Cork Colleges Initiate Anti-Drug Campaign

Ógra Shinn Féin in Cork have responded to the growing drugs crisis in the city, with seven drug related deaths in recen months, by launching a New anti-drugs campaign.

On Tuesday, members of the newly formed CIT cumann distributed leaflets at lunch time in the college, informing them of the dangers of drugs, and highlighting the 'Dial to stop Drug Dealing' number. Chair Joe Lynch said he was delighted with the reaction, with 2 students even spontaneously joining in with the leaflet drop.

Jason Kelly and Tony Nash of the CIT cumann with two other CIT students

The following day, members of the UCC Martin Hurson cumann distributed some 400 leaflets around lunchtime, with a similarly positive reaction. Runaí Alan Conway said he felt that the student body was glad to see someone was active on the issue.

Cork Ógra is committed to continuing this campaign and to highlighting the very serious issue of drug abuse in the city, within the colleges and without, over the coming weeks and months.

Ireland’s Youngest Elected Activists Promote Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress

Ireland’s youngest Councillors Johnny McGibbon and Charlene O’Hara, the youngest MLA Daithí McKay and Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser Barry McColgan gathered at the Felons Club in Belfast today to promote the republican youth movement’s upcoming National Congress being held in the city in less than 2 weeks from the 13 – 15 November.

The national youth event will see over 100 delegates converge in Belfast, to discuss, and debate the most pressing political issues affecting Irish youth, and plan the upcoming year for Ireland’s fastest growing, most active youth wing.

The republican youth movement will also be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Na Fianna Éireann, and remembering the young Fians who died in Ireland’s freedom struggle by hosting a special dinner dance in the Holiday Inn on Ormeau Avenue in Belfast on Saturday 14th November. Limited tickets are still available priced at only £40.

Encouraging young people to come along to the weekend of activities and debate, Daithí McKay MLA said,

“The Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress presents an opportunity for young people to have a say on the future direction of the republican struggle, and to engage with the Sinn Féin leadership on the most challenging issues, facing us and our communities today. It allows young republicans to come together and debate the most burning issues facing young people today, and how we can play a pro – active role in shaping a better society.”

“The National Congress is not merely a political event, but a social event, where friendships are forged and ideas and debate exchanged. It will be an excellent place for young people to find out more about republicanism, and the struggle today in a relaxed, comfortable and youthful environment. I for one will be there, and would encourage the maximum number of young republicans to come along and enjoy this weekend of debate, comradeship, craic agus ceol.”

If you are interested in coming to the Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress or attending the Na Fianna Dinner Dance please contact osfnational@yahoo.ie or 07885569940.

Don't Extradite the Basques Rally – Bígí Linn!

Show your support – Rally outside court

Thursday November 12th @ 1pm
Laganside Courts, Belfast

Speaker: Michael Culbert



The Don't Extradite the Basques Campaign is urging supporters to show their solidarity with the two Belfast-based Basque activists, Iñaki de Juana and Arturo Beñat Villanueva, who are facing extradition charges brought by the Spanish authorities.

A support rally will be held outside court the day Iñaki de Juana's extradition hearing begins, Thursday November 12.

The Spanish authorities are trying to extradite Iñaki, who served 21 years in Spanish jails, from Belfast, where he moved immediately after his release in August last year, to face questioning related to charges of “glorifying terrorism”.

The arrest warrant is based on somebody at a rally in Donostia last August, which was celebrating Iñaki's release from prison, reading a letter that used the popular Basque expression “Aurrera bolie” (“Kick the ball forward”). The Spanish authorities claim this phrase constitutes a call for the continuation of armed struggle.

Iñaki was not present at this rally and denies writing such a letter, which Spanish police admit they cannot produce. There is no evidence that this comment was Iñaki's or that it somehow constitutes a terrorist offence.

Iñaki de Juana and Arturo Beñat Villanueva are clearly being persecuted solely for their political opinions, not for any criminal activity, and we believe they will not receive a fair hearing with the Spanish judicial system.

Come along on November 12 and show your support.


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Stop Spanish political persecution against the Basque Country

dontextraditethebasques.org

New Video: ÓSF - Recruit, Campaign, Educate

Ógra activist wins Mock Dáil Event.

Ógra activist and chair of the UCC Martin Hurson Cumann, Seán Ó Sé was the winner of the individual event in a recent event replicating the workings of the Dáil.

The event was hosted by UCC International Relations Society in UCC's Devere Hall, and the Lord Mayor of Cork Dara Murphy, was Ceann Chomhairle of the 'Dáil'. Student members of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour, the Green Party, and Sinn Féin took turns to debate various issues of importance.

Séan Ó Sé and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire represented Sinn Féin with distinction despite having very limited windows in which to speak, (not dissimilarly to Leinster house itself in fact) with Seán speaking on registration fees and the defense of the home, and Donnchadh speaking on Nama. Though the labour group managed to win the team event, Seán's powerful attack on the Fine Gael group for their reactionary proposals on the defense of the home swung the prize of best speaker his way.

Seán delivers his oration on defense of the home, much to the bemusement of the Fine Gaelers on the right.

Séan, who is also Oifigeach Gaeilge on the Students Union, said he was 'delighted' with the accolade, and that it was a sign of the strength of the UCC cumann.

South Down Ógra Shinn Féin Reject calls For British Army Event

Following news that Down District Council may be involved in planning an event to try and strengthen community ties between the British Army based in Ballykinler and the community, Chairperson of South Down Ógra Shinn Féin, Fra Cochrane has said that they will oppose any event planned, even to the extent of organising a protest.

"We in Ógra Shinn Féin remain fully opposed to the presence of the British Army here in Ireland, and while there remains a presence here there will always be opposition. Cllr Dicks recent comments in relation to organising an event within the community merely represents a Brit Army charm offensive and an attempt to rub nationalist and republican noses in it who are completely opposed to the ongoing occupation.”

"The vast majority of people here do not want the British Army in their communities. Many people still have sensitivities towards the brutal foreign war machine which has occupied this country and the mere fact that they remain here is unsettling never mind attempting to integrate them into society.”

"Cllr Dick and Chief Executive John McGrillen need to realise that the Brit Army is not here to stay, and should already be gone as part of their demilitarisation commitments under the Good Friday Agreement so there is no need to make them comfortable here. If any event goes ahead we in Ógra Shinn Féin will be challenging it head on and organising a protest if needs be."

Public Talk; Ireland’s Future? Free, Green and Left

As part of their National Congress, Ógra Shinn Féin are hosting a public talk titled; ‘Ireland’s Future? Free, Green and Left’.

The public talk is open to everyone and will be held upstairs in the Felons Club, Falls Road, Belfast on Saturday 14th November at 3pm sharp.

The speakers include Eoin O’Broin from Sinn Féin, Steven Agnew of the Green Party and Donal Lyons, from Labour. The talk will provide discussion on various issues such as Irish unity, the green agenda and the left in Ireland, and will allow an opportunity to debate the merits of a left progressive coalition.


Encouraging people to come along, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan said,

“The public talk is set to be very interesting and has the potential to spark a lot of debate, and provide ideas around the future role that progressive left activists can play in ensuring an Ireland that is free, green and left. The three speakers are excellent and will provide a lot of food for thought, each have great insight and play a pro active role in shaping the future direction of their respective parties.”

“We would be delighted if you could join with us on the day, for a thought provoking discussion on Ireland’s future. Bígí Linn!”

Ógra Shinn Féin gets active in South Tyrone

South Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin are having a formative meeting on Tuesday 3rd November. The meeting will take place at 7pm in the Dungannon Sinn Féin office and is open to anyone interested in joining the republican youth group.

The meeting has been called in response to a surge in new recruits following the National Hunger strike March in Galbally, and will discuss upcoming activities, the naming of the cumann, and to organise a public launch.



Speaking on the new cumann, Ógra activist Laura Gildernew said,

“Ógra Shinn Féin are very active throughout Tyrone, and organised a very successful republican youth weekend in August to coincide with the Hunger strike rally in Galbally. Our activism and pro active campaigning throughout Tyrone is making republican politics relevant to young people on the ground and as a result we are seeing a surge of growth across the county.”

Encouraging people to come along on the night, Ógra activist Caolan McAnespie said,

“We provide young republicans with a platform from which to get active and have a say in the future direction of the struggle. We are the radical campaigning edge of Sinn Féin, and provide the vehicle for republican youth to come together for education, debate and to organise. If you are interested in playing your part in the republican struggle, come along and join Ógra Shinn Féin.”

Coalisland Ógra Shinn Féin to organise ‘burning of Long Kesh’ exhibition as part of launch weekend

To mark the 35th anniversary of the burning of Long Kesh and the murder of Volunteer Hugh Geread Coney, Ógra Shinn Féin Coalisland will host an exhibition from Friday the 6th to Sunday the 8th of November.

The event will take pace in the Cornmill Heritage Centre, Coalisland and will see the launch of the new Cumann, which has taken the name of two local volunteers, Hugh Coney and Kevin Kilpatrick.

The exhibition will open from 5.00pm Friday to 6.00pm Sunday and will include various pieces of information on internment, the burning of the prison and the aftermath that has affected and continues to affect so many lives.

To officially launch the Cumann there will be a short presentation from the Ceartais group at 7.00pm Friday, on the effects and use of the deadly CR gas on republican inmates during the burning.

The event is aimed at giving a greater understanding to young people on a sometimes overlooked period in republican resistance and promises to be a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience.

(Óglach Hugh Coney)

Event details:

The venue is the Cornmill Heritage centre Coalisland.

The exhibition opens on Friday at 6 o'clock, followed by the official launch of the cumann at 7 and a short 15 or 20 minutes presentation by ceartais at half 7.

The local Sinn Féin cumann has organised a sponsored canal walk on the Saturday at 3.00pm which will end in the Cornmill where we will have refreshment available.

The exhibition will open from 11 to 7 on Saturday.

The exhibition is open from 11 to half 5 on Sunday.

There will be a donation box and a shop throughout the weekend in order to raise funds.

Fermanagh Ógra Shinn Féin set to launch

Ógra Shinn Féin will be launching a new cumann in Fermanagh on Friday 6 November at 8pm in the Derrygannon Hall. The launch will include a talk from veteran republican Sean Lynch and from Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser Barry McColgan.

The youth wing of Sinn Féin, have been active throughout Fermanagh in the past year, assisting with Debbie Coyle's election campaign in Enniskillen, and hosting the National Youth Camp on the Fermanagh border in Knockatallon in June.

Ógra Shinn Féin want to build on this engagement and work, and establish a local cumann, where young republicans from the Fermanagh area are coming together themselves to develop ideas, events and actions that can assist in the overall struggle to gain Irish freedom.

Speaking on the launch of the cumann, Fermanagh Ógra activist Ruari Cosgove said,

“Ógra Shinn Féin are the radical edge of the party and our main role is to recruit, educate and to campaign. We provide a platform for republican youth to have a say and play a part in the future of the struggle. We are also a youth movement, for young people and led by young people.”

“We would be delighted if you would join with us on the night to ensure a successful start of Fermanagh Ógra Shinn Féin. The launch will be followed by a Big Irish Night with Ireland's Biggest Rebel Band 'The Spirit of Freedom'.”

See you all there. Bígí Linn!

Time Change for Showing of 'Young Guard of Erin'

A chairde,

Please note that the special performance of 'The Young Guard of Erin' as part of the Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress will now take place at 8pm on Friday 13th November.

Anyone interested in coming along are advised to get a ticket, and be there on time as the play will begin at 8pm sharp.

Tickets are priced at only £5, which includes the play and a rebel night afterwards with 'The Spirit of Freedom', and can be got by contacting 07885569940 or osfnational@yahoo.ie.


If everyone could please publicise the time change, and use the updated poster above to promote the event.

Go raibh maith agat.

Solidarity With Basque Trade Unionists And Political Activists

Ógra Shinn Féin activists from across the country joined a protest organised by Dublin Ógra and the Dublin Basque Solidarity Campaign. This is one of a series of demonstrations attended by Ógra members over the course of 2009 with more activity expected on the issue.

North Leinster activist Ross Taylor, who has visited the Basque country several times said; "We are here today to show solidarity with the 37,000 people who marched behind the Basque trade union banner in Donostia. Oppression in the Basque country is not heard of in the media. We will continue to do what we can to highlight this and stand shoulder to shoulder with Basque comrades."

Participants distributed leaflets and with Irish and Basque flags carried large placards with slogans including: “ End the repression of Basque’s: Freedom of Expression! Freedom of the Press and Radio! Freedom of Assembly!” “Spanish Police Torture Detainees!” “765 Political Prisoners Spread Over Britain and France!” “Jon Anza – ‘disappeared’ since April 2009 – what have you done with him?” “Hands Off the Basque Trade Unions!” “Hands Off the Belfast Basques!”


Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin's weekly stall at the GPO highlights the plight of the Basque people with leaflets and information about Ógra's activism.

Ógra Shinn Féin look to Louth

Ógra Shinn Féin recently held a weekend in County Louth. The series of events took place between Dundalk and Drogheda, from the 23 – 25 October. Activists from Cork, Meath, Tyrone, Armagh, Fermanagh and throughout Louth came together for a weekend of education, debate, and craic agus ceol.

Events ranged from a showing of the highly acclaimed ‘Blanketmen’ film produced by Barry Curran, a rebel night with the Spirit of Freedom, discussion with Laurence McKeown, talk on Na Fianna, to a march in memory of the 22 Irish Republican Hungerstrikers.

At the Hungerstrike March in Drogheda, Ógra Shinn Féin formed up with a colour party commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the foundation of Na Fianna Éireann, and Ógra activist Donnchadh O’Laoghaire spoke about the significant anniversary and the role that young republicans can play today.



Speaking on the weekend, Ógra activist Daithi Kellaghan said,

“I would like to thank all who attended the weekend, educational weekends can help explain where we have come from, and set the context for today, and what we as young republicans need to be doing. The Hungerstrike march was well attended and Ógra’s contribution was a fitting memorial to Na Fianna Éireann and all the young Fians who have died in Ireland’s freedom struggle.”

Ógra Shinn Féin initiate Child Protection Training Drive

Ógra Shinn Féin recently provided young activists with child protection training. The training was provided by Youthnet in Tar Anall, West Belfast on Sunday 25th October.

The programme will enhance the skills of activists in working with young people, and bring a more professional attitude to organising events and engagement with wider youth in the community.

Speaking on completing the training, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan said,

“Child protection is something which every youth organisation needs. Child protection training legally enables an organisation and their activists who have gone through it, to adequately and legally work with youth who are 17 and under, but it also enhances skills and promotes models of best practice in how to work with young people.”

“Ógra Shinn Féin will be pursuing a pro active programme to ensure that by the end of next year, 100 young activists have gone through child protection training.”