggle for Irish independence.
Young men from both rural and urban communities quickly joined the ranks of Na Fianna, seeking to play their role.
But Na Fianna Eireann was not simply about instilling confidence and a sense of Irishness in young men. It was about education, community service, social activities, and improving the lives of all the people of Ireland. It was founded on Irish republican and socialist ideals, and on the basis of equality for all.
It was Na Fianna who fired the first shots in Dublin in 1916, and Na Fianna units across the whole of Ireland continued to serve admirably until the cessation of the armed struggle. It is with great awe that we can look back on the role these young people played in our struggle.
Young republicans have always been key in Irish history , whether it was young women through Cumann na gCailini or young men in Na Fianna.
Young people today can look up to them as a shining example of courageousness. People like Tom Williams, executed for his role in the Army at the mere age of 19. People like Bobby Sands and all the Hunger Strikers of 1981, whose average age was around 20, and even up to present day, to people like Daithi McKay MLA who continue to advance that Irish republican and socialist ideal upon which Na Fianna was founded.
Bobby Sands said “Everyone, republican or otherwise, have their own particular part to play. No part is too great or too small, no one is too young or too old to do something”.
That statement is as relevant today as it ever was.
Ógra Shinn Féin continue to play their part, knowing that we can only strive to be as brave as the young who went before us.
The onus is on young Irish people today to continue the struggle, we are the future and it will be in our generation that we achieve Irish unity.
With the anniversary of the formation of Na Fianna Eireann, I would encourage all young people to get involved in Ógra Shinn Féin, and to continue what Countess Markievicz and Bulmer Hobson started all those years ago.
To advance the cause of Irish freedom, and show that the lives of so many young republicans in the past were not given in vain.
An Phoblacht Abú!!
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Na Fianna Éireann- New Book
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A new book on the history of Na Fianna Éireann entitled 'Na Fianna Éireann and the Irish Revolution- 1909 to 1923' written by Damian Lawlor will be in shops in about two weeks. As the book publisher is independent it may be just as easy to get it from the author himself- just email jflalor@gmail.com It costs ten euro plus postage and packaging.
Na Fianna Éireann was founded on August 16th 1909 in an old run down hall at 34 Lower Camden Street. A committee which included Countess Markievicz and Bulmer Hobson had called the meeting in order to recruit boys in Dublin to a new nationalist body. The hundred or so boys who attended determined to create an organisation which would offer a suitable alternative to the growing Baden-Powell ‘Boy Scout’ movement. What developed over the next fourteen years was a veritable boy’s army which played a crucial role in the Irish Revolution.
This book is unique in telling the history of Na Fianna Éireann. It charts its growth and development from 1909 to 1923, giving for the first time access to the stories of individual members. The book also analyses its expansion into a truly national organisation with over 30,000 members spread throughout Ireland’s 32 counties.
Significantly the involvement of the Fianna Éireann in the following events is described in detail:
• The development of Na Fianna Éireann in its early years
• A history of the flag, badge, uniform and song of Na Fianna Éireann
• The launch and growth of the Irish Volunteers
• The Howth and Kilcoole gun running operations
• The Fianna circle of the IRB
• The Fianna involvement in 1916 Rising
• The reorganisation of the Fianna in the aftermath of 1916
• The Fianna participation in the ‘Tan War’
Congratulations to Damian Lawlor on publishing this book. Looking forward to reading it.
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