Women in Struggle Interview: Connaught Ógra Organiser Mairead Farrell

Gemma McKenna
Gender Equality Officer
Ógra Shinn Féin

19 year old student Mairead Farrell from Galway has recently become Connaught Organiser for Ógra Shinn Féin. She comes from a family background steeped in politics and activism, and was involved variously in different social and political campaigns before joining Ógra.

She is a passionate advocate of the Irish Langauage and has campaigned pro actively on various International issues including Palestine.

When not protesting, agitating and organising, the young Galway girl likes to go clubbing, and when she finds time in her busy schedule goes to the gym.

She has a burning desire to establish a strong Ógra Shinn Féin presence across Connaught, and in only a short space of time has made huge progress.

Named after her Auntie, Mairead Óg possesses the same passion, confidence, and charisma of her late Auntie, who she no doubt derives inspiration from.

Where are you from?

Galway.

What do you do? (student/occupation) if student what are you studying:

I’m studying History and Economics in NUI Galway.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like going out clubbing with friends and going to the gym!

How did you get interested in politics?

Politics has always been a big part of my life as my parents are politically active but I thought about the importance of politics for the first time when we read Pearse’s oration at O’Donnovan Rossa’s grave in school.

Were you involved in politics before getting involved in Ógra?

Yes, I have been active in broad left groups in Galway for a few years. I was involved in the Galway Alliance Against War, Galway No to Lisbon , different Palestine campaigns and the clean water group. Then I decided to join the senior party and then a while after joining it I joined Ógra.

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

I had heard about Ógra a few years ago but I only really found out about it through a friend in college who is active in it. She told me to come along to a weekend, I did and decided that I definitely wanted to join.

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

Yes, both my parents are very political and so they raised me to be political. I was dragged along to protests and meetings from an early age so I can’t really imagine my life without politics.

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

I’d still be in Sinn Féin and I’d still be active in different political campaigns in Galway and in college. I’m delighted though that I am in Ógra it’s brilliant to know other people your age who are in your party.

What actions have Ógra taken in your area (weekend’s protests etc)

We are doing our best to build Ógra in Galway at the moment so unfortunately we have as of yet not had any major campaigns. We have, however, done leaflet drops, protests etc and hope to step up our campaigns over the next few weeks. We might even surprise everyone and have a weekend in Galway in the not so distant future!

What do you like most about Ógra Shinn Féin?

I think that the political education we get is invaluable. It is the only place in Sinn Féin that I am being politically educated. I also think that the comradeship that is built between the Ógra cumainn around the country is brilliant. I’m sure that comradeship will remain for years to come.

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

I’ll definitely remember the anniversary of the Céad Dáil for a long time. I found it very impressive.

I was very happy to become Ógra’s Connacht organiser, I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully maybe even some success!

Why do you think it is important for young people to get involved in politics?

I think that although voting is of course important young people need to do more than ‘just’ vote. The recession showed the world that capitalism doesn’t work and that there is a clear need for an alternative. It is important for us to mobilise the youth of the working class now as they are those who are being hit the hardest at the moment.

What do you think are the major pressing issues for young people?

The recession is clearly the main issue for young people at the moment. It in turn brings the massive unemployment for young people and it is the government’s excuse for the crazy cutbacks. Fees is another major worry for young people. There are a lot of people who may not be able to afford to go to college if they are introduced.

How do you think Ógra constantly makes itself relevant to young people?

The various campaigns put Ógra in the spotlight and are key to attracting young people. I think the fact that they tackle issues that are important to the youth results in people gaining respect and interest in the party.

Why is it important that Ireland once again vote no in the Lisbon treaty?

It’s extremely important that there is a second No vote for several reasons. Firstly it’s a disgrace that the government are putting an already rejected treaty to the people and then they have the nerve to talk about fixed elections in other countries! They are spending millions of euro, during a recession, in an attempt to ridicule the notion of democracy. This is happening at a time when vital services like the Sligo Cancer services are being taken from the people. Secondly the treaty itself is nine years old which means that the economics of the document is the economics which got us into the recession. It’s all about less regulation for banks!! Otherwise the fact that our voting rights will be halved whilst those of Germany will be doubled. This means that Germany will have 20 times our voting power.


Quickfire Round:

Favourite Food:

Chicken Curry.

Favourite Drink:

You can’t beat a good cup of tea!! Otherwise Koppaberg Pear.

Favourite Music / Artist:

Arctic Monkeys, I generally just listen to music when I’m driving around in the car so whatever’s in the charts is what I listen to.

Favourite songs :

‘Wild Horses’, ‘Song for Marcella’ and ‘Nobody Knows’.

Favourite Films:

‘The Wind that Shakes the Barley’ and ‘Little Miss Sunshine’. My favourite Christmas film is definitely ‘The Santa Claus’.

Favourite Book:

‘The Life and Times of James Connolly’ by Greaves and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.

Favourite Holiday resort:

Berlin

Person most influential in your life:

My Dad, especially politically.

Person you would like to meet (living)

Hugo Chavez, although I’d also love to meet Adhmadinijad!

Person you would like to meet (deceased)

Mairéad Farrell

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

Have a united Ireland , have socialism and have Irish as the most widely spoken language in Ireland . A United Ireland and socialism clearly go hand in hand, those would be my aims but obviously that’s not the sort of thing that happens over night. The Irish language is extremely important, not only is it our national language but to lose any language is a terrible loss.