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!!

‘Irish Republican Youth in Struggle’ Short Film – Watch and Promote!

We have uploaded the ‘Irish Republican Youth in Struggle’ short film to YouTube to make it accessible to a wider audience.

The film has been viewed by thousands, with over 1000 copies sold, screened at dozens of public meetings, and now we are uploading it to YouTube to ensure even more people view the film and are given a brief history of young republicans in the struggle.



The film traces the struggle, from the first Irish Republican Youth organisation Na Fianna Éireann in 1909, to the modern day activism of Ógra Shinn Féin.

‘Irish Republican Youth in Struggle’ should be viewed as a resource to activists, to help them visualise our past, our struggle and development but also as a promotional tool and a way to popularise our struggle and gain new activists.

We are asking you to watch it and promote it through email, your social networks and forums.

‘Educate to be Free’ National day of action

Ógra Shinn Féin are organizing for an ‘Educate to be Free’ National day of action, and they are urging maximum mobilization for the upcoming day, Wednesday 11th March 2009.

The main issues of the ‘educate to be free’ campaign are; Irish language education, Primary education, Free education for everyone, Student empowerment and Non commercialization of education.

Ógra are encouraging areas to localize the campaign and identify educational issues which the local populous can identify with, Ógra Cumann are asked to organize protests, public talks, information stalls, banner drops, leaflet drops and letter writing campaigns.



Speaking on the upcoming day of action, Ógra Shinn Féin National Secretary Councillor Johnny McGibbon said,

“It is important during the economic crisis, assault on public services and education, that young republicans are getting active, raising awareness and challenging any move that damages the educational facilities and rights of our young.”

“Education is a right, it should be free at every level and this must resonate throughout the country on the day of action. There is no area that can’t do something, mobilize now.”

Notable Youth Presence at Ard Fheis

This year’s Sinn Féin Ard Fheis saw a growing number of young speakers, especially women. The youth presence was felt through the confident speeches, the Ógra Shinn Féin stall and the inaugural youth fringe event.

Much energy and vigor was added to the wide ranging debates with lively responses from the crowd, it was particularly fitting that such a large youth crowd would be in attendance on the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna Éireann.



Commenting on the notable youth presence at the Ard Fheis, Ógra Shinn Féin National Organizer Barry McColgan said,

“Ógra Shinn Féin activists addressed many important issues at the Ard Fheis, especially vocal on the economy and education. Many young men and women spoke at the Ard Fheis for the first time after gaining much confidence and education at republican youth weekends and events throughout the year, and the passion with which they spoke reverberated throughout the hall.”

“The youth presence was also added to through the addition of an Ógra stall and an inaugural youth fringe event, which was addressed by leading Belfast republican, Bobby Storey. The youth fringe event was particularly useful and engaging and will no doubt feature at future Ard Fheis. The growing number of confident young people attending and addressing Ard Fheis bodes well for Sinn Féin’s future.”





For more youth speeches at the Ard Fheis.

Commemoration for Strabane Volunteers

This coming Sunday 1st March, the Strabane Memorial Flute Band will host it’s annual commemoration parade for local IRA Volunteers Charlie Breslin, and brothers David and Michael Devine.

It’s been twenty four years since these three local lads were brutally gunned down by the British SAS in one of the most notorious “shoot to kill” operations carried out by the British state.
The main commemoration parade begins at 3:00 on Sunday, followed by the unveiling of a new mural at the bottom of Fountain Street in memory of volunteers of the west Tyrone Brigade Oglaigh Na hÉireann.

The parade will proceed to the Strabane Scor site where a band competition will take place, followed by a buffet lunch, table quiz and music by Terry Boyle in Katy Daly’s.



Ógra Shinn Féin Torchlight vigil

Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin will also hold a torchlight vigil at the Breslin/Devine monument in memory of victims of british state violence, this will take place on the Saturday evening at 7:30pm. Accommodation will be provided at a cost of £5 for any Ógra activists wishing to stay on the Saturday night and all are asked to bring sleeping bags!

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s events, and urging Ógra activists to attend, spokesperson for the local Tobias Molloy Ógra Shinn Féin cumann, Neno McFarland said;

“Although we have seen the British army vacate the town of Strabane, their bloody legacy remains in the thoughts of local people especially around this time as we commemorate the deaths of three local IRA volunteers, shot dead by the SAS. The experience people have of the British army in this area is one of oppression, torture, collusion and murder.”



“There has been a lot of speculation and anxiety recently around proposals by the British appointed consultative group on the past, although the concern among those in this community is whether or not those in the highest echelons of British power are to be held accountable for the war crimes they sanctioned against the Irish people. Policies such as collusion and shoot to kill were forged at the cabinet table in Downing Street, and carried out with extreme ferocity by Britain’s murderous agents such as the unionist death squads and the mercenaries in the SAS. It is these facts that we aim to highlight to the public this weekend.”

Spark E-Zine Re-launched @ the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

The Irish Republican Youth Movement, Ógra Shinn Féin, launched their new e-zine Spark at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. The online magazine which can be viewed at http://www.splanc.ie/ aims to discuss the most relevant issues concerning young republicans and Irish youth today.

The first edition features articles on policing, drugs, gay rights, music and tracing 100 years of Irish Republican youth. The youth production also has a distinct international flavor to it with an exclusive interview with banned and censored Basque youth movement, Segi.



Among those interviewed is the assembly’s youngest MLA, Daithi McKay. A number of other high profile and influential republicans and political activists have already agreed to providing regular contributions.

Spark will initially come out every two weeks and the producers have set aside allowance for a hard copy Spark annual.

Speaking on the launch of Spark, editor Barry McNally said,

“We are proud to, at long last, re-launch Spark. The first edition covers many pressing issues that are of relevance to young people today. Hopefully the new format of e-zine will allow Spark to be much more accessible and interactive.”

“Spark will very much be guided by its viewers and the current affairs of the day, but also we as young republicans must challenge the status-quo and formulate new ideas through discussion. We hope Spark will act as a beacon of information and ignite debate. Log on now."

Dublin Stands up in Solidarity with Basque Country

Saturday 14th February, members of the Dublin branch of the Irish Basque Solidarity Committee, supported by Ógra Shinn Féin held a picket outside the GPO to highlight the plight of the Basque people.

The protest theme, in accordance with Valentine's Day was 'No time for Love'. Activists distributed leaflets, held aloft Basque flags and engaged with members of the public.

As the commemoration march for Bob Doyle, a republican veteran of the Spanish Civil War, and who was imprisoned near Donostia (San Sebastían) during the war, the activists lowered their flags in memory of the long life anti fascist fighter.

Proceeding to Dublin's Liberty Hall, members of the public were treated to a series of wonderful speeches from Doyle and his comrades. It is with great dismay this activist learned today of a similar demonstration attacked in Bilbao with 5 persons arrested.



Speaking about the demonstration, Ógra activist Ross Taylor said,

"It is extremely important for us to be out here today on the streets to highlight the ongoing oppression of the Basque people. It is all too easy for Irish people to forget that it wasn't so long ago that the torturers and oppressors were knocking down the doors of men and women in Belfast, Bogside and Bellaghy, similar to the situation today in Euskal Herria.”

“The banning of free press, censorship of political parties and criminalisation of pro-independence parties in Euskal Herria smacks of the dark days of Section 31 censorship in the 26 Counties.”

“We as young republicans poignantly remember the oppression enacted against our comrades in SEGI, and the fact that their leadership still remains in jail so so called 'terrorist' activities. Today, and all throughout Basque solidarity week, we send greetings of friendship and justice to our beleaguered Basque comrades. Jo ta ke irabazi arte! Euskal Herria Askatasuna!!"

Derry Raise Awareness on Euskal Herria

To coincide with International days of Solidarity with the Basque Country the Irish Basque solidarity committee held a number of events across Ireland.

In Derry, the Basque Committees joined with Ógra Shinn Féin to organize a public talk, and a vigil at Free Derry Corner.



Both events where well attended and have helped raise awareness of the current situation in Euskal Herria.

Locally vigils were also held in Strabane and Omagh jointly organised by Ógra Shinn Féin, and the Irish/Basque committees.

Fian John Dempsey, 1st Battalion, Na Fianna Eireann

By Evan Maxwell

As we near the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna Eireann I can't but help reflect on the role of young Irishmen throughout the last century in the struggle for freedom. Foremost of these young soldiers were the many Fianna who died on active service during the most recent conflict in and around my home city of Belfast.



Fian John Dempsey is only but one example of the many comrades who have lost their lives. However, what is significant for me about John is the age of the John when he died.

He was just 16 when he was gunned down by the Brits. That's three years younger than myself. He had already in his short life made the ultimate sacrifice for Ireland when he should have been alive and well with his family today.John was a normal teenager, enjoying life like most others his age having just left school. John was very active and played football for Gort Na Mona and soccer for Corpus Christi.

However, a young Irishman in a unionist state didn't have much in the way of prospects or the same rights and opportunities were later realized. John too like many others suffered the harassment of the British army and like many others his age in Turf Lodge he entered the republican movement. John joined the ranks of Na Fianna Eireann in 1980 to play his part in the struggle for independence.

Just over year later John would be in a coffin flanked by an honour guard of his Fianna comrades. John was executed while on active service in July 1981. He was buried on the same day as Oglach Joe McDonnell.

Joe died as a man of 30, while John, a teen was served the same fate. John was the last Fian to be placed on the roll of honour.

As a young republican I can't help but feel overwhelmed by awe and the courage shown by John and his comrades. They went out to the front line as soldiers and gave their lives for and furthered in their efforts the same objectives we continue to struggle for today. It is from their efforts that I personally draw relentless motivation.

Their contribution was greater than any contribution one could wish to provide. They serve as a beacon of inspiration for all young republicans.

Today we continue to remember John. A plaque near were he was shot serves as a constant reminder of John, as well as his mural at the bottom of the Glen road in Belfast.

The annual Fian John Dempsey football and camogie tournament is also held by Gort Na Mona CLG every august in his honour.John through his ultimate sacrifice has created the conditions today were young republicans can live for Ireland and carry on the struggle.In the words of John's father;

"John has joined the elite. He died for the freedom of his country; I remember John and his comrades of Na Fianna Eireann."

Ógra Shinn Féin picket calls for Basque Self-determination

The local branch of Ógra Shinn Féin recently held a white-line picket in Strabane town centre calling for independence for the Basque country. The protest which was held on Saturday 14th February was attended by members of the Irish/Basque committees and Sinn Féin, and demonstrated support for the right of the Basque people to an independent nation.

Speaking following Saturday’s demonstration, spokesperson for the local Tobias Molloy Ógra Shinn Féin cumann, Seán Mac Giolla Easpaig said;

“I am happy with the turnout at today’s event and with the response we got from the Strabane public. The aim of this past week of international solidarity organised by the Basque internationalist organisation ‘Askepena’ is to break down the wall of silence which surrounds the conflict there.”

“Severe censorship on the part of the Spanish and French states in relation to the Basque country has resulted in people around the world receiving little or no information on what is happening, unless there are accusations being thrown at the pro-independence movement.”

“We hope that events such as today’s which have been organised across Ireland and indeed world wide, help to raise awareness of the plight of the Basque people, who’s voice has been silenced by the undemocratic actions of the Spanish and French states.”

The spokesperson continued;

“Ógra Shinn Féin stands shoulder to shoulder with our comrades in Euskal Herria, and we support their efforts to secure a democratic solution to the conflict, something which is being made increasingly impossible by the repressive actions of the governments of Spain and France.”

“It is deplorable that in a so-called EU democracy we have the systematic denial of civil rights, torture of political prisoners, and banning of legitimate political parties and cultural organisations.”

Omagh Protest In Solidarity With The People of Euskal Herria

Ógra Shinn Féin were on the streets over the weekend to demonstrate their solidarity with the people of the Basque country. One area were Ógra were active was on the streets of Omagh. Demonstrators held Basque flags and posters calling for an end to the repression in the Basque country. A large number of leaflets were distributed on a busy shopping day in the county town of Tyrone.

The protest was one of a number of protests across the world under the slogan “The Basque Country doesn’t walk alone towards democracy and self-determination”. Nationwide the protests stretched the length of Ireland from Cork to Derry.

Speaking following the Omagh protest Ógra Shinn Fein spokesperson Kerry McColgan said

“We were on the streets today to show our solidarity with the Basque people. The repression in the Basque country continues apace at present. Just last week two more pro independence parties were banned by the Spanish Supreme Court from contesting elections scheduled for March. The same people who are behind the banning of the pro independence parties are the same people who are asking the Basque pro independence movement to express themselves politically yet when they aim to contest elections they are deemed illegal. What’s more is that there is a media blackout on the actions of the Spanish and French in the Basque country and so the plight of the Basque people goes largely unnoticed amongst the public.

“Amongst the repressive measures in the Basque country is the banning of political parties and arrests of its member, civil and political rights such as freedom of speech, assembly and association are constantly under siege. In addition peaceful demonstrations are brutally attacked and there is a constant stream of testimonies emerging from the Basque country of torture of prisoners and political activists. The fact that there are currently over 750 Basque political prisoners speaks volumes in itself.

“International pressure must be bright to bear on the French and Spanish states so that their repressive measures are brought to an end and the right of Basque people to national self determination is recognised. Only a solution based on an end to partition, the recognition of the Basque country as a seven provinces nation and the right to national self determination can solve the long and violent conflict.

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis Youth Fringe Event – ‘Achieving Freedom, Building the Republic’

The Sinn Féin Ard Fheis this coming weekend (20 – 21 February) will see hundreds of young republicans from across Ireland flock to Dublin to engage in developing and shaping the parties political outlook and strategy for the coming year.

In recent years, vibrancy and interest has been added to the various debates, by the increasing number of young people speaking to motions. In addition to this, young republicans have organised a youth fringe event in the Dodder Room, on the Saturday morning at 12.45pm, lasting an hour.

The event titled ‘Achieving Freedom, Building the Republic’ is being organised by the newly formed and constituted Uladh Colleges Comhairle Ceantair. It will look at the role of young republicans in the colleges, and also in communities, with a DVD presentation, contributions from Bobby Storey, and also an open mike session.

Urging Ard Fheis delegates and visitor attendance at the event, Queens University activist, Gemma McKenna said,

“In the past number of years, there has been an increased presence and more young people addressing motions at the Ard Fheis. In Uladh we have also undertaken a successful review and new approach in organising college cumann, and we are keen to share these lessons at the youth fringe event.”

“The event will cover our progress in the colleges and also look at successful examples of young republicans organised in local communities, through Ógra and other broad initiatives. We aim to make it as engaging and interactive as possible through the use of an open mike session.”

“While this is the first time we have organised a youth fringe event at the Ard Fheis, we anticipate it being a success, and would be looking to organise similar meetings in future. We hope you can join us for a vibrant, youthful outlook on the party’s future.”

Vol. Martin Doherty Republican Youth Weekend – Bígí Linn!

Ógra Shinn Féin are planning to ‘fittingly commemorate and pay tribute’ to Vol. Martin Doherty on his 15th Anniversary by hosting a Republican Youth Weekend in the Capital from the 22 – 24 May.

Vol. Martin Doherty was shot dead on 21 May 1994 by a UVF Unionist death squad as he prevented the bombing of a republican function in the Widow Scallons pub in Dublin’s Pearse Street.

The commemorative weekend will include the inaugural ‘Doco’ memorial lecture, a DVD launch on Martin’s life, a republican tour of Dublin, the 15th Anniversary Martin Doherty March, debate, and a Social Night.

The weekend will see young Republicans from across Ireland descend on Dublin to remember Vol. Martin Doherty, learn of his life, and debate the current republican project.

Encouraging maximum attendance, Martin’s son, Dublin Ógra activist Michael Farrell said,

“Although it is 15 years from my father’s death, his memory is very much alive, and his sacrifice is a constant source of inspiration to me, and young republicans throughout Ireland.”

“His selfless actions on the 21 May 1994 prevented a massacre, and this bravery and selflessness, is what will continue to inspire us and ensure that republicans are to the fore in creating Independence and the much needed change in our communities.”



“Ógra Shinn Féin have organised a weekend of events to fittingly commemorate and pay tribute to my father on his 15th Anniversary, and I would encourage and invite all young republican’s from across Ireland to come to Dublin and be inspired to continue achieving freedom and building the Republic - Bígí Linn!”

Newcastle Ógra prepare for European Election

Ógra Shinn Féin an Cáislean Nua hit local doors on Thursday evening in preparation for the forthcoming European Union elections on June 5th.

Hundreds of houses were leafleted with information about Sinn Fein’s ongoing campaigns and the work that our MEP’s have already done for Ireland on a European Level.

Speaking after the leaflet drive Newcastle Ógra member Jamie Kelly commented,

"We want to give the people of Newcastle a clear message that Sinn Féin and Bairbre De Brun are the best option to get their voices heard in Europe."

"With the threat of a Lisbon Treaty re-run in the 26 counties showing the ignorance of Fianna Fáil toward the people of Ireland, it is key that Sinn Féin continue to hold strong in Europe and ensure that Irish people have a say in issues that matter to them."

"This election could see Sinn Féin taking the largest vote in the six counties and we are confident that the South Down vote will help achieve that, we will continue to take our drive to the doors of Newcastle and engage with local residents for the benefit of the whole community."