British War Machine Recruiting among Irish Students

Students have reacted angrily to the British Army recruiting outside Queens University. The First Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment had a recruitment stall last Friday accompanied by two of the British soldiers in full military regalia trying to recruit students.

These recruitment drives have been ongoing with the British Army having a stall at the fresher’s fair in September.

Student and QUB Sinn Féin activist Gemma Mc Kenna stated that,

“I was appalled at the presence of the British Army at the university. The British war machine is an occupying force in Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, and should not be allowed to recruit young Irish students. They promise students adventure, excitement and good career prospect when in reality all they will be doing is giving their lives to an imperialist power that will use them to invade and occupy other countries.”

She continued:

“Here in Ireland we are trying to build an inclusive and demilitarised society. It is a disgrace that following the outrage and controversy the RIR ‘victory parade’ caused, that they would choose to target a majority nationalist university. It is outrageous that the British Army is allowed by Queen’s University to recruit their students. It is an affront and insult not only to republicans but to all those who protested against the war on Iraq. I call on all Queens’s students to reject the presence of this war force on our campus and for the University to no longer permit them to recruit”.

Huge Turnout at annual Keith Rogers Commemoration

A huge crowd attended the commemoration march in Sheelagh, County Louth, on Sunday, in memory of Volunteer Keith Rogers, who was murdered by criminals on 12 March 2003.

The march was led by Cullyhanna republican flute band and Ógra Shinn Féin members to the Hunger Strike Memorial outside Sheelagh Chapel.

Proceedings were chaired by Louth County Councillor and Sinn Fein European election candidate Tomás Sharkey, who welcomed the large crowd before the main speaker, Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA, gave his oration.

Conor Murphy told the crowd,

"Keith was a young man of just 24 years of age with a full life and a lot to look forward to"

"In dying, he left behind a grieving family and today we again extend our sympathy to his mother Theresa, his father Martin, to his sister Michelle, her children, and to all his family, friends and comrades.”

“The people that murdered Keith are not republicans. They may try to justify their cowardly act in whatever way they wish. The fact is that they murdered a young republican for their own criminal aims."

“Sinn Fein has achieved a new way forward for Irish republicanism. We will now bring our struggle to its just conclusion by peaceful and democratic means.”

Public Talks on Venezuela - Bígí Linn!

PUBLIC MEETINGS

10 years of Venezuelan Revolution
10 years of social progress and democracy

26TH MARCH

2.30PM QUEEN'S STUDENT UNION CLUB ROOM 3

7PM CULTÚRLANN, FALLS ROAD



Find out how Venezuela is setting an example for Latin America and the rest of the world

Main speaker: Francesco Merli (Hands Off Venezuela Int. Campaign)

Organised by: The Fourth World War, Mondays 6.30pm & Thursdays 1pm Féile FM 103.2

http://www.feilefm.com/

Please pass on

Ranger Scmucks

Gerry Junior

Sorry for the long delay in posting folks, I have no excuses, I’m not busy studying, not busy working, not busy with party work or praying, no nothing like that at all – just downright bone idle lazy.

There you have it, but hey at least I’m honest unlike other bloggers…

Anyway it’s back to the world of blogging for me, hope you leave a few comments and keep me posted on anything that deserves a wee satirical analysis.

Just to start the ball rolling, I never fail to be amazed at the downright ridiculous stupidity, irony and hypocrisy of the loyalists.

The racist, anti migrant workers and combat 18 aligned unionist death squads had Egyptians, the Shoukri’s, at the helm for a while. I wonder how many migrant workers the ‘Aryan’ Shoukri’s and their boys drove out?

The recent gem of loyalist genius has the loyalist Rangers fans giving a Nazi salute with the Israeli flag flying proudly beside them. What would Nazi Nick and Johnny ‘third person’ Adair say?

The irony is lost on these towers of intellect.

Quite the picture postcard of fine upstanding international supporters of Israel, they would probably look more at home at a Fine Gael Ard Fheis – blue shirts ahem.

And I really can’t highlight this act of brainlessness without referring you all back to the RSFer decked out in full Celtic gear, highlighting his opposition to foreign games…

What more can I say?

The picture says it all – With these examples of Stephen Hawking academia, thank god (or Jebus for any atheist Simpson’s fans) that we have a Sinn Féin Education Minister to sort this mess out.


Is there anymore proof needed for the abolition of the 11+?

Successful and Thought Provoking Republican Youth Weekend in Waterford

Young Republicans from across Ireland descended on the Deise between the 20 – 22 March as Waterford Ógra Shinn Féin hosted its first youth weekend.

The weekend began on Friday evening with the launch of Eoin O’Broin’s new book, and a discussion on Left Republicanism.

This set the context for the weekend, with a lot of debate focussing on a new left alternative and our economic outlook, with a further discussion the next day led by local Councillor David Cullinane on the economy, following a protest in Red Square calling for job creation at this time of crisis.

An extensive leaflet drop of the town centre was then undertaken with ‘Educate to be Free’ pamphlets.

Also as part of the weekend, the history of Waterford was traced on a walking tour on the Saturday morning, and a talk on the Irish language was facilitated by Peader DeBluit before delegates watched the triumph of Ireland’s Rugby team edge to grand slam victory.



Speaking on behalf of Ógra Shinn Féin Waterford, Seán Ó Briain stated –

"This was our first, but certainly not our last youth weekend to be hosted in the Déise. I would like to personally thank Eoin, Peadar and David for providing us with thought-provoking speeches. All were brilliant in their own right, and it really assisted in adding educational substance to the weekend."

"I would also like to thank all activists who travelled long distances across Ireland from Tyrone to Cork, to make this event and for participating in the weekend's activities and assisting in accommodation. It was great to see huge numbers protesting the streets of Waterford, in solidarity with the many people of Ireland who are losing their jobs at an unfathomable rate. The response from the Waterford public was very positive."

Ógra Shinn Féin Doire Launch Equality for the Easter Lily Campaign

Ógra Shinn Féin where joined by Raymond McCartney MLA this week in calling for the Easter Lily to be afforded equal status in the work place and public places at Easter and are calling for Irish youth to ‘proudly wear an Easter lily’ to remember Ireland’s patriot dead.

During the run up to Easter Sunday Republicans wear the Easter Lily to remember their patriot dead.

Currently the Easter Lily is banned in many work places and schools and in the past Irish Republicans have been harassed and arrested for promoting the Easter Lily.

Speaking at today’s event Chairperson of Ógra Shinn Féin Na Fianna Martyrs Cumman Doire Aoife Mc Naught said,

“We will be promoting the equality of Easter Lily from now until Easter Sunday by calling on the people of Derry and further a field to proudly wear an Easter Lily. We are asking for young people especially to wear one and to promote them in their schools.”

“We are also asking people to sign our petition which will be calling for the Easter lily to be afforded equal status. Our next action, which we will be undertaking locally, is writing a letter to and lobbying the BBC and UTV calling on them to allow and encourage employees to wear an Easter lily during the next few weeks. Wear an Easter Lily with pride.”

'Educate to be Free' campaign hits Doire

Ógra Shinn Féin Doire launched their new National Campaign Educate to be Free on Saturday evening in the city centre with a leaflet drop to the people of Derry to highlight the problems that young people are facing within the education system.

Speaking at the Event Aoife Mc Naught Chair of Na Fianna Martyrs Cumann Doire said,

“This event will touch on all aspects of education, the main areas which we are focusing on is the cost of Living which University students have to face on a daily basis, An Ghaeilge- that every pupil in secondary school should have access to Irish Language education, the 11+ we are totally supportive of Catriona Ruane’s decision to abolish this elitist system and of course tuition fees which are a regular worry for families looking to send their children into third level education but are worried about the repayments.”

“We are planning to expand on this campaign and are already focusing on our next step which is to leaflet every secondary school in the City.”

‘Educate to be Free’ highlighted in NUI Maynooth

Last Thursday witnessed a buzz of activity on the NUI Maynooth campus.

Firstly members of Ógra Shinn Féin gathered at the main campus to highlight the educate to be free campaign. Flyers were handed out and activists were met with genuine enthusiasm by students.

Later on that day Ógra joined members of the anti fees lobby ‘free education for everyone’ to distribute leaflets highlighting the gross income of the University President who along with his cohorts in the other universities are demanding a reintroduction to fees to plug gaps in third level budgets.

After distributing nearly 1000 leaflets the activists went on to drop a banner from the university bridge with one simple message 'NO TO FEES!' which was enthusiastically supported by passing motorists. A video of the day can be seen on the FEE Maynooth Bebo page.

Commenting on the day’s events ÓSF NUIM activist Cathal Donnelly said,

“The response we got today is heartwarming it shows the student body is on our side and supports our demand for a just, free and fair education system. Today showed us the general student body supports us in our demands.”

Dublin targeted in ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign

Dublin City was targeted today with a concerted leaflet drop as part of Ógra Shinn Féin’s newest campaign, ‘Educate to be Free.’

The educational focussed campaign aims to highlight and lobby on issues including, student fees, non commercialisation of education and the right to education through the medium of Irish.

One of Dublin’s busiest area’s, Busáras, was leafleted extensively with thousands of pamphlets distributed to a wide range of people.

Speaking on the action, Dublin Ógra activist Mick Farrell said,

“With the recent budget cuts in the 26 Counties, Education is one of the worst hit areas, with proposals to drain money from an area already needing much needed investment and funding.”

“Those most in need of vital educational services will be further persecuted in this assault on public spending, and Ireland’s future generations will suffer greatly as a result.”

“We highlighted this through the leaflet drop today to thousands of Ireland’s public, and we intend to massively step up the campaign in the time ahead to raise awareness and put pressure on the Dublin government to reverse their budget cuts, and respect our educational system and the needs of our youth – Ireland’s future.”

‘Educate to be Free’ campaign pro-actively highlighted in Cork

The UCC Martin Hurson Cumann were out on the streets of Cork on Wednesday the 11th as part of Ógra’s national day of action on the educate to be free campaign. A number of members from the college cumann distributed hundreds of educate to be free pamphlets to the young people of Cork.


UCC spokesman Alan Conway speaking at the leaflet drop had this to say,

“In my opinion, not enough organisations attempt to engage with young people, so it’s great for Ógra to be able to get out there and spread our message. I feel that people were quite receptive to us, and we got a good reaction, particularly because younger people are normally ignored by political groups."

“Ógra in Cork will continue to campaign for educational equality, with the horrific cuts in special needs education a particular focus.”

In the opinion of Eoin Mac Cárthaigh of the cumann,

“I mo thuairim is scannal é. Tá sé ar intinn ag an stáit ciorraithe uafásach a dheánamh ar oideachas do páistí le riachtanais speisialta, agus ag an am céanna tá go leor airgead acu chun cabhrú le baincéirí. Beidh Ógra anseo i UCC ag leanúint leis an togra seo, mar creidimid gur ionsaí ar ghrúpa gan chosaint é seo."

This actions is just one of many that Ógra will be carrying out across the state over the next number of weeks and months, as the ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign will be rolled out to inform and engage young people on the threats to their education.

Extradition Case against Inaki De Juana Goes Ahead

-Belfast Judge decides to start proceedings for extradition case against Inaki de Juana.

Former Basque political prisoner and hunger-striker Inaki de Juana attended a hearing at the Belfast Courts yesterday. Members of the Belfast branch of the Irish Basque Solidarity Committees and supporters stood outside displaying a banner and flags.



After months of discussion on the matter Judge Burgess decided today that the alleged offence of “glorifying terrorism” claimed by the Spanish Special Court has its equivalent in British law. This decision means that Inaki de Juana could eventually be extradited to Spain. However the decision is not final yet as his defense team will appeal against it.

Belfast-based Basque pro-independence activist Inaki de Juana spent 22 years in prison completing not only his sentence to the full but also three extra years for writing a newspaper article where he criticised the prison system. Now, the Spanish authorities want him because of a letter allegedly written by him and read out at his welcoming-home event. The letter ended with a popular Basque saying which can be translated as “forward with the ball” and it’s been interpreted by Spanish judges as “keep on with the armed struggle”. Inaki never attended the welcoming party and denies writing the letter. Even the Spanish police say they don’t have such a letter.


Such a ridiculous case has to be understood in a context of harassment and brutal repression against Inaki, the Basque political prisoners and the pro-independence movement.

Fermanagh Republican Youth Highlight ‘Educate to be Free’ Campaign

Young Republicans from County Fermanagh got active on Ógra Shinn Féin’s ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign for a National Day of Action (Wed 11 March), leafleting local schools and the town of Roslea.

Pamphlets where distributed outlining the issues which the campaign aims to highlight and impact on, including student fees, 11+ and Irish Language education.



Speaking on the local day of action in Fermanagh, Chris Conwell said,

“The ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign is very relevant to young people nationwide, rural and urban, and it allows us to participate, educate ourselves, and have a say on the future of education in Ireland.”

“Today’s action in Fermanagh was well received by the young people and students we engaged, and we look forward to extending and building on this important issue in the year ahead.”

Ógra in Upper Bann Launch Educate to be Free Campaign

Ógra Shinn Féin in Upper Bann launched their new education campaign this week, entitled “Educate to be Free”. The launch, by the National Secretary of Ógra Cllr. Johnny McGibbon and Ógra Sinn Féin Equality Spokesperson Gemma McKenna. was hosted by Sinn Féin’s Education Spokesperson John O’Dowd. The launch, which was part of a national day of action across Ireland, is the beginning of a campaign that will focus on various aspects of education including budgets, Post Primary Reform and Irish medium education.

Opening the launch John O’Dowd MLA stated,

“Today Ógra Shinn Féin is launching a campaign called ‘Educate to be Free.’ The campaign sets out to work for equality in our education system north and south, and bring Sinn Féin’s message on education to young people.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Johnny McGibbon explained the reasoning behind the campaign,

“Education is the most important aspect of our society. It affects all citizens at some point in their lives and Sinn Féin has treated it with the appropriate degree of seriousness. Sinn Féin took up the Ministry for Education here in the north, when many others were trying to avoid it. We took the challenge head on, and are now trying to bring about the real change and equality needed within our education system.”

Ógra Sinn Féin Equality Spokesperson Gemma McKenna outlined future plans and said,

“Over the coming months we will be campaigning on issues such as tuition fees, post primary school reform, budgets and adequate provision for those being educated through the Irish language. Fundamental to our campaign is the belief that education is a right for all, and not a privilege. All children must have equality of opportunity in our education system.”

Batasuna statement on the last days events in the north of Ireland

BATASUNA wants to express its total support to Sinn Fein President and MP Gerry Adams on his statement about recent attacks against British Army and PSNI members in Ireland.

BATASUNA wants to underline that currently in Ireland, and as consequence of an inclusive process of dialogue and attacks against British Army and PSNI members in Ireland.

BATASUNA wants to underline that currently in Ireland, and as consequence of an inclusive process of dialogue and negotiations, Irish people’s Right to Self determination and to reunification is recognised in the Good Friday Agreement.

Today in Ireland republican goals can be achieved through peaceful and democratic ways thanks to the peace process leaded by the republican movement. Today Irish genuine aspirations can become true through democratic means. There is enough democratic space for it; Irish people have the voice for it.

And it has been because of the long lasting, perseverant and consistent struggle of Irish republican movement, of the heroic resistance of Irish volunteers and activists, that today Irish people have this democratic scenario. And it is because of the daily political struggle of Sinn Fein that a United, Gaelic, Democratic, Socialist Republic is closer to become a reality.

The republican leadership has moved forward from an undemocratic scenario to this current democratic one and it will be the republican leadership who will end with British presence in Ireland and will unite the island.

BATASUNA expresses its complete solidarity and support to SF and the Irish people on the defense of the Irish peace process and the democratic scenario.

South Armagh Republican elected to Student Union Body in Jordanstown

Belleek/Whitecross Sinn Féin activist Caolan Quinn was elected to University of Ulster Students Union last week.

Caolan is also the chairperson of Jordanstown Sinn Féin and sits on the officer board of the party’s university structure in Ulster.

Conor Murphy congratulated Caolan and said,

“We in South Armagh Sinn Féin are extremely proud of Caolan’s achievement and the work that he and other young republicans are doing in building Sinn Féin in universities across Ireland. Caolan is well known for his dedication to republicanism in this area and I am sure that as an elected representative in the Students Union he will be a great ambassador for Sinn Féin.”

“The popularity of Sinn Féín among the young electorate is continuing to grow; this is evident by Caolan’s result as he received over twice that of his nearest opponent.”

Omagh Students Get Message Loud and Clear ‘Educate to be Free’

As Ógra activists got busy highlighting the ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign across Ireland on a National Day of Action (Wed 11 March), school and college students in Omagh where leafleted by the local Ógra Shinn Féin cumann.

Thousands of pamphlets where distributed at the entrance of all main schools and the Omagh Colleges as the students poured out at home time.

The ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign inspired by Thomas Davis’ famous essay, covers many key issues including Irish language education, cost of living, tuition fees, 11+ and budget cuts.


West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin spokesperson, Kerry McColgan said,

“Education is a massively important issue, and one which we as young people need to have a say on. Republicans have an all Ireland egalitarian vision for Education, and that is why Sinn Féin have taken up the Education ministry in the assembly, and why we are currently the most vocal in opposition to fees in the 26 Counties.”

“The ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign allows us to get active on and highlight the most pressing issues on Education across Ireland and through raising awareness and lobbying on these issues we can progress and popularise our demands.”

“We intend to step up the campaign throughout Tyrone in the coming months, and are intending to erect a number of murals, host public talks, and hold a number of protests, and develop more initiatives that broadens the campaign to the widest group of young people.”

Ógra Shinn Féin host International Women's Day event in Lurgan

ÓSF Gender Equality Officer Gemma McKenna on the panel with Leo Green and Mairead O'Dowd

This past weekend Ógra Shinn Féin hosted Upper Bann Sinn Féin’s International Women’s Day celebrations in the Ashburn Hotel in Lurgan. The event entitled “Celebrating Republican Women”, was an opportunity for republicans in North Armagh to pay tribute and celebrate the role of women in republicanism. The event on Sunday 8th March, marked the 98th anniversary of International Women’s Day.

Ógra activist and Chairperson in Lurgan Lee Casey opened the event with the poem “Invisible Women”, and was followed by the events’ guest speakers Sinn Féin Cllr. Mairéad O’Dowd and former hunger striker Leo Green. The event was later closed with the poem “For Strong Women”, read by Ógra’s Sinead McCausland.

The event also hosted the official launch and first showing of the new Ógra Shinn Féin film “Ní Saoirse go Saoirse na mBan”. (“No Freedom Until the Freedom of Women”).

Ógra spokesperson in Lurgan, Sinead McCausland commented,

“For too long the role of women in Irish history, politics and struggle has been under played. Today we celebrated and marked the role played by women in the North Armagh area, some visible and some not so visible. It was fitting that we paid this tribute on International Women’s Day, a day of international celebration of women.”

Ms McCausland continued,

“Today’s event was hugely enjoyable. Mairéad and Leo’s contributions were brilliant. Women have played, and still play, such a variety of roles in republicanism and I think that was captured in the contributions of both speakers.”

“Sinn Féin continues to strive for a society based on equality, and national independence. We will continue the struggle to ensure all the ‘children of the nation’ are cherished equally. Equality for women is a vital part of this battle. Ní saoirse go saoirse na mban!”

International Women's Day

Last Saturday Sinn Féin celebrated International Women’s Day in the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast.

The event hosted by Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brun, welcomed various groups to set up stalls in a Fresher’s-stlye fair in the main hall. Some of the organizations in attendance included, Sinn Féin, Ógra Shinn Féin, Tar Anall, The Equality Commission, and The Falls Rd Women’s Centre. There was also face painting, Indian head massages, aromatherapy and a light buffet.

There were also two public talks, entitled “Unmanageable Revolutionaries” and “Hannah Sheehy Skeffington”, delivered by feminist author Margaret Ward. She outlined just some of the key events in Irish history, and how the role of women has been very much underplayed or even air brushed out. The hugely interesting discussion was followed by an entertaining performance by local actress and former Republican POW, Rosena Brown. The unexpected sketch made a clever mockery of all the traditional misconceptions and stereotypes asscoiated with women. This was a fitting end to a fantastic event.

Ógra Shinn Féin Gender Equality Officer Gemma McKenna commented,

“Today’s event was hugely enjoyable and fitting way to mark International Women’s Day 2009. We had a wide variety of activities in the Fresher’s fair, from face painting to massages to information stalls on international solidarity. We also had several Sinn Féin stalls, including one organised by Ógra and another by Roinn an Chultúir.”

She continued,

“The talks delivered by Margaret Ward were excellent. I think they proved hugely educational, and everyone really enjoyed the day. The sketch to conclude the day’s event, delivered by Rosena Brown, was a brilliant way to end. Rosena used the medium of drama to highlight the misconceptions and stereotypes still associated with women by some people.”

"Sinn Fén continues to work for women's rights, and an Ireland based on equality and justice. I look foward to International Women's Day 2010."

John O’Dowd MLA Statement

Commenting after a PSNI officer was shot dead in the Craigavon area this evening local Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd said:

"This is an attack on the peace process. It is wrong and it is counter productive and I would extend my condolences to the dead mans family at this time.

"As with what happened in Antrim over the weekend we condemn it. Whoever carried out this shooting was not doing so to advance Irish republican or democratic goals. They have no strategy to deliver a United Ireland.

"This is a time for strong political leadership and cool heads. It is a time for all political parties and the two governments to recommit to the principles which have underpinned the peace process and delivered the stability of recent years."

Statement from Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, MP, MLA

Commenting on last night's attack in county Antrim Mr. Adams said:

"Last nights attack was an attack on the peace process. It was wrong and counter productive."

"Those responsible have no support, no strategy to achieve a United Ireland. Their intention is to bring British soldiers back onto the streets. They want to destroy the progress of recent times and to plunge Ireland back into conflict."

"Irish republicans and democrats have a duty to oppose this and to defend the peace process. Sinn Fein has a strategy to bring about an end to British rule in our country by peaceful and democratic means."

"There should be an end to actions like the one in Antrim last night. The popular will is for peaceful and democratic change."

"Sinn Fein has a responsibility to be consistent. The logic of this is that we support the police in the apprehension of those involved in last night’s attack."

"The police also have a responsibility to give leadership and to behave at all times in a transparent and accountable manner. The British Government has a duty to uphold the new political arrangement and the peace process."

"I particularly want to appeal to republicans once again for calm, thoughtful and decisive leadership. "

"The peace process was built against the odds and not least because of the willingness of republicans to take risks and to be strategic and long sighted."

"There are elements within Unionism and within the British system who do not want the peace process to achieve its objectives. Our responsibility is to defend the peace process and the progress that has been made to achieving national and democratic rights."

"We will not be deflected from our republican and democratic objectives."

Ní saoirse go saoirse na mBan

Ógra Shinn Féin have produced the following short film for International Women's Day (Monday 8 March '09).

We hope you enjoy, and promote this celebration of women in struggle, past and present.



The short film titled 'Ní saoirse go saoirse na mBan' includes rare footage of past Sinn Féin Vice President, Maire Drumm and exclusive interviews with Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin Minister for Agriculutre in the north, Michelle Gildernew MLA / MP, long standing Republican activist, Rita O'Hare and Eiblinn Glenholmes, Sinn Féin gender equality department.

It also includes up and coming women activists of Ógra Shinn Féin.

We hope you mark International Women's Day, celebrating the great strides forward in the cause of women empowerment, and commiting yourself to completing the task, as the film states - No freedom without the freedom of women!

Ógra Shinn Féin unveil mural on Cuban Revolution

The Strabane branch of Sinn Féin’s youth wing, Ógra Shinn Féin this week launched a new mural situated at Meetinghouse Street in the town. The mural was erected by the Republican youth activists to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution which falls this year.

Local spokesperson for the Republican youth movement Neno McFarland commented on the hard work put in to the mural by Ógra Shinn Féin activists;

“I would like to commend all activists who took the time out to work on this mural, which we have erected to show solidarity with the Cuban people at this time, as they celebrate the anniversary of the overthrowing of the ‘Batista’ dictatorship in 1959”

“2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. Half a century is really a short time in history but for the Cuban people this time has been an intensive period of changes that have transformed their nation. From the status of a neo-colonial and undeveloped state, the social changes carried out by the revolutionary government during these 50 years have transformed Cuba into a truly independent nation.”

“Cuban people have undoubtedly suffered heavily because of US policies that aim to isolate the country internationally, including its criminal support of terrorist attacks on Cuba and its decades-long blockade. Still, an extraordinarily resilient and courageous society not only survives but also has the figures to prove it.”

“We in Ógra Shinn Féin send solidarity greetings to our revolutionary comrades in Cuba during this milestone anniversary in their development as an independent nation. We believe as Che Guevara believed, that international solidarity can play a huge part in political struggle against injustice, as we have seen from difficult periods in our own country’s history, when nations rallied to support the Irish people in their fight for freedom. In terms of Cuba, this solidarity helps to break down the attempts of US imperialism to isolate them.”

Torchlight vigil held for victims of state violence

Ógra Shinn Féin in Strabane organised a successful torchlight vigil in the head of the town area on Saturday night (28th February). Upwards of 50 local people gathered at the Breslin/Devine monument in Fountain Street, and symbolically lit torches in memory of those killed as a result of British state-sponsored violence.

The vigil was held as part of a weekend of events organised by the Strabane Memorial Flute Band to mark the 24th anniversary of the killing of three local republicans by the British SAS in a notorious shoot-to-kill ambush.

Speaking at Saturday night’s vigil, chairperson of the Tobias Molloy Ógra Shinn Féin cumann Seán Mac Giolla Easpaig said;

“We are proud to see so many local people turn out, despite the bad weather to support tonight’s event. It is particularly poignant that we gather at this monument to volunteers Charles Breslin, and brothers Michael and David Devine, 24 years after their brutal murder by undercover British agents.”

“Tonight the people of Strabane have demonstrated that the demand for truth and justice regarding political assassinations carried out by the British state will not go away, and that any attempt to cover up or conceal the role played by Britain as an active protagonist in the conflict here, will be met with strong resistance.”

“Ógra Shinn Féin salutes the resilience and determination of the families of those murdered by British forces and their proxy agents through repressive policies such as collusion or shoot-to-kill. We vow to continue campaigning on this issue until truth and justice prevails”.

Ógra Shinn Féin builds solidarity links in Corsica

Ógra Shinn Féin recently (17 – 19 Feb) attended an International Festival in Corsica. The Scontri Internaziunali, was organised by youth movement Ghjuventú Indipendentista, and held in Corte, the historic Capital of the Corsican Nation.

The festival was organised to celebrate the diversity of culture, language and heritage in small occupied nations, and the various movement’s struggle for emancipation and freedom.

There was also delegations from Kanaky (South Pacific) and Kabilia (North Africa), who participated in various internal workshops and public debates on minority languages and globalisation.



Speaking following the delegation, Ógra activist Marcas O’Mhaoldomhaigh said,

“Ógra Shinn Féin supports the right to national self determination of small nations across the world, and believe that Ireland’s freedom struggle must be part of a global struggle and movement to create an empowered free people and egalitarian world. International festivals like the Scontri Internaziunali help build networks, understanding and solidarity between those who struggle for freedom across the world.”

“The main talk of the week was on globalisation and we talked about the need for more co-operation between nations, and that we are for a European Union, but a social Europe with a social Ireland playing a progressive role in it. Delegates and the Corsican public where particularly interested in the Irish defeat of the Lisbon Treaty, which we spoke at length on, highlighting Ógra and Sinn Féin’s role in ensuring a successful No! vote. We outlined our position in Europe and global co-operation to that of James Connolly’s ‘a free federation of free peoples’.”

“We also addressed the issue of minority languages and spoke about the current state of the Irish language across Ireland. We focussed on the campaign to get Acht na Gaeilge implemented in the north, and the benefits that this would bring in the promotion of the Irish language.”

“The Scontri Internaziunali was very beneficial in extending our knowledge of other struggles and helping build up solidarity links and working relations with various movements. There is an awful lot of positives that can be gained from international solidarity actions like these, not least the sharing of ideas but also the reassurance that we are not alone in our struggle for Independence in Ireland.”

100 years of Irish Republican Youth in Struggle

Fra Cochrane
Ógra Shinn Féin
An Cáislean Nua

2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Na Fianna Eireann, the first Republican Youth organisation. Its founders, Countess Markievicz and Bulmer Hobson sought to utilise the youth of Ireland in the struggle for Irish independence.


Young men from both rural and urban communities quickly joined the ranks of Na Fianna, seeking to play their role.

But Na Fianna Eireann was not simply about instilling confidence and a sense of Irishness in young men. It was about education, community service, social activities, and improving the lives of all the people of Ireland. It was founded on Irish republican and socialist ideals, and on the basis of equality for all.

It was Na Fianna who fired the first shots in Dublin in 1916, and Na Fianna units across the whole of Ireland continued to serve admirably until the cessation of the armed struggle. It is with great awe that we can look back on the role these young people played in our struggle.

Young republicans have always been key in Irish history , whether it was young women through Cumann na gCailini or young men in Na Fianna.

Young people today can look up to them as a shining example of courageousness. People like Tom Williams, executed for his role in the Army at the mere age of 19. People like Bobby Sands and all the Hunger Strikers of 1981, whose average age was around 20, and even up to present day, to people like Daithi McKay MLA who continue to advance that Irish republican and socialist ideal upon which Na Fianna was founded.

Bobby Sands said “Everyone, republican or otherwise, have their own particular part to play. No part is too great or too small, no one is too young or too old to do something”.

That statement is as relevant today as it ever was.

Ógra Shinn Féin continue to play their part, knowing that we can only strive to be as brave as the young who went before us.

The onus is on young Irish people today to continue the struggle, we are the future and it will be in our generation that we achieve Irish unity.

With the anniversary of the formation of Na Fianna Eireann, I would encourage all young people to get involved in Ógra Shinn Féin, and to continue what Countess Markievicz and Bulmer Hobson started all those years ago.

To advance the cause of Irish freedom, and show that the lives of so many young republicans in the past were not given in vain.

An Phoblacht Abú!!