UCD SF Cathaoirleach Arrested During Anti-Fees Protest

Cathaoirleach Cumann McDonagh/Farell UCD Mick Reynolds was arrested and cautioned on Monday the 20th of October when taking part in a peaceful sit down protest against a proposed visit by Brian Lenihan to address a meeting at UCD.


Reynolds and a member of the Free Education for Everyone (F.E.E) group were grabbed by Gardai shortly after the protest began, handcuffed, and brought to Donnybrook Garda Sation. Reynolds and others arrested were released later with a caution for breaching the Public Order Act.

The protest iteself was organised by F.E.E and was supported by the UCD Student's Union. Students staged a sit down protest in front of the Clinton Institute of the college where Finance Minister Brian Lenihian was due to guest chair a meeting. Students were protesting against the possible return of third-level fees and the €600 increase in annual college registration fees announced in last week's budget, which would undoubtedly price many students out of college. Anger was also directed at Lenihan's disgraceful decision to take away medical cards from the over 70s. At least 200 students took part in the protest at its height, which was viewed as a huge success by the F.E.E movement, the Student's Union, and members of the Sinn Fein Cumann in UCD, many of whom were in attendace.


Students chanted "No cutbacks, no fees, no Fianna Fail TDS!" and waited outside the building for Lenihan to leave, having entered quietly through a side entrance earlier on. The crowd gathered as the evening wore on, as bystanders joined in the peaceful protest, but the Gardai still felt the need to pull people along the ground and out of the way.

Brian "The Budget Slasher" Lenihan

UCD Students Union president Aodhan O'Dea said the protest was designed to protest at Mr Lenihan's decision to increase third level capitation fees. "Students are saying that education is a right -- if a barrier is created against their right to go to university, they will create a barrier against the minister coming here," he said.

Mick Reynolds said "It was a really successful protest that showed that UCD students are becoming more and more aware of the need to fight Fees and high registration costs and any measures that Mr.Lenihan is going to bring in to discriminate against students. I'm just sorry I missed most of it having been picked out of a crowd at random by the Gardai with another young lad and dragged off to a prison cell, but it was great to see so many people still there when I got back to UCD, still protesting and waiting for Lenihan to leave. Heavy handed tactics won't stop anyone from Ogra Shinn Fein or any student from fighting fees, the fight is on now and if we can mobilise people like this again this is a fight we will win."

Remember demonstrate against education fees and cutbacks, Wednesday 22nd 2pm at the Dáil on Kildare St.

Gerry Adams to Address Ogra Comhdhail Naisiunta in Cork

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams will address young Republicans as they converge in the Rebel County this December for Ogra Shinn Fein´s Comhdhail Naisiunta.

The Comhdhail Naisiunta will take place in the UCC Campus, Cork City from the 5 – 7 December and will also include debate and discussion, attendance from international guests, workshops, a campaign launch, the premier screening of new DVD, a massive Rebel Night and much more.



Encouraging young republican´s to mobilise for Cork, Barry McColgan, the National Organiser of Ogra Shinn Fein said,

“The Comhdhail Naisiunta presents an excellent opportunity for young republican activsists to come together, share ideas, debate and build camraderie. The various workshops, and talks throughout the weekend also provide food for thought, allowing actions and plans to be developed for the year ahead.”

“The congress of so many young republicans demonstrates that we are a national organisation strething from Derry to Cork, Dublin to Galway, instilling confidence in cumann and activists for the year ahead, giving them the opportunity to learn from each other throughout the weekend.”

“Ogra Shinn Fein have been extremely active in the previous year, continuing to grow and recruit, educating activists and Irish youth, and tackling head on the most pressing, social, national and international issues. The Comhdhail Naisiunta can consolidate the progress and allow us to prepare for further success in ´09.”

“2009 will be a massive year for Ogra Shinn Fein as it will mark 100 years since the formation of the first republican youth movement Na Fianna hEireann, and we will be planning significant commemorative events throughout the year. Keep the flag of Na Fianna flying high, join us in Cork this december for debate, education, craic agus ceol!”

Bigi Linn!

Tell the Government, NO TO FEES!

All activists who can should make an effort to attend this rally, especialy those based in Dublin and Leinster.

Bring banners, flags placards etc. anything to make it as colourful and noisey as possible.

No Argument! Fees Not An Option!

On Tuesday 15th of October, members of the McDonagh/Farrell Cumann in UCD participated in a fees debate organised by the Law Society in the college.

Already members of the Cumann have spoken at two house debates earlier on this year on the government and patriotism in the country, and this was another opportunity for the Cumann to get their points across in a lively and passionate debate that was addressed by many of the executive officers of the Student’s Union as well as prominent members of the Law Society committee, and a movement set up to fight fees in the college; Free Education for Everyone (F.E..E).

Debaters spoke on the problems facing the government in an economic recession, but the Opposition were in agreement with the majority of the crowd when they said that bringing back fees would not be a good solution to the current poor economic situation. Current UCD Student's Union Exec Officers Aodhan O'Dea (President), Paul Lynam (Education), and Dan O'Neill (Campaigns and Communications) all spoke about the problems that bringing in fees, upping the registration fee, or introducing a graduate tax would bring to the majority of students studying in UCD and right across Ireland. Recruitment Officer for An Cumann McDonagh/Farrell Ciarán FitzGerald also warned of the problems that bringing back fees would bring, and called on students to back the demonstrations being organised to fight fees. The house voted almost unanimously to reject any initiative designed to re introduce fees, a clear indication that this is an issue that can and will promote student activism. All were in agreement that those who spoke against fees made the better argument, and a message was delivered to the government and leaders of UCD that they have a fight on their hands if they want to bring fees back in.

Cathaoirleach of an Cumann McDonagh/Farell UCD Mick Reynolds said "It was great to have a coherent debate about fees organised by the Law Society, and I think the people who spoke against Fees today showed that our argument is the only one that stands up to scrutiny. Hopefully this will galvanise people resolve and ensure that the fight against Fees succeeds."

Magee Student´s Oppose British War Machine Recruitment on Campus

The Sinn Féin Society at the University of Ulster held a peaceful protest today (Thursday 16th October )to highlight their disappointment at the University's decision to again invite the British Armed Forces to the careers fair.


Adrian Kelly, spokesperson for the Magee society said,

"We are shocked at the University's decision to again invite the British Armed Forces onto Campus, particularly as this is the 3rd consecutive year their presence has been protested by the students. Their brutal involvement in Ireland, in particular carrying out the mass murder in Derry on Bloody Sunday, is just one of the reasons so many students are angry. This is to say nothing of the atrocities that are still happening on a daily basis in Afghanistan and Iraq."

"We also object to the way careers in the British Armed Forces are glamorised in advertisements and the media and portrayed as exciting to young people. The reality is that these young people are recruited to be used as canon fodder in illegal wars abroad."

University of Limerick Sinn Féin receive warm welcome at fresher's fayre.

The University of Limerick/Frank Ryan Cumann have claimed the fresher's fayer a success both as a recruiting event and as an invaluable experience for the future.

Speaking from Campus David O'Connor said: "This year's fayer was undoubtedly a success in so far as re-establishing a Sinn Féin presence on campus goes. With that in mind we intend to use this as a learning curve to build upon, we were surprised with the attendance at the fayer being quite high but understand that the fayer itself may not be used as the sole recruiting outlet. We feel however that as it occurs so early on in the year it proved to be a great chance to get the cumann mobilised and thinking once again as a political team after a long summer break."

"The year ahead is certainly a challenge but nonetheless one that we're all looking forward to. We have a very definitive plan of action for the year and this helps a lot, especially when it comes to self-motivation! The activism of the party on campus of around 13,000 people is invaluable and we are very proud to be in a position to fulfil this role."

Pól Brennan’s Plight Highlighted in Belfast and Dublin

Ógra Shinn Féin organised two very successful vigils calling for the immediate release of 1983 Long Kesh Escapee Pól Brennan in Belfast and Dublin on Tuesday 14 October.

Pól’s family where in attendance at the Belfast vigil, and both event’s attracted great support, from passer’s by.

Placards where held high by supporters while hundreds of information leaflets where distributed encouraging the public to get involved in the campaign by attending future events, signing the petition, and writing to the media in protest at Pól’s ongoing imprisonment.

(GPO, Dublin)

National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McColgan said,

“Public events are key to raising awareness around Pól’s ongoing injustice. He has been imprisoned for over 10 months, and now faces deportation over a small misunderstanding on his visa. The support we received from the public tonight was especially comforting to the family, and demonstrates the value of such events.”

“We intend to keep the spotlight on Pól’s denial of basic freedom, and we will continue to campaign for his release and ensuring he is not deported. We would urge everyone to keep updated and join the campaign through http://www.polbrennan.com/; together we will secure Pól’s freedom!”

(Queen's University, Belfast)

Green Post Box Campaign Continues to Spread Across the North

The ‘greening’ of the North continues at pace with over 150 post boxes currently harmonised to their rightful shade of green.

As we move into the autumn months, and as the leaves are loosing their shade of green, the opposite can be said for post-boxes across the 6 counties.

(Armagh)

Initiated by Ógra Shinn Féin, the green post-box campaign has now been taken up by a wide group of nationally minded young people, keen to assert their national identity and demonstrate that they live in Ireland.

Armagh, Belfast, and Down are just some of the recent areas to take up the ‘paint brush’ and already their public service has caused a storm of controversy, appearing on TV, radio and press alike.

(Derry Ógra @ Work)

A spokesperson for Ógra Shinn Féin said,

“The green post box campaign continues to spread across the north, and many young people are contacting us to show support but also carry out the campaign themselves.”

“The greening of local post boxes are simple actions that allow young people to express their nationality, highlight that they live in Ireland and harmonise the colour of our post boxes north and south. Over 150 post-boxes have been painted green, but this number will continue to increase rapidly as more young people are taking up the campaign every day.”

“The recent vitriolic and bigoted remarks by unionist spokespersons on the greened post boxes has done nothing but add enthusiasm and vigour to the campaign, we will not be deterred or brow beaten by a small number of narrow minded bigots!”

(Castlederg, County Tyrone)

(Guildhall Square, Derry)

(Springfield Road, Belfast)

Mórshiúl ar son na Gaeilge – Thar Barr!

Gníomhaíthe d'Ógra agus Comhairleoir Tom Hartley, Ard-Mhéara i mBéal Feirste

Bhí mórshiúl mhór ann i mBéal Feirste, an deireadh seachtaine seo. Tháinig daoine ó fud na tire go Béal Féirste, tacaíocht a thabhairt leis an Acht na Gaeilge sna 6 Contae. Bhí asmaisféar go hiontach ann i measc na ndaoine. Rinne na Gaeilscoileanna agus daoine óga, bratacha, báid agus rudaí de gach cinéal eile.

Shiúil an mórshiúl óna Chultúrlann Adam Ó Fiaich go dtí an lár na cathrach.

Duirt, Oifigeach Cultúrtha d’Ógra, Senan MacAoidh,

“Bhí muid anseo inniú ag tacú leis an éileamh, comh measartha sin, go léirítear meas d’ár dteanga dhúchais trí reachtaíocht a chosnaíonn í agus a lucht labhartha.”

Duirt MacAoidh,

“Tá acht na Gaeilge i bhfad thar ama.Le fada bhíodh an Ghaeilge thíos leis an nganntanas airgid, an fhaillí agus an naimhdeas ag rialtas na Bhreataine go háirithe.”

“Tá an t-am tagtha! Eilíonn Ógra Shinn Féin Acht na Gaeileg anois!”

McGibbon Calls for Support for Pól Brennan

Sinn Féin Councillor, and Ógra Shinn Féin, organiser in Ulster, Johnny McGibbon has called for the release of Long Kesh Escapee Pól Brenann. Mr Brennan has been detained by Homeland Security in the USA since January this year. A campaign has been launched in Ireland and the United States to stop his deportation.

Cllr. McGibbon said,

“The detention of Pól Brennan in 2008 is hard to believe. A victim of conflict in Ireland, has sought political asylum in the United States, made his life there and met all the conditions the US Government have asked of him.”

Pól was initially detained over an expired work permit, but what started as a small misunderstanding has escalated into a long running detention, and threat of deportation, with the US Homeland Security deeming Pól a ‘flight risk.’

McGibbon concluded,

“Pól Brennan is no threat to the United States. The Good Friday Agreement has seen the release of political prisoners in Ireland. Many US officials, including President Bill Clinton, played a significant role in this. In the spirit of this, the US Government should stop deportation proceedings now.”

Saor Pól Brennan Anois!

The Irish Republican Youth Movement, Ógra Shinn Féin, have said that they are committed to campaigning for the immediate release of 1983 Long Kesh Escapee Pól Brennan, who has been incarcerated in a US prison since January this year.

They said they will be stepping up efforts to highlight his plight in the time ahead, which includes two ‘Free Pól Brennan’ vigils on Tuesday 14 October, one at 6.30pm outside the GPO in Dublin and the other at Queen’s Student’s Union in Belfast at 7.30pm.

Pól was initially detained over an expired work permit, but what started as a small misunderstanding has escalated into a long running detention, and threat of deportation, with the US Homeland Security deeming Pól a ‘flight risk.’ This has placed huge strain on Mr Brennan and his entire family.

The National Organiser for Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan has called on the US Government to end this ongoing saga and to immediately release Pól Brennan. He said,

“The ongoing detention and threat of deportation is causing huge personal turmoil to Pól Brennan and his family. The allegations by the US Homeland Security are totally unfounded and already a number of US Congressmen have backed the campaign for Pól’s release.”

“The ongoing imprisonment of Pól Brennan is a denial of his human rights, and every right minded person should do their utmost to support his immediate release, to end the deportation ordeal he is facing and ensure he is re-united with his family.”

“We would call on everyone to play a part and get active in the ‘Free Pól Brennan’ campaign. For our part, Ógra Shinn Féin are committed to campaigning and agitating until our friend, and comrade Pól is free at last!”

Green Postbox Campaign message heard on the Airwaves

Ógra Shinn Féin took to the airwaves this week as the green post-box campaign received its latest ‘backing’ from DUP MLA Jim Wells.

Mr Wells had contacted BBC talkback in relation to green post-boxes in Newcastle County Down. In response to an irk display from Wells, National organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McColgan came on air to the defence of those involved in the campaign and re-iterate Ógra's position on the campaign.

Below is the link to the on air discussion. It is approx one hour and 5-10 mins into the show:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dvljm/Talk_Back_08102008/

Sinn Féin greeted with enthusiasm at NUIM

Wednesday October 1st saw NUIM host their annual clubs and societies day. Sinn Féin, as always, were represented well, and accompanied by Cllr Paul Hogan, who is a current student.

The hall was filled with different political parties offering gimmicks and presents in exchange for signatures. Students were given real politics by Sinn Féin. One student asked what he'd get, and the response was the chance to create dynamic social change on the island of Ireland.


In between lectures, Ógra activist Ross Hallinan said,

“I am extremely satisfied with the wonderful response we have received in NUIM today. As well as getting a large number of names, we had students approaching us discussing policy, and generally asking us to explain why they should join Sinn Féin. A number of females signed up, and engaged in great discussion about their ideas of republicanism, and why Sinn Féin is the right choice for them.”

“This is certainly a positive development, and we in the NUIM cumann will strive this year to promote the ideals of equality and fair treatment for all, be they male female, Irish or foreign, gay or straight. I would like to mention a special word of thanks to Cllr Paul Hogan, who took time from his busy timetable to assist with the stand.”

Fian Tobias Molloy Cumann launch hailed a success

Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin was officially re-launched on Wednesday evening (1st October) as the Fian. Tobias Molloy cumann. Commenting on the well attended launch night in Strabane’s Lisnafin community centre, cathaoirleach of the newly constituted ÓSF cumann, Seán Gillespie said;



“I think that the number of new recruits we have gained here tonight is a comforting indication that the patriotic flame is still well and truly alive among the youth of this area.”

The evening began with the screening of a DVD produced by Ógra entitled ‘Youth in Struggle’. This proved to be a useful insight into Ógra Shinn Féin for the new members present and also attracted praise from some senior activists, with the chair of Strabane Comhairle Ceantair commenting; “Productions like this are an excellent educational tool for new members of the party, and events such as this should be held on a more regular basis.”

Following the film screening it was over to the panel debate focussing on the role of young people in political struggle. Presentations were made by national organiser of Ógra, Barry McColgan, and Gerry O’Hara from Derry who was instrumental in organising Na Fianna Eireann in the city in the 1970s.

Opening the debate Barry praised the work of Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin saying; “it is important to highlight the sacrifice that young people from this area have made during the armed struggle against british oppression. Naming the local Ógra cumann after a local volunteer of Na Fianna Eireann is an important step in making the youth of today more aware of what the boys and girls of a similar age had to endure not so long ago”.

The main speaker of the evening, Gerry O’Hara began by explaining the circumstances surrounding the death of the young Fian. Gerry also outlined how far we have come since the death of Tobias Molloy and the fact that we now have a political situation that allows us to advance the cause of Irish freedom without resorting to armed actions, which have cost the lives of a large number of our young people. He also stressed the importance of young people taking up leadership roles within the party and to prepare for the future. “The current leadership of the movement have taken us through some of the most difficult phases in the struggle, and have been around for a long time. However they will not be around forever and a young energetic future leadership must be aware of the momentous tasks that lie ahead.”

Following the two presentations we engaged in a very thorough question and answer session, with new members gaining important information on the role Ógra plays within the movement. Closing comments of the evening were made by members of the Molloy family who praised Ógra Shinn Féin for keeping the memory of Tobias alive among the republican youth of Strabane.

Ógra Shinn Féin alive and kicking in Waterford

Ógra Shinn Féin was re-established in WIT last year, midway through the academic calendar.

This year however, Ógra Shinn Féin was alive and kicking and had the opportunity to setup a stall on both WIT campuses for Clubs & Societies day for the first time.

Hosted by WIT ÓSF members John O'Brien, dedicated Republican sisters - Joeanne & Maggie Bermingham, along with support from many Senior Sinn Féin party members - The WIT ÓSF stall garnered a lot of interest.

Displaying civil rights posters, passers-by were reminded on the ongoing struggle for equality, even in today's modern world - and the part that young activists today play in society.

Also present on the campus, were members of Ógra Fianna Fáil - with which we briefly discussed the outcome of the Lisbon Treaty, along with the pros & cons of the document. We expressed our concern for a second referendum and how it would taint democracy. We further explained that a second referendum is proof that centralised power within Europe is trying to determine the future of the people by forcing our Government to rerun a referendum again and again, until the political elite hear the answer that they want to hear, and not necessarily the voice of the people.

It should be noted that both member's of Ógra Fianna Fáil were cordial in debate and welcoming to the world of politics on the WIT campus. In a society where political parties engage in tit for tat verbal assaults on each other - It was nice to see people from different political ideologies sharing a mature and mannerly debate.

With many new faces ready to join the WIT Ógra Shinn Féin ranks, Waterford can expect a busy forthcoming year in youth activism. We look forward to the challenges that await us and are ready to make our mark on the WIT campus.