Tyrone Youth hear the story of Che Guevara

Young people in Tyrone have heard the story of Che Guevara on the 40^th anniversary of his death. The life and legacy of Che Guevara was a public talk in an act of remembrance to this revolutionary icon.

Tuesday 9th October marked the fortieth anniversary of the murder of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara by Bolivian soldiers. To mark the anniversary the public talk took place in the West Tyrone Sinn Fein offices.

Students from various schools in Omagh attended the talk Given by Jim Falconer. Jim explained about Che’s life and death at the hands of the Bolivian army, sponsored by the CIA. He also talked about Che's powerful legacy after his death, especially the emergence of a strong revolutionary spirit amongst many people across the South American Continent today.

The Omagh talk was only one of a number of events to be held across Ireland this week remembering the Iconic Revolutionary's 40th Anniversary.

Ógra Shinn Féin join ACHT protest at Stormont

On Tuesday 9 October, Ógra Shinn Féin activists joined a protest organised by ACHT on the steps of Stormont opposing the anti-Irish racist motion that was submitted by David McNarry of the UUP.

McNarry proposed a motion that would have banned the use of the Irish Language in the Northern Assembly.

Speaking on the protest Eunan Carlin said,

“Today’s protest sent a strong message that this draconian motion and the racist, anti Irish sentiments are completely unacceptable and will be resisted.”

“It was heartening to see that the motion was defeated, and we must now continue the campaign to ensure that an Irish Language Act for the North is introduced.”

Ógra Shinn Féin play key role in Drogheda Hungerstrike Commemoration

Drogheda Ógra Shinn Fein was joined by Ógra members from Tyrone, Armagh, Dublin Kilkenny and Dundalk for a march commemorating the Hunger Strikes of 1981 in the town last Sunday.

The march was very well attended and an enjoyable day was had by all.

As a relatively new Ógra Cumann Drogheda ÓSF would like to thank their comrades who attended on the day for all their help and for showing the town of Drogheda that Ógra is alive and well and ready to take on the town.

Addressing the crowd at the memorial Drogheda Ógra chairperson Áine Ni Dhubháin had this to say:

‘Ceiliúirimid inniu íobart ollmhór na stailceoirí ocrais a chuir na húdarás Sasanach chun bás níos mó ná 26 bliain ó shin. Táimid chomh bródúil astu anois is a bhí riamh, agus ní dhearmadaimid riamh an t-ard-phraghas a d’íoc saidsan don streachailt seo.

Today we remember with great pride and honour the hunger-strikers of 1981 who paid the highest price so they would not see our struggle criminalised. We continue their struggle still, and promise that we shall see to it that they did not give their lives in vain.

The ten men who died were all young people dedicated to the ideals of 1916, committed to the achievement of a democratic, socialist Republic. As young people in today’s struggle this carries special resonance for us. We look to the Hunger Strikers for inspiration as we continue their fight today.

We also remember the brave women in Armagh Gaol, and the countless other republicans and freedom fighters who gave their lives throughout the centuries in order to rid this country of the foreign tyrant.

Tá Ógra Shinn Féin díongbháite go bhfuil sé de cumas againne an Phoblacht Daonlathach Sóisialach a chur i gcrích. Glaoaimid ar dhaoine óga teacht linn agus seasamh suas do na prionsabail poblachtánach atá ár naimhde ag iarraidh a cháineadh.

We do not expect our task to be easy, and we do not underestimate it. We are well aware of the gross in-equalities that exist in this state and our country. However this does not phase us we will not shirk our responsibility to deliver a better country for all the people regardless of gender, colour or creed.

We would take this opportunity to mention also our brave comrades in the Basque country. Two nights ago 23 members of Batasuna were arrested without warning. We in Ógra Shinn Fein stand shoulder to shoulder with our Basque comrades, Batasuna and the youth movement Segi, and condemn the Spanish government’s criminalisation of the Basque independence movement.

Young people are the future of this movement, and the future is in safe hands. We want to tackle the problems that face not only young people but indeed everyone, but we cannot do it alone. We need your help to make this a reality.

Bí linn sa streachailt. Bí linn sa réabhlóid. Bí linn in Ógra Shinn Féin.’

A fresh perspective on Freshers.......

(SDLP Youth Get Pissed on "Reassuringly Expensive" Stella Artois at an Executive Meeting)

Be honest lads

I don’t know if any one pays much attention to the stoop mouth piece i.e. the Irish News, but the paper has gone into overdrive about the whole Fianna Fáil coming north thing.

You would swear it was Christmas for them! Their enthusiasm for the new ‘Wannabe Stoops’ (Fianna Failures) has even crossed over to the letters page, with every Stoop, Wannabe Stoop and West Brit in the country jumping on the bandwagon.

Even the Green Party have added their voice to the chorus, claiming, now wait for it, that they and Fianna Fáil ‘out performed’ Ógra Shinn Féin at the various Fresher fairs across the north. Who said that honesty was the best policy?

The magical number according to the Greens is 134. That is the totality of the Greens recruitment drive across the six counties. Fianna Fáil, according to the Greens only mustered 130 across the six, so close wannabe stoops, so close. It is this ‘staggering’ number that, according to the Wannabe Stoops and Greens out performed Ógra Shinn Féin.

Well, let’s start with the truth, because a very wise man once said that it was the ‘truth that will set you free’. Firstly Ógra Shinn Féin, Ireland’s largest, most active and fastest growing political movement did not under perform. The FACT is that in Queens University alone, ÓSF recruited 140 members. So in one campus alone we out performed both the Greens, Stoops and Wannabe
Stoops. Well done us! ÓSF 1 Stoops and wannabe’s 0

Secondly in Jordanstown Campus, Ógra Sinn Féin once again came top, the wannabes didn’t even show nor did the Greens, which only left the Stoops. The poor things only stayed for a while but gave up when only seven people signed up. We had 70, making the score at
half time: ÓSF 2 Stoops and Wannabe’s 0.

It was a similar situation in Coleraine, except apart from us, nobody else was there, I guess that would make it 3-0. St. Mary’s was the same with more people signing up to join ÓSF. Again, even with their, em, trying to think of something polite, ‘leader’ Mark Durkan, the stoops failed to make an impact. Apart from most people noticing that the Stoop members at St. Mary's were the same guys at Queens and Jordanstown!

Making it 4-0 at this critical stage of the game.

Now we can’t forget about Magee in Derry, this was where according to Emmett Doyle of the Wannabe Stoops, claimed to have had victory. He said "Even though Sinn Féin has been operating in the north for some time, we were considerably outstripping them.’’ But ye see Emmett, even the Stoops didn’t buy this one, never mind us. Making the score 5-0. It will be interesting to see in a few months time who is active on the ground and who is not. I can guarantee it will be Ógra Shinn Féin who will be leading the way, campaigning on issues that affect people on the ground.

Such as highlighting the disgusting treatment of the people of Rossport by the current Fianna Fáil and Green government. Or the planned desecration of one of Ireland’s most important historical sites: The Hill of Tara, what are Fianna Fáil and the Greens planning to do to our ancient capital? Bulldoze a bloody motorway through it. You can bet the Greens and wannabes
didn’t want those issues to be raised at freshers', but as good Republicans we did and will continue to do, So bring it on Stoops, wannabe stoops and anybody else for that matter, we relish the challenge!

By the way, final score Ógra Shinn Féin 5 The Stoop, Wannabe Stoop brown paper bag corruption alliance, that only recently realised the border didn’t stop at Ravensdale. - 0.

Drogheda Gets The Message 'Moilligh Sios'

Last Friday evening Drogheda Ogra Shinn Fein organised a vigil for the current National Road Safety Campaign 'Moilligh Sios.'

The vigil was intended to raise the issue amongst the hundreds of passing motorists.

Speaking on the vigil, local activist Alan Cassidy said,

"We have raised awareness of the campaign and issue of Road Safety with hundreds of people from and passing through Drogheda. In the months ahead we intend to engage with as many young people as possible on this important issue which takes so many young lives and devastates communities."

"Especially coming up to the christmas period as well as urging drivers to slow down, we will also be highlighting the dangers associated with driving while intoxicated."

"Drogheda certainly got the message last Friday, 'Moilligh Sios!'

Derry Republican Youth campaign for Miami 5

As part of the week long series of events to mark the 40th Anniversary of the death of Latin American Revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara, organised by the Derry Sinn Féin Cuban solidarity group, young republicans from across Derry oganised and took part in a petition and information leaflet handout in Derry city centre on saturday afternoon past.

The event was organised to highlight the case and continued imprisonment in America of five cuban citizens known as the Miami five. WE DEMAND THEIR RELEASE NOW for more info on other events see......

http://www.derrysinnfein.ie/events/5833

QUB Ógra Host Successful Introductory Meeting

Ógra Shinn Féin hosted a successful introductory meeting in Queen's University this week.

The first of a series of introductory meetings for newly joined members, the Sheena Campbell Cumann in Queen's are already building for the year ahead. Tuesday nights meeting consisted of a DVD showing, followed by a brief presentation, and finally a Q&A/discussion session.

Ógra activist Grace Lynch said,

"Tonights meeting was an introductory meeting for new activists to come along learn a bit more about Ógra, and tell us what their impressions of Ógra are.

She continued,

"We enjoyed engaging with our new recruits and remain confident for the year ahead."

For more information about QUB or UUJ Ógra Shinn Féin please contact osfnational@yahoo.ie

Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin commemorate the end of Hungerstrike

The 26th anniversary of the end of the 1981 Hunger-strike was marked in Strabane on Wednesday night 3rd October. Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin held a candlelit vigil at the Hunger-strike memorial in Townsend street which attracted a huge crowd. The event was a great success and was well attended by Ógra activists and the Republican community of the town, with well over 100 candles handed out.

Chairing the nights proceedings, local Ógra Shinn Féin chair Seán Gillespie said;

“26 years ago today, Republican prisoners in the H-blocks and Armagh, ended their Hunger-strike for political status.

The statement read out that day by volunteer Pat Sheehan, ended seven months of painful protest against the british government’s policy of criminalisation of Republicans. Ten brave men died on the 1981 Hunger-strike and they are commemorated every year across Ireland and further a field.

Some of us here today have vivid memories of this turbulent time in Irish history. Others however such as myself and my comrades in Ógra Shinn Féin weren’t born at this time.The important thing to remember always, is why these men and indeed all our volunteers gave their lives. They fought and died so that we would see a day when british imperialism in Ireland becomes a thing of the past. Comrades we have yet to see that day. British occupation, and all the political evils associated with partition still exist. It is our duty as Irish Republicans in this an unfinished revolution, to build a 32 county Socialist Democratic Republic that the men and women of 1981 would be proud of.

By attending here today, we continue to show that the desire for Irish liberation and the struggle for social justice is well and truly alive in this community. Tiocfaidh Ar La!”

Following the opening address, Bobby Sand’s famous poem ‘The rhythm of time’ was read out by Ógra activist Dearbhail Peoples, and with the talented young Siobhan McCafferty playing an Irish air on the fiddle in the background.

John McDermott of Strabane Ógra then read the 3rd March statement ending the Hunger-strike, followed by the first day of Bobby Sand’s diary.

The 1981 Hunger-strike roll of honour was read by Ógra activist Mallachy Quigg followed by a minutes silence in memory of the ten brave men.

Events were brought to a close with the playing of Amhrán Na bhFainn on the fiddle by Siobhan McCafferty.

Sheena Campbell Cumann QUB has Successful Fresher's!

Ógra Shinn Féin in Queen's University Belfast had a successful fresher's fayre this past week. Accompanied by senior Sinn Féin activists, including Gerry Kelly MLA, they made a real impact on the Fresher's Fayre.

Signing up around 140 recruits, it was a successful day all round for the Sheena Campbell Cumann.

The Sheena Campbell cumann also received hundreds of signatures for the Disbility petition including politicians from other parties including the DUP's Sammy Wilson.

QUB Ógra activist Michal Harkin commented,

"We definitely got the Republican message out to the student body today. The numbers that signed up have shown the Republican politics is both still alive in students and still relevant to students.

He continued,

"We look forward to our upcoming first meeting and to campaigning for the rest of the year."

(DUP's Sammy Wilson signs Disability Petition.)

Pretension and Discrimination alive and well in Trinity

le Seachranaidhe agus an Síog

“You can’t say that here. That’s racist and it incites hatred.” This was the claim made by certain students in Trinity College Dublin during fresher’s week just gone. Despite the fact that Ógra went into numerous colleges and third-level institutes, collecting unprecedented numbers of applicants, the west-Brits in Trinity felt that the poster roused up anti-British feeling towards students from the ‘United Kingdom’ in the college. Personally we believed it was common knowledge that BRITS out was an acronym for ‘British Regiments, Informers, Troops and Soldiers’ out. However this was obviously not the case as the Trinity authorities promptly made their way to the ÓSF stall demanding the removal of the quasi-fascist material. Trinity College a cold-house for Republicans? Hardly.

To be fair to the Blueshirts, and plastic Fianna Fáil republicans, in UCD, at least having made their miraculous discovery of the ‘offensive’ term on the Ógra leaflet, they scampered back to their buddies at their respective stalls to congratulate each other on how witty and intellectually astute they were without creating a stir. How any Irishwoman or man can claim that ‘BRITS out’ is offensive is far beyond these writers’ collective comprehension. British occupational and imperialist forces have imposed their will on this land for well over 800 years, to ask them to kindly remove themselves does not seem to be an over-ambitious, or are we missing something?

The treatment of the Ógra activists who freely gave up their time to recruit young people to ÓSF last week was absolutely reprehensible. The accusations of racism and discrimination towards leveled at Ógra activists could well have been thrown back in the face of the college authorities. While ÓFF, YFG and the PD’s were allowed to recruit with no disruption whatsoever, Republicans who wanted to expose the lies of the neo-liberals both inside and outside government were muzzled with a great deal of prejudice.

The reaction from Trinity during the week begs some serious questions about the lingering existence of a pro-British psyche within the confines of Trinity. It also poses questions about the priorities of the Irish populous in today’s society. We know the point has already been made but the British occupied this country for 800 years, and still occupies six counties in the North-East. They subjected our descendants to poverty and destitution, raped and pillaged our lands, and made slaves and serfs of the people of this country.

Yet still the apologists of the British establishment try to tell us to let go of the past, embrace the present. This activity is not confined as some think to the six occupied counties, but an inherent facet of the 26 county establishment also. While the supporters of the British establishment in the six counties continually try to stagnate our cultural and constitutional development, their counterparts in the 26 maintain the pro-British conservative agenda feeding the fires of the two-tier system. Possessing a seemingly unquenchable desire to privatise any remaining public bodies, increase the tax burden of the poor, and eradicate any taxation on the wealthy few: they proudly carry the banner of old-school British conservatism.

The Republican alternative is the only option if we want to circumvent the revisionist agenda of the lingering Anglo-Irish oligarchy here. Ógra as the radical, cutting-edge of the Republican revolution must face this challenge head on. So it is with great pride that we affirm our allegiance to the ideals of 1916, and with greater resolve that we tell the authorities in Trinity, and any other copy-cat institutions, that they can shove their Butcher's Apron up their…

Dundalk IT Ógra have successful Freshers Day

DKIT Ógra Shinn Féin recently participated in an extremely successful freshers fayre in the college. Local Sinn Féin T.D. Arthur Morgan attended the Ógra Stall during the day.

The event was well attended with participation also from other clubs and socities. Ógra Shinn Féin signed up over 20 new activists.

Ógra activist Ross Hallinan said,

“The response we got here today is phenonomal and I am delighted with our participation. Each and every person who signed up to Ógra Shinn Féin had accurate and valuable comments to make about Sinn Féin and our participation all over Ireland. Amongst the questions raised to us was the issue of the Irish language, which demonstrated that young people are increasingly interested in our native language and this has vindicated Sinn Féin’s own stance to the language in the 6 counties. The students here can see that we are offering them a positive alternative and real politics."

Ar Son An Tumoideachas

Senan MacAoidh

Tá sé soiléir anois ón Chomhdháil eisceachtuil de chuid Ghealscoileanna Teorannta go bhfuil gaelscoileanna in éadan éilithe an tAire Mary Hanafin maidir le an tumoideachas a chaitheamh ar leathtaobh ar fud deisceart na tíre, agus an Béarla a theagsc ón chéad bhlian bunscoile ar aghaidh Téann an cinniú seo ón tAire i gcoinne gach dea chomhairle ón taighde go léir a balaíodh archumas Béarla daltaí gaelscoile. Fiú sna sé chondae, cuid mhaith den t-am ní bhíonn Béarla a theagsc do dhaltaí go dtí an ceathrú bhliain ar scoil. Chreideann muid go bhfuil tacaíocht áraithe de dhíth ag an ghaeilge ionas go mairfidh sí. Ar ndóigh níl an Béarla i mbaol agus ní féidir ealú ón Bhéarla san tsochaí seo, mar sin tá sé sabhálta go leor teagsc na Béarla a fhágáil ar leathtaobh ar feadh dhá bhliain ar a laghad. Tacaíonn an taighde le seo, ní dhéantar aon dochar do chumas labhartha nó scríofa Béarla na bpáistí scoile trí phróiséis an tumoideachais. Molann muid na gaelscoileannaas seasamh a thógáil i gcoinne cinniú amaideach agus scrioctach an tAire oideachais.

Ógra Shinn Féin Urge Support For Upcoming Rossport Days of Action

Following on from the successful day of action on 14 September, two further National Day’s of Action have been called by the community in Rossport.

The dates are Friday 12th October and Friday 9th November.



Urging support for the days of action, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan said,

“Ógra Shinn Féin attended the previous day of action, along with many other progressive groups and individuals, to stand shoulder to shoulder with the be-leaguered community of Rossport. In solidarity we succeeded to peacefully disrupt the construction of the refinery and brought national attention to the issue.”

“Despite the peaceful nature of our protest, the guards as usual displayed heavy handed tactics arresting and injuring many of the protesters. It is ironic then that 26 County Minister Dermot Ahern when commenting on the current situation in Burma would state:

‘I am gravely concerned … that .. the … regime have today deployed troops onto the streets … who have used batons … to break up peaceful demonstrations, and that hundreds … have been arrested. The use of physical force … against … unarmed civilians, who have committed their lives to the path of non-violence, and who are simply exercising the basic right of freedom and expression in a peaceful manner, is unacceptable and deeply shocking. All people of conscience throughout the world … must condemn the use of force against unarmed civilians, demonstrating peacefully and demand the utmost restraint.'

These double standards must be highlighted, that they condemn these human rights abuses in Burma, yet sanction and promote in their own jurisdiction, against citizens who are simply standing up for the safety of their community.”

“We would urge activists to travel to Rossport on the 12th October, and for those unable to attend to organise solidarity vigils and protest in their area. Mobilise now - Victory to Rossport!”

To inform us of your intention of travelling or local actions please contact osfnational@yahoo.ie

University of Ulster back to its old tricks!!

The Magee campus of the University of Ulster has had an active Ógra Shinn Féin cumann for over five years.

During this period of time the university have placed restrictions on the political society which can only be described as discriminatory with acts of censorship. The university have in place a political protocol which allows for political societies, but prevents them from campaigning, recruiting, advertising or bringing elected representatives to the university to openly speak to students regarding issues that matter to them.

At the freshers fayre where new and returning students go to sign up to clubs and societies and get information around a number of issues, Ógra Shinn Féin faced blatant censorship.

Cllr Billy Page was present at the freshers day within the university to speak to students about student top up fees and student accommodation and was prevented from doing so because it ‘went against’ the political protocol.

Cllr Page had this to say,

“We will be taking this matter up with the student union and will be asking for them to meet with the cumann and the party this week to seek clarification for their unjust actions against elected representatives.”

Magee Ógra Shinn Féin secretary Paul McCann said,

“I was disgusted with the actions of the university. After speaking to Ógra activists who where at other freshers and watching the politics show this week on BBC, it showed Queens University having freshers day with their elected representatives from a range of political parties such as the DUP and Sinn Fein.”

“I don’t understand the censorship the university have placed upon the society. We are a progressive and very active cumann campaigning on issues that matter to young people such as suicide prevention, road safety, the national question, top-up fees, equality and solidarity campaigns with the Basque country and Palestine.”

“The Magee Ógra cumann feel that this protocol is unjust and without any reason. We will not be backing down over this issue and we hope that there can be an agreement reached in the forthcoming days and weeks to benefit freedom of speech.”

Drogheda Sinn Fein to Host Hungerstrike Rally

Drogheda Sinn Fein will, on Sunday Oct. 7th be holding a Hunger Strike commemoration rally in the town.

Parade assembles at 2pm sharp at the market square.

Should anyone wish to stay the night accomodation will be available. To book please contact Ógra Shinn Féin's Áine Downes at 0851494123 before Friday 5th of Oct.

Le bhur dtoill deanaigí bhur gcuid ndícheall a bheith ann agus anaim na mná agus fhir cróga a fuair bás ar son saoirse na hÉireann a choinnigh go bheo.

Ógra Shinn Féin Organise events Nationwide to Commemorate Che Guevara's 40th Anniversary!

Ógra Shinn Féin will be commemorating the death of Che Guevara Lynch on Tuesday 9th October and throughout that week, paying tribute to this international revolutionary by organising events across Ireland.

The events will be held to develop our understanding of Che and his relevance to the Irish struggle and progressive struggles throughout the world, some of the events organised will also have a ‘Hands of Cuba’ theme.

As well as vigils and public talks happening throughout the country, Dublin Sinn Féin are organising a Cuban Night on Thursday 11th October in Floridita Cuban Bar, Abbey Street which will include cuban food, music and dance.

There will also be a 'Che Guevara Weekend' organised in Derry from the 12th - 14th October which will include amongst other thingss a DVD showing on Che, an address from Cuban ambassador Noel Carrillo and a night of revolutionary music.

Tuesday 9th October this year marks the 40th Anniversary of the execution of Che Guevara.

Guevara joined Fidel Castro's revolutionary 26th of July Movement, which seized power from the regime of the dictator General Fulgencio Batista in Cuba in 1959.

After serving in various important posts in the new government and writing a number of articles and books on the theory and practice of guerrilla warfare, Guevara left Cuba in 1965 with the intention of fomenting revolutions first in Congo-Kinshasa, and then in Bolivia, where he was captured in a military operation supported by the CIA and the U.S. Army Special Forces.
Guevara was summarily executed by the Bolivian Army in the town of La Higuera near Vallegrande on October 9, 1967.

After his death, Guevara became an icon of socialist revolutionary movements and a key figure of modern pop culture worldwide. An Alberto Korda photo of him has received wide distribution and modification, appearing on t-shirts, protest banners, and in many other formats.

The Maryland Institute College of Art called this picture "the most famous photograph in the world and a symbol of the 20th century."

Another lesser known fact on 'Gue' Guevara is his Irish heritage, most people seem to accept that Che's grandmother, Anna Isabel Lynch, was born in the west of Co. Galway and eventually she moved to South America. Once there she met a man called Guevara, and they had a child they named Ernesto who was Che's father.

Che was also to have reportedly set foot on Irish Soil as a plane that was transporting him re-fuelled at Shannon Airport.

However Che’s significance to Ireland goes far beyond that, his life and legacy of unrelenting socialist revolution and activism are a constant source of inspiration to young republican activists.

Be Like Che!

To find out about any events happening in your local area please contact osfnational@yahoo.ie

West Tyrone Ógra host public talk on Che Guevara.

West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin will host a public talk on the life and legacy of Che Guevara on Tuesday 9th October. That day will mark the 40th anniversary of the execution of Che by Bolivian soldiers. Che was captured after a gun battle and was executed the Bolivian town of vallegrande. His last words before being shot were “I know you've come to kill me. Shoot, coward, you're only going to kill a man.”

Speaking on the public talk Chairperson of West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McNally Said

“Che was the embodiment of revolution. He, alongside Fidel Castro is remembered as the victors of the revolution against the Batista dictatorship in Cuba. Following the revolution Che held many positions within the Government of Cuba. But Che was not satisfied with resting on his laurels, and travelled extensively to help other oppressed countries. It was during this time that Che was captured and killed in Bolivia.

“The face of Che Guevara has circled the world millions of times over and is one of the most recognisable faces worldwide. But who was the man behind the image, what did he fight and die for, why is he remembered forty years since his death?

“The public talk will hope to address these questions.

“In Ireland we remember Che Guevara alongside our native patriots such as Wolfe Tone, Padraig Pearse, Mairead Farrell and Bobby Sands. He, like the leaders of 1916 and the Hunger Strikers inspired freedom loving peoples the world over. It is imperative therefore that we remember the sacrifice of this revolutionary soldier.

*The Public Talk – The Life and Legacy of Che Guevara will take place on Tuesday 9th October in the Sinn Féin office Omagh. The talk will commence at 3:45pm. Refreshments will be served.

Happy Birthday Ógra Shinn Féin Blog!

Ógra Shinn Féin ( www.ograshinnfein.blogspot.com ) have been blogging for over one year now, we first started blogging first in September 2006 and from then we have had hundreds of posts, and receive over 500 unique views daily.

The post’s have ranged from news reports of actions, to opinion pieces on a wide range of issues, and recently has had the privileged addition of resident satirist ‘Gerry Junior.’

George Bernard Shaw once wrote,

"All censorships exist to prevent anyone from challenging current conceptions and existing institutions. All progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently the first condition of progress is the removal of censorship."

We have surely challenged censorship and now possess an open forum from which to engage into wider debate around all issues that will help us assess and debate the future of the Republican Struggle.

Thanks to everyone in the past year who has made the blog a success and we would encourgage all of you and more to continue viewing, promoting and writing for the blog.

Send all news and views to osfnational@yahoo.ie

Successful Freshers week in UCD

Last week saw once again the annual UCD freshers fair. Drawing from the success of last years freshers fair the McDonagh/Farrell Cumann of UCD pulled out all the stops this year in order to hit the ground running and start as we mean to go forward in the coming year.

Over the course of the week experienced activists from years gone past in UCD took charge of the brightly decorated freshers stall and distributed leaflets, collected signatures for disability rights and freedom for Segi campaigns and generally spoke with the new and enthusiastic first years of UCD about who we are at Ógra and what we do.

UCD Ógra has been very successful in the past few years being active in a number of campaigns including Shell to Sea, the coke boycott, the right to health-care and housing and the campaign which opposed the sale of priceless historic items from Irish history to name but a few.

Chairperson of UCD Ógra Sinead Ni Chaoleáin, commenting on this years freshers fair had this to say:

‘We are extremely pleased at how this years freshers has gone. All in all it has been an extremely successful and enjoyable week seeing a huge interest from the student body in Ógra and the republican movement. We are enthusiastic and excited about the year ahead and hope to draw on the success of last year and make Ógra a force to be reckoned with in UCD.’

‘A big thank you needs to be given to Mary-Lou McDonald who joined us for one of the days in the freshers tent. With her help we were able to engage with the students and members of other societies and let them know what we are really about. UCD Ógra Abu!’

Ógra Shinn Féin complete successful mobilisation to the Basque Country

Barry McNally
National PRO
Ógra Shinn Féin

A large Ógra Shinn Féin delegation numbering over 20 activists have completed a week long tour of the Basque country. The Irish delegation was there to support the Basque youth organisation, SEGI, after being deemed a ‘terrorist organisation’ by the Spanish judiciary. They were also there to update the Basque on the current situation in Ireland and also to learn the lessons of the pro independence movement in the Basque country.

Throughout the week the Irish delegation met with the leaderships of SEGI and Batasuna, both highlighted the continuing oppression in the Basque country despite a willingness on their behalf for a peaceful resolution to the Basque conflict. However the Spanish government continued in its campaign of repression, even arresting Batasuna leader Arnold Otegi.

It was en-route to this meeting that Ógra experienced the repression in the Basque country. The bus which was carrying the Irish delegation was forced to the side of the road by the Guardia civil. Members of the Guardia civil entered the bus and demanded identification from everyone one the bus. The clár of events for the week long tour were also seized. Following this the clár had to be changed to prevent further hold ups on roadsides. The delegation was held for just over an hour before proceeding on our way to our political engagements. Also upon returning from the engagement we were once again held, this time for 45 minutes before returning to Bilbao.

Ógra were also involved variously in press conferences, meetings, protests, demonstrations and were hosted by an official reception in the Basque stronghold of Oiartzun.

On Sunday Ógra attended a demonstration in support of the Basque political prisoners. The demonstration was deemed illegal by the Spanish establishment. However thousands were on the streets supporting the prisoners. Without provocation the Basque police opened fire on the crowd with baton rounds. The demonstration remained peaceful on behalf of the protestors; however the trigger happy Basque police fired upwards of 100 rounds within the first hour of the demonstration. People were arrested and injured due to the baton charges of the pro Spanish Forces.

Upon the conclusion of the demonstration the Irish delegation attended a large festival in Zarautz. There was a large mobilisation in support of the Basque youth movement Segi in which Ógra formed a part. The Irish delegation formed up at the front of the parade and was invited to speak at the conclusion on the mobilisation. Ógra Shinn Fein national organiser Barry McColgan addressed the mobilisation in the Basque language and was joined on stage by the rest of the Ógra Shinn Féin delegation.

Armagh Ógra launch Road Safety Campaign

Sinn Féin road safety spokesperson Cathal Boylan MLA was joined by Sinn Féin Councillor Cathy Rafferty as Ógra Shinn Féin recently launched their Road Safety Campaign in the Armagh area.

As part of this campaign Ógra Shinn Féin have put a “Moilligh Síos” video on their YouTube site which highlights the dangers faced by the young people of Ireland on the roads.

Ógra activist Damian White emphasised the necessity for all road users to be aware of the high numbers of fatalities and to take all precautions they can to avoid being another victim on our roads.

Damian went on to say,

“This especially applies to my peers among the younger road users, road death is after suicide, the second biggest killer of the youth of Ireland and Ógra Shinn Féin are campaigning to try and prevent deaths from both of these, so I appeal to all young people to take care on the roads and if they are feeling depressed or down talk to someone about it instead of keeping it bottled up, the old adage still applies 'a problem shared is a problem halved', I just hope that these campaigns help to save lives.”