Ógra blitz Connaught in Day of action on National Campaign

Connacht Ógra Shinn Féin brought the youth movement's national campaign to the attention of people across the cúige last Tuesday in a day of action which saw members travel from one county to the next, spreading the Ógra message.


The day started early for members travelling to Athlone for the first leg of the journey. There they erected a mural, which asked; ‘Who fears to speak of a United Ireland?’ The mural was placed in the prime location of the South Roscommon road which leads directly into Athlone town. This was seemingly too revolutionary for some people and so the mural had already disappeared three hours later. This, however, did not deter the diligent activists who continued on to Galway in order to continue their campaign.


Galway’s Shop Street was the next location to be graced by the group’s presence. The great weather meant it was bustling with people and it did not take long for the activists to hand out all their National Campaign leaflets. The sunshine clearly had a positive affect on Galwegians as the feedback was exceptionally good. One leaflet even managed to fall into the hands of a National Executive member of the Scottish National Party who commended Ógra for its work.


Mayo was the next scene of action where Mayo Ógra came out in full force to help their comrades from Roscommon and Galway, not to mention a dedicated Sligo activist, to cover the streets of Castlebar with posters. The posters, which displayed an Ógra Shinn Féin logo on the front and 'osf.ie' at the back, were erected on a number of posts around the town in an effort to raise awareness and celebrate the election of, our very own, Thérèse Ruane as deputy mayor the night before. The Ógra members found some perfect poles to hang the posters from, such as in front of the Free State army barracks and on the pole of a Garda Camera.


Sligo was the final stop for Ógra activists on an arduous, but enjoyable day. It was during the journey from Castlebar to Sligo that the lack of sleep suddenly hit all Ógra members and so it was with great effort that they carried materials from Connacht’s favourite Sinn Féin office to Sligo’s main street. The enthusiasm and solid preparation put in by the Sligo cumann soon lifted the spirits of their weary comrades and in no time everyone was all set to protest. During their protest, Sligo ÓSF chose to highlight the impact of partition on the economy, also tying in the burning issue of unemployment in what turned out to be a highly successful event. Leaflets were handed out, placards held aloft and the artistic Sligo banner was held proudly. Support from local councillor Arthur Gibbons was also greatly appreciated.

The day finally came to an end and the activists returned home to their respective counties. The day proved a complete success and all hope that the Slógadh na n-Óg in a couple of weeks time will prove to be just as much of a success story!