Ógra Shinn Féin activist arrested in Galway protesting against Student Fees

An Ógra Shinn Féin activist was arrested in Galway last night (Monday February 2nd) in ongoing protests against the introduction of Student Fees.

Frankie Gallagher, an 18 year old Donegal student, attending NUIG, and a member of Ógra Shinn Féin was participating in a FEE (Free Education for Everyone) protest, opposing the visit of former Fianna Fáil Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s visit to the Galway campus.

Condemning the arrest, fellow student and Ógra spokesperson Caoimhe Sloan said,

“The arrest of Frankie by a jumped up Garda officer is totally unacceptable, and follows on from similar arrests of Dublin Ógra activists in previous months. These over the top reactions by the Dublin government to peaceful protest, shows they are not willing to be criticised and confronted on this issue and are resorting to bully boy tactics and arrest as a result.”

“The anti democratic manner in which they are dealing with the current fees debacle, and threatened arrest of those who challenge the government’s onslaught on the budget and fees is an absolute disgrace, but it will not work, we will not be deterred by these intimidatory tactics, and they only serve to make us more resilient in our campaign to stop the introduction of fees.”

“We will support Frankie, and any other student arrested for daring to peacefully protest against student fees and we will be turning out in numbers in Dublin tomorrow to send a message out loud and clear that education is a right, not a privilege.”

An féidir leat cabhrú liom?

Ríomhchlár Nua

An féidir leat cabhrú liom? Ar mhaith leat gaeilge a chur chun cinn.............Má tá gaeilge agat, is féidir leat!

Beidh mé ag tosú ríomhchlár gaeilge a dhéanamh go luath, ach tá fadhb amháin agam.. Ar an drochair, níl mo chuid gaeilge maith go leor chun ríomhchlár seo a chríochnú; ach buíochas le Dia, táim níos fearr le ríomhairí!

Tá ríomhchlár ann faoi lathair; "Verbix", ach tá sé $40 USD chun an ríomhchlár a cheannach. Ba mhaith liom saor-ríomhchlár a dhéanamh cuid den "Oil go mBeidh tú Saor", agus Gaeilge a chur chun cinn chomh maith!

Mar sin, má tá Gaeilge líofa agat - cuir r-phost chugam ar sean@cairde.net inniú! Go raibh maith agaibh agus ádh mór oraibh.

Le meas,

Seán Ó Briain
ÓSF Mumhan

Ógra Shinn Féin March 4 the Truth

Ógra Shinn Féin activists from across Ireland descended on Derry for the annual Bloody Sunday march on Sunday 1 February.

A number of the youth wing’s members where already in Derry having just participated in a ‘Youth 4 Truth’ weekend, with many more travelling on the day.



Ógra Shinn Féin activists participated variously on the day, through republican flute bands, stewarding and assisting in preparations for the march, but also forming up as a youth contingent.

South Armagh Ógra activists lead at the front with a large Palestinian flag, and further back Ógra Shinn Féin activists marched behind the Na Fianna Martyrs Ógra banner, each holding a Palestinian flag to demonstrate solidarity and show that Irish youth stand shoulder to shoulder with Palestine.

Chairperson of Derry Ógra Shinn Féin, Aoife McNaught said,

“We marched here today as young people demanding the truth for those slaughtered on the streets of Derry 37 years ago, and we wanted to carry Palestinian flags to express solidarity and show our disgust at the recent slaughter of people in the Gaza strip.”

“Thousands marched on the streets of Derry, in support of the Bloody Sunday families just demands for the truth, showing very clearly that for as long as Britain covers up, refuses to acknowledge it’s shameful murder of citizens it wished to rule, there will be constant generations of young people willing to march, demand and eventually we will achieve the truth.”

Engaging and Interesting Youth 4 Truth Weekend

Aoife McNaught
Chairperson
Derry Ógra Shinn Féin

Young republican delegates from as far away as Waterford travelled to Derry at the weekend (Jan 30 - 1 Feb) to take part in Ógra Shinn Féin’s Youth 4 Truth weekend.

The educational weekend, coincided with the annual Bloody Sunday events, and the main theme set the context for many of the talks and debates.

Following a late arrival in ‘Free Derry’, activists were welcomed by Derry Ógra Shinn Féin, before watching the ‘Bloody Sunday’ film.


The film helped inform people of the events of that tragic day, and a very wet tour of the Bogside the following morning by Gerry McCartney, who was there on the day, further explained the lead up to Bloody Sunday, the day itself and the aftermath, recollecting difficult yet emotive personal memories.

The tour was concluded in the Bloody Sunday museum where John Kelly of the Bloody Sunday families gave a tour of the museum and spoke about the ongoing Saville inquiry and discussed the recent Eames/Bradley report.

After a brief respite in the museum from the bitterly cold and rainy Derry weather, it was back outside again to launch Ógra Shinn Féin’s new mural ‘International Terrorists.’

The mural which was painted by Ógra activist Niall Doran, and erected on the back of Free Derry Corner, links the struggle of those fighting imperialism across the world, fighting against US, British or Israeli imperialism, joined in a global struggle against these ‘International Terrorists’, who occupy, murder and maim with impunity.

Following a well deserved lunch, Ógra activists made their way back to the Bogside as a talk on ‘Cuba – 50 years on’ was delivered in Pilot’s row.

The packed to capacity talk, had contributions from Dr Una Lynch, who explained in indepth the inspirational Cuban health system, Peter Leary who spoke about Venezuela and the progressive movement of change sweeping through Latin America and a representative from the Miami 5, spoke of the ongoing illegal detention of the Cuban citizens and ongoing terrorist attacks by the US.

The talk concluded the events for the day, and a more informed, educated and resilient youth marched on Sunday, more determined to demand and achieve the truth for the Bloody Sunday families.

An bhfuil Gaeilge agat??

Cen fáth nach gcuireann píosa Gaeilge ar an bhlog!!?!?

Tá altanna maidir leis an Ghaeilge agus ceisteanna tábhachtacha eile atá baint leis na daoine óga de dhíth.

Smaointe:

• Cearta theanga
  


• Acht na Gaeilge


• An Chéad Dáil Éireann


• Na Fianna Éireann 100 Bliain
  

• Oideachas
  


• Barack Obama


• Timpeallacht
  


• Conradh Lisbon
  


• Feminí agus Cearta na mban


• Geilleagar
  


• Drugaí agus alcól
  


• Féinmharú

• Bóthar Sabhailte


• Ceartaí Oibrithe


• Ceartas Coiriúil
  


• Feachtas Éireann Aontaithe


• Dlúthchomhar Idirnáisiúnta

Cuir do phíosa chuig osfnational@yahoo.ie nó osfnational_secretary@yahoo.ie !!

Go raibh maith agat agus adh mór !!

Ógra Shinn Féin calls for Solidarity with Student March Against Fees

Ógra Shinn Féin has called for Irish citizens north and south, young and old, to support students in the 26 counties in their opposition to the introduction of student fees by joining USI’s national march and rally in Dublin next Wednesday February 4th.

The march, beginning at the Garden of Remembrance at 1.30pm, is expected to mobilise thousands of students, who are opposed to the introduction of student fees.

Ógra Shinn Féin believe in free education for all, and are opposed to student fees, and this forms a key focus of the youth wing’s newly launched ‘educate to be free’ campaign.



Urging maximum attendance and solidarity for the student march, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Fein Barry McColgan,

“It is vital that thousands mobilise onto the streets of Dublin next Wednesday to send a strong message to O’Keefe, Cowen and co that their savage attacks on the budget and attempt to introduce student fees will be resisted, opposed and they will pay for their attacks on the most vulnerable in society at the next polls.”

“Ógra Shinn Féin believes in free education for all, and believes that education should be accessible at every level for all citizens. Students are already burdened with a ridiculous cost of living, which leads to many juggling one or two jobs on top of study, this creates undue stress and hinders academic excellence. To introduce fees would not only make this situation much worse but it would also prevent and act as a deterrent to many entering further education, especially those from a working class background.”

“We abhor any move to make education a privilege and we will be on the streets next week demanding that it remain a right. We urge you to join us. Bígí Linn!”

Che: Behind the icon

Film review Che: Part One – The ArgentineCert (15) 126 mins

REVIEWED BY SEÁN Ó FLOINN

AS the trailer to Steven Soderbergh’s two-part biopic on Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara states, this is “the epic story of the man behind the icon”. It has been aptly released this month to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution.As Walter Salle’s excellent Los Diarios de Motocicleta (The Motorcycle Diaries) almost perfectly captured Che’s earlier years, it was a logical step for Soderbergh to follow on from there and focus on Che’s pivotal role in the Cuban Revolution and in the second part his ultimately doomed Bolivian experience. As the director says: “Somebody did Act One for us.”

The basis for this film is Che’s Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War, and after seven years of research the film is slick, entertaining and captivating.The sole criticism I would have of the film is that, for the non-political audience, it is largely bereft of background information. Unfortunately, while a lot of people are familiar with Che, the T-shirt and poster icon, they are clueless about Che the man and Marxist revolutionary.

UNCANNY LIKENESS

The lead actor is Puerto Rican Benicio Del Toro, who was instrumental from the start in making this film happen. Bearing an uncanny physical likeness to Guevara, with his piercing eyes and serious countenance, he really brings Che to life. Demián Bichir has Castro down to a tee, with his charisma, gesticulation and even the famous protruding wagging finger of El Comandante en Jefe.

Soderbergh employs colourful wide-screen to portray Cuba and newsreel monochrome to cover Che’s 1964 speech to the UN in New York, which results in a feeling that you are watching genuine archive footage. Che is akin to a movie star while in the United States but never loses his revolutionary spirit, sarcastically expressing gratitude for the Bay of Pigs invasion to an American political sycophant who greets him at a party.

The first part covers the now historic initial meeting between Fidel and Che in an apartment in Mexico with not a beard between them. After the sailing of the Granma boat to Cuba, it then chronicles the three years of the Cuban Revolution.

Here Del Toro excels as Che, showing his leadership qualities commanding and disciplining his troops; his unswerving bravery leading by example from the front line; his empathy towards the plight of poor campesinos (peasants); his determination in struggling with his debilitating asthma; his passion for education and instructing companeros to learn to read and write and also his ruthlessness in executing former comrades who broke sacred revolutionary codes.

THE BEARDED ONES

The film follows Los barbudos (the bearded ones) far up into the Sierra Maestra, through the verdant and sticky terrain of the Cuban countryside. Che’s future wife, guerrilla Aleida March, is played by Catalina Sandino Moreno and appears captivated by Che and his revolutionary zeal, persistent on helping the cause.

The first part climaxes with the defining battle at Santa Clara where the guerrillas overpower Batista’s troops to secure the success of the revolution and finally the glorious victory parade back into the capital Havana.

Even after the jubilation on the way to Cuba’s capital, Che maintains his revolutionary discipline reprimanding fellow guerrillas under his command for ‘expropriating’ a former Batista general’s flash automobile, insisting they take it back and travel in a guerrilla jeep, insisting that the revolution does not steal.Hasta la segunda parte!

• Che: Part 2 released 20 Feabhra 2009

Ógra Shinn Féin joins National Youth Council in calling for Voting @ 16

On Tuesday 27th January, Ógra Shinn Féin joined the NYCI (National Youth Council of Ireland) outside Leinster house to demand that the voting age be lowered to 16. Sinn Féin TD Aengus O’Snodaigh was also in attendance to demonstrate his personal and party support for the initiative.

The ‘New Age to Vote’ campaign launch hopes to spark a debate on this issue among 16 and 17 year olds, with the aim of opening up discussion forums and campaign groups across Ireland that demand the voting age to be lowered, ensuring young people have a voice.



Speaking at the launch, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McColgan said,

“Ógra Shinn Féin fully supports the lowering of the voting age to 16, we have passed it at successive Ógra and Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, demanded it through successive youth election manifesto and we intend to step up the campaign in the time ahead to ensure that 16 and 17 year olds are afforded the right to vote.”

“We aim to work with the NYCI and other progressive youth groups, sporting, community and political, to ensure a broad based successful campaign emerges and the voting age is lowered in advance of the upcoming local and European elections.”

“Many 16 and 17 year olds are playing a vital role in society, through employment, studying, paying taxes and volunteering through community and charity groups, they are treated as adults in every other manner, with government quite willing and happy to accept their taxes yet will not afford them the basic democratic right to vote.”

“Young people contribute more to community and volunteer groups than any other demographic group, and should be included in the democratic processes. A dynamic could be created by more participatory democracy through lowering the voting age, sparking new found interest and engagement in politics and decision making. This could open up new ideas, and challenge old bad practice, and banish once and for all the myth that young people are not interested in politics.”

Ógra Shinn Féin Munster goes online

Seán Ó Briain
Munster Órganiser
Ógra Shinn Féin

http://munster.osf.ie

The Munster Cúige of Ógra Shinn Féin discussed improved methods of communication at the Cúige's latest AGM. All present concurred that a website would be a great medium as a central node for the Cúige.

Speaking on behalf of Ógra Shinn Féin Munster, the Cúige's organiser and website developer Seán Ó Briain had this to say -

"Communication between members of Ógra Shinn Féin is paramount, especially as the organisation grows larger. In Munster we have decided to create a new website, specifically geared for Munster related events, protests and talks. It allows a cost-effective process for sharing information with fellow Ógra Shinn Féin members in regards to events, meetings and protests. It also re-creates a new face for Ógra Shinn Féin's Munster Cúige online, with intent to promote the Cúige and it's work around the region."

With a national web-log, and Cúige website now online - Communication at both regional and national levels are now fufilled.

Palestine Vigil on Garvaghy Road

Upper Bann Sinn Féin organised a white line vigil last weekend on the Garvaghy Road, to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Amongst those in attendance were Sinn Féin's Craigavon Council Group and the local Ógra Shinn Féin cumann..

Vigil organiser and Ógra activist Gemma McKenna said,

“On behalf of the organisers I would like to thank those who participated in the vigil and the public for their generous response. The hour-long vigil was organised to highlight the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza where thousands of people are presently displaced from their homes and left without the essential basic requirements of survival. Information on the crisis and ways to assist are available from the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Committee, whose website is http://www.ipsc.org/ .Donations can also be given through the Irish Medical Aid for Palestine organisation, which can be contacted at IrishMedPal@yahoo.com.”

Upper Bann Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd who attended the vigil commented,

“This vigil was one of a number organised by Sinn Féin to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Tens of thousands of innocent civilians, including women and children have been left in a state of total depravation. These civilian victims need food water, medical supplies, and shelter.”
The Sinn Féin Assembly Member continued,

“The political crisis in Gaza can only be resolved by creating the conditions that bring about a permanent end to hostilities. International political leaders created the conditions that brought about this conflict and their present day successors have a moral responsibility to bring about the conditions for a permanent end to the conflict. However in the here and now thousands are suffering and are aim with this vigil is to draw attention to the need for immediate aid to relieve that suffering.”

Meath Public Showing of Award Winning 'Hunger' Film - Bígí Linn!

Senator Pearse Doherty to speak at annual U.C.C. commemoration

The U.C.C Martin Hurson cumann will hold their annual commemoration on Wednesday the 28th of January. The commemoration was started a number of years ago, to commemorate 13 volunteers buried on campus, where Cork gaol once was.

It has gone from strength to strength in recent years, becoming a regular fixture in the local republican calendar. This year the cumann has the honour of having Senator Pearse Doherty to give the oration, and Carrick on Suir RFB will be in attendance also.


The commemoration will begin in the amphitheatre on front of the student centre in U.C.C. and will proceed past the Quad, and down to gaol cross, where a wreath will be laid at the old gaol wall, where Free State soldiers shot a man attempting to aid an escape.

The commemoration will then move on to the plot in front of the science building, where the oration will be given.

Assembly at 6.45pm - All welcome!

Beidh an comóradh bliantúil ag Cumann Máirtín Ó hUrsáin ar an gCeadaoin an 28ú lá de Eanáír. Do thosnaíodh on comóradh cúpla blian ó shin chun comóradh a dhéanamh ar 13 Óglaigh a chuireadh ann tar éis dóibh bás a fháil i bpríosún Chorcaí, in aice an láthair ar a bhfuil UCC sa lae inniu ann. Is onóir mór don chumann é go bhfuil an Seanadóir Piarais Ó Dochartaigh ag tabhairt an hóráide i mbliana, agus beidh Banna Poblachtánach Carraig na Siúire ann chomh maith.

Tosnóidh an comóradh os chomhair Áras na Mic Léinn, agus raghaidh sé thar an quad, ag stopadh ag Crosaire an Phriosúin, áit a fágfar bláth-fhleasc i gcuimhne an fhir ar mharaigh saighdiúirí an tSaor Stát agus é ag cuidiú le éalú na bpriosúnach. As sin imeoidh an comóradh go dtí an plasóg, áit a tabharfar an t-óráid.

Cruinnigí ag 6.45. Fáilte roimh cách.

Munster Ógra face New Year with confidence

The Munster Cúige of Ógra Shinn Féin held their AGM on the 25th of January in Cork’s Barrack Street, and all present concurred that it was a great success.

A lively debate on the present state of Ógra Munster was had, and the future facing the organisation.

All present were agreed that the cumainn separately were operating quite well, particularly in the three colleges, but that there was a lack of cohesion at present.

Many suggestions were made to help to remedy this, and a comprehensive plan of action was put in place for the coming months, culminating in a republican youth weekend in Waterford in March.



A new officer board was elected to carry out the work necessary in bringing Munster on. John O Brien (W.I.T) was selected as the new Munster Organiser, David Collins (U.C.C. Martin Hurson) was selected as Munster Secretary, and as the co-option to the national executive.

Eoin MacCarthaigh (UCC Martin Hurson) is the new P.R. and internal communication officer, and Joe Lynch (MacCurtain/Doherty) was appointed as Gender Equality officer.

The new Ógra Shinn Féin Munster organiser, Sean ó Briain had this to say,

“I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to help bring Munster on in the new year, and after this meeting iI think that there is a great sense of purpose within Munster Ógra to try and progress. I’d like to thank Dave Collins for his great work over the last year, and i look forward to working with him and all of Munster Ógra to fulfill our potential.”

Do tharla cruinniú cinn bliana Ógra Chúige Mumhan ar an 25ú lá Eanáir i Sráid na Bearaice i gCorcaigh, agus d’aontaigh cách gur cruinniú úsáideach a bhí ann. Bhí plé cuimsitheach ann ar stáid Ógra sa chúige agus, cé go raibh gach éinne ar aon focal go raibh na cumainn ag feidhmiú go maith, glacadh leis go raibh fadhbanna ag an gcúige feidhmiú mar aonad. Bhí go leor moltaí ag daoine chun an fhadhb sin a réiteach, agus bhí plean oibre socraithe roimh deireadh an chruinnithe, plean a thiocfaidh chun críche le deireadh seachtaine poblachtánach a reachtálfar i bPort Láirge i mí Márta.

Toghadh coiste nua freisin chun dul chun forbairt an chúige a chur chun cinn. Toghadh Seán Ó Briain (W.I.T.) mar Eagraitheoir Mumhan, agus toghadh David Collins (UCC Martin Hurson) mar rúnaí agus mar theachta ar an Chomhairle Náisiúnta freisin. Is é Eoin MacCarthaigh an P.R.O. nua, agus is é Joe Lynch on oifigeach nua chomhionannas inscne.

‘Sé a dúirt Sean ó Briain, an t-eagarthóir nua ná ’Tá an-áthas orm an seans seo a bheith agam Ógra i gCúige Mumhan a thabhairt chun cinn sa bhliain nua seo, agus tá áthas orm a rá go bhfuil spiorad maith i measc na ngníomhaithe a bhí anseo tráthnóna chun feabhas a chur ar an eagras. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le Dave Collins as a chuid oibre sa bliain atá ‘mithe, agus táim ag súil le hoibriú leis, agus le gach éinne ar fud cúige Mumhan barr feabhas a chur ar ár ndícheall.’

Seamus McElwain - Revolutionary Freedom Fighter

Chris Conwell
Fermanagh

Seamus grew up in Knockcullion, County Monaghan and from a very young age was determined to play his part in the struggle for Irish freedom, at the age of 14 Seamus joined Fianna na hÉireann.

At the age of 16 a relative in America offered him the chance to study there but he refused stating that “no one could ever be able to accuse me of running away”, it was at this time he joined the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann and by the age of 19 was playing a leading role in the Army in Fermanagh.


His comrades recall his great leadership qualities and yet he was very unassuming to the point of being shy.

In 1981 he was arrested with a group of IRA volunteers in a house near Roslea and was sentenced to life imprisonment, while he was a POW he stood as a candidate in the Monaghan/Cavan constituency receiving 4,000 first preference votes and later went on to play a massive role in the 1983 breakout of 38 republican POWS.

He was one of the only escapees who had experience in the struggle in the country side it was this in-depth knowledge of the country side which led six of the escapees to freedom.

Once Seamus returned back to his homeland he went straight back to the armed struggle and in an IRA Easter message 1985 he stated that those of us who suffered jail and being on the run know that its only a matter of strong organisation that will get the British out.

“The Republican Movement combining Sinn Fein and the IRA is the only organisation that can do this we the active IRA volunteers will take every risk and play our part we ask you to do yours.”

On a fateful Spring night, 26 of April 1986, Seamus was murdered by the SAS in Roslea after his capture on active service he was interrogated for a couple of minutes before the thugs assassinated him with the coup de grace.

He was killed under Britain’s shoot to kill policy in Ireland, his funeral was attended by more than 3,000 people, and he was buried with full military honours

Seamus is highly thought off by all young and old republicans in the Fermanagh Monaghan area.

Currently we are setting up a Republican Youth group in Fermanagh, Seamus McElwains’ life is proof that youth have always and will continue to have a leading part to play in the struggle for Irish freedom.

Women in Struggle Interview - Laura Gildernew

Gemma McKenna
Gender Equality Officer
Uladh Ógra Shinn Féin

To continue the women in struggle interviews, I sat down with the ever present and an up and coming activist of Ógra Shinn Féin Laura Gildernew. Laura, who hails from Tullysaran, County Armagh (although she considers herself a proud Tyrone women), is a 17 year old A Level student at St Catherines, Armagh.

With a family steeped in republicanism, who led during the civil rights to leading in the Northern Assembly, the Gildernew clan, continue to provide proud and confident activists of the future as evident through Laura.

Laura speaks about her family, inspiration and aspirations for the future.



How did you get interested in politics?

I got interested in politics from hearing stories from my family about the conflict and my interest developed when I entered secondary school and I began to learn more about the history of Ireland.

Were you involved in politics before getting involved in Ógra?

Yes, I have only been involved with Ógra for a short period of time, (something which I regret) but I have been active within Sinn Fein for a number of years, helping out with canvassing and selling ‘An Phoblacht’ and then eventually joining my local cumann in the Brantry.

How did you find out or know about Ógra Shinn Fein?

I found out about Ógra Shinn Féin from being at other Sinn Féin meetings and hearing about the many activities that Ógra were involved in, so I decided to attend one of the republican youth weekends in Derry.

Has your interest in politics come your family influence? And How?

Yes very much so. My family on both parent’s sides have always been very much involved in republican politics because they, like many other nationalists, were unwilling to accept the cruel tyranny of British rule and unionist misrule.

From my great grandmother’s uncle who was on the run from the Black & Tans till he was brutally murdered by them and on many other occasions through the years including my father’s family’s stand against discrimination and repression which culminated in the Squatting in Caledon. This has certainly influenced my decision to become involved in politics.

What would you be doing if you weren’t involved in Ógra?

If I weren’t involved in Ógra, I would probably still be involved in Sinn Féin, but I would be missing out!

What actions have Ógra taken in your area (weekend’s, protests, etc)

Ógra have been very active in my area in opposing the current slaughter of hundreds of Palestinian civilians by engaging in many protests, candle lit vigils and boycotts of Israeli products. We have also been active on ‘Free all IRA prisoners’ campaign.

What do you like most about Ógra Shinn Féin?

I like Ógra Shinn Féin because they are the most active youth wing of any political party in Ireland; they campaign on issues which affect us in our day to day lives, issues which matter to the communities we live in. Ógra Shinn Féin is also a way in which young likeminded individuals can come together, share their ideas, debate and socialise.

Have you any major achievements within Ógra or things that you will remember for a long time to come?

I recently got elected onto the Cúige Uladh Ógra Shinn Féin officer board this I something which I know I will remember and I hope to do the role justice! :)

What do you enjoy doing outside of Politics?

I enjoy playing Gaelic football, Irish dancing and socialising with my friends.

How do you think you make politics relevant to young people and what are the major pressing issues for young people?

I think to make politics relevant to young people you have to get them involved, Ógra Shinn Féin are especially relevant to young people as they campaign on issues which have a direct effect on their everyday lives, issues such as suicide and drugs and alcohol awareness are relevant to young people. I also think issues like education fees and the rising price of living are pressing issues for young people.

If there was one issue you could get young people active on, what would it be?

If there was one issue which I could get young people active on it would be the issue of road safety.

What issue is your cumann active on currently?

My local Cumann is currently active on the issue of the broadband availability in rural areas. We are also active on the ‘No Pylons Here’ campaign, which aims to change proposals to erect huge pylons with extremely dangerous high Voltage cables in our area. We accept the need for and indeed the desirability of an all Ireland Electricity network but intend to move the High Voltage Cables underground where they will present less of a health hazard to people and wildlife and reduce the environmental impact of these eyesores.

Who has been a role model for you politically?

My father has been a role model for me politically and also Eibhlinn Glenhomes.

What female has most influenced you?

Both Mairead Farrell and my Great Grandmother have influenced me greatly.

Quickfire Round

Favourite Food: Chicken

Favourite Drink: Orange Juice

Favourite Music / Artist: Irish rebel and Traditional, Cara Dillon, R ‘n’ B

Favourite songs: The Ballad of Mairead Farrell, Bette Davis Eyes, Sex on Fire, Human

Favourite Films: H3, The wind that shakes the barley, Dirty dancing, Des Bishop - Tongues

Favourite Books: Bobby Sands’ Prison Poems, On The Verge, Tim Pat Coogan - The IRA

Favourite Holiday resort: Boston USA

Person most influential in your life: My Parents

Person you would like to meet (living) Fidel Castro

Person you would like to meet (deceased) Rosa Parks or Mairead Farrell

If you were President of Ireland or Taoiseach what 3 things would, you do to change Ireland?

-I would eliminate any chance of there being a re-run of the Lisbon Treaty.
-I would change the way that the Irish language is taught in our schools.
-I would officially recognise the contribution and sacrifice that Republican men and women have made during the struggle for Irish Unity and Freedom.

Educate that you may be free - WIT Ógra protest against Fees

On Wednesday 21st of January, Waterford Institute of Technology's Ógra Shinn Féin cumann took part in a 2,500 strong protest against the re-introduction of fees. Despite heavy rain, the crowd marched from the WIT Cork Road campus to John Robert's Square in the centre of the city for a rally with great numbers attending, to send a strong message to the government.

Speaking on behalf of WIT ÓSF, John O'Brien stated "This is only the first step in our protest against the re-introduction of fees. Education is a right and not a privilege, and re-introducing fees under the current economic climate is an absolute disgrace.'

''On Wednesday, February 4th - A second protest will take place in Dublin. All ÓSF members from across the 32 counties should extend their support with the student unions and show that we will not be made a scapegoat for previous Government failures. Bígí linn!!"

An Phoblacht Abú!

Wednesday 21st January 2009, witnessed throngs of republicans from across Ireland converge on Dublin as Sinn Féin hosted a commemorative celebration for the 90th Anniversary of An Chéad Dáil. The Mansion house was packed to capacity with hundreds unable to access the event.

Among the crowd was many young republican activists of Ógra Shinn Féin, some lucky enough to get into the event, while others volunteered their seats for some of the more elderly activists and joined the crowds outside.

The people outside which included MLA's, TD's and Ministers, where addressed by Gerry Adams and where visably buoyed up by the huge support for the commemorative event, despite standing in Dublin on a cold, and wet winters night.



In the mansion house, the crowd where addressed by Jack O'Connor, of SIPTU, there was historical re-enactments and speechs, outgoing Sinn Féin General Secretary Rita O'Hare made a number of emotional presentations to female activists and the Keynote Address on the night was delivered by Gerry Adams.

He oulined the historical significance and modern relevance of An Chéad Dáil and the Democratic Programme. He spoke of important International events, most notably the election of Barack Obama, and the recent slaughter in Gaza.

The speech focussed on the inspiration and vision of An Chéad Dáil and urged everyone to collectively work to end partition and implement an egalitarian system of governance as outlined in the Democratic Programme of the First Dáil.

The 90th Anniversary of An Chéad Dáil was fittingly commemorated by Sinn Féin, at the exact spot where they met many years ago.

The inspiring words from speakers, and the energy and passion of the crowd demonstrated the confidence in modern Irish republicanism and their determination to achieve our primary and ultimate objectives.

An Phoblacht abú!

El Presidente Gerry Adams' Speech @ 90th Anniversary of An Chéad Dáil

Inspiring Women

Barry McColgan
National Organiser
Ógra Shinn Féin

When asked who is the most inspirational women in your life, I find it strange that many neglect to say their mother, grandmothers or both.

Personally it is the most obvious answer, your mother who brought you into the world, and who cared for you when you couldn’t fend for yourself, your mother who always afforded an understanding ear and guided you on your path of life.

On a personal level, my mother and grandmothers are my most inspirational women because of the help and assistance in my formative years.


However when asked who my most inspirational republican women is, I cannot pin point one, as I have many, each with a differing defiant characteristic that is utterly inspiring.

Sheena Campbell, Mairead Farrell, Patricia Black, Maire Drumm, Nora Connolly, Countess Markievicz, yet these are obvious ones, there are many more, many who are alive today, Martina Anderson, Ella O’Dwyer, and of course Eibhlinn Glenholmes, and an ever growing and constant stream of young republican woman inspiring confidence in their communities, Sinn Féin and Ógra today.

The confident young female activists of today, are who they are, because of the strong leadership and sacrifice by the women who went before them, women who have sacrificed their time, liberty and lives in pursuit of our republican objectives.

Who could fail to be inspired by Maire Drumm’s selfless and motivational words,

“The only people worthy of freedom are those who are willing to go out and fight for it everyday and die if necessary.”

These women stalwarts of republicanism have defined the confidence, the bravery and the ingenuity for the next generation of female activists.

No more is a women’s place at home, no more will a women’s voice be censored, no more will women be resigned to menial tasks, the legacy of these risen women is a confident forward looking republican women of today.

Just look around you, Toireasa Ferris, Kathleen Funchion, Charlene O’Hara, Andrea O’Kane, and Gemma McKenna, all proud, dedicated and extremely confident republican activists who will no doubt be leading republicanism in the not so distant future.

Irish Republicanism has always been a progressive force in promoting women and affording them equal rights, through the establishment of Cumann na mBan, electing Countess Markiviez as the first female TD in 1918, Sinn Féin electing Margaret Buckley as Party President in 1938, young women joining Óglaigh na hÉireann and engaged in the prison protests, and today’s strong promotion of women is ever evident by the growing number of female candidates and activists.

A lot has been achieved but now is not a time to be complacent and much more needs to be done.
Sinn Féin and Ógra need to build on their progressive gender policy and strive for the party to be a reflection of Irish society, if we ever want to challenge Ireland’s patriarchal and male dominated society; we need to ensure much more confident women recruited and many more female activists in leadership positions.

Countess Markieviczs’ election to the first Dáil Éireann some 90 years ago truly was a ground breaking feat, and that combined with her founding role of Na Fianna, makes her a very relevant historical figure as we mark the 90th anniversary of the First Dáil, and the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna.

She dedicated her life to the struggle for Irish freedom, she ensured the constant recruitment and education of new republicans through Na Fianna, and she led from the front as a women, making her voice heard, and ensuring her opinions where met, there are lessons in her life and actions for all of us.

Long live women in struggle. Beir bua!

Cruinniú Cinnbhliana Ógra Laighean

Ar Sathairn, 31ú Eanair 2009, tionólfar cruinniú cinnbhliana ÓSF Cúige Laighean. Tá an cruinniú socraithe le dul ar aghaidh in Árd Oifig Shinn Féin Baile Átha Cliath. Sí feidhm an cruinniú seo ná treo agus plean a shocrú do Chúige Laighean don bhliain nua.

On Saturday, 31 January 2009, the ÓSF Cúige Laighean AGM will take place.The meeeting will be held in Árd Oifig Shinn Féin, Dublin. The main focus of the meeting on the 31st will be to map out a clear direction for Cúige Laighean for the coming year, ensuring further development for Cúige Laighean in 2009.

Urging maximum attendance for the meeting Laighean Organiser, Peadar de Bluit said,

"I would urge Ógra activists, and young republicans from across Cúige Laighean to come to Dublin on the 31st and join us for this year's Laighean AGM. The AGM is a chance to reflect on the success of the past year, as well as indentifying places where we can improve and develop in the coming year. More importantly however the AGM gives us a chance to map out where and how we want to develop in the coming year."


"Previous AGM's in Leinster have been more than successful and I hope this one will be even better. We intend to have guest speakers and a DVD showing on the day, and afterwards take off for the Youth 4 Truth weekend in Derry. So I would again urge as many Cúige Laighean activists as possible to attend on the day and take part in what is sure to be a very good day."

For more information about the meeting, or anyone not affiliated to a cumann who wishes to attend should contact Peadar on; 0851443832, or; peadar.debluit@sinn-fein.ie