Not without reason did Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness make such comments on the positive role young people are playing and have to play in the struggle over the coming time, as many were struck by the youthful profile of those in attendance.
Many thousands of republican activists and supporters, among which number there was a high number of youth activists, travelled to the South Derry village of Bellaghy, the home of IRA volunteers and hunger strikers Thomas McElwee and Francis Hughes.
An impressive crowd came out to support the rally, and the rally was extremely well supported by locals.
Padraig Quinn, Coalisland/Clonoe Ógra as a Blanketman
As well as the many Ógra activists in attendance, there were many involved in the impressive selection of republican flute bands, the various colour parties and the various dramatisations of the hunger strikers lives. Ógra activists also attended the annual Vol Kevin Lynch Parade in Dungiven on the Saturday night.
Catherine Kelly and Kathy Crawford banging bin lids.
Speaking at the National Hungerstrike Rally, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said,
“This weekend’s events have been a fitting tribute to the Hunger Strikers here in south Derry. We in Ógra feel that this is a crucial date in the republican calendar, to remind ourselves of the extraordinary sacrifices and commitment of the republican activists involved. Reflecting on their sacrifices and on that pivotal time in our history, inspires us all to redouble our efforts and to ensure that the only fitting tribute to their lives - a 32 county socialist republic - is established.
Ógra activists at Kevin Lynch March in Dungiven
The role of youth was one of the key themes of Martin’s speech, and the following words capture well the key message that young people should take from the rally, and should note when they remember the sacrifices of the Hunger Strikers.
Ógra activists at mock anti H-Block protest
The role of youth was one of the key themes of Martin’s speech, and the following words capture well the key message that young people should take from the rally, and should note when they remember the sacrifices of the Hunger Strikers.
‘Many of our activists who gave their lives over the past four decades, including the Hunger Strikers were young men and women; they made a brave choice in life. They could have chosen a different path. It is worth remembering also that they were ordinary men and women like any one here today. But they rose to an extraordinary challenge. There are young people standing here today who have that extraordinary ability to give leadership but don’t yet know it.’
No comments:
Post a Comment