Ógra Stand in Solidarity with Ardoyne and Springfield Road Residents

Ógra Shinn Féin activists from throughout Belfast and farther afield travelled to Ardoyne and the Springfield Road, Belfast on (Monday 12th July) to join hundreds of residents in their protest against the parades commission decision to allow the Orange Order to march through overwhelming nationalist areas against the wishes of the local people.

The republican youth wing joined in the protests organised by CARA (Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association), and Springfield residents which according to a spokesperson, were 'dignified and peaceful at all times despite triumphalist and sectarian provocation and abuse by the Unionist marchers.'

Speaking on the protests, Ógra spokesperson, Barry McColgan said,

"We were in Ardoyne and the Springfield road to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the local residents, who have had to endure this triumphalist coat trailing exercise each and every year."

"The message was very clear from the protests; these provocative marches are not welcome by the local residents and as such should not be facilitated by the parades commission. We would condemn the PSNI’s use of plastic bullets over the past few days, these lethal weapons have injured, maimed and killed innocent people in the past, including young children. They should not be used, and we would call for a ban on plastic bullets immediately. We will continue to demonstrate our solidarity with the residents and campaign against these crazy rulings until they are a thing of the past. Re-route the flute!"