‘On the One Road’ with Ógra Shinn Féin

by Maura C. Sat Aug 26, 2006 16:50

It’s interesting to read that Ogra Sinn Fein is on the road “encouraging active mobilisation against the imperialist occupation of Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq and Ireland”

Does this mean that you will be delivering letters “outlining Sinn Fein’s position on the current situation” to the representatives of the various imperialist powers?

That is the extent of Sligo Sinn Feins mobilisation against the imperialist occupation of Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq.

While the anti war movement and the Palestine solidarity campaign was demonstrating against Bloomberg’s visit to Sligo, Sinn Fein councillors were attending a function in Bloomberg’s honour in Sligo City Hall (where they delivered a letter to him outlining Sinn Fein’s position on the current situation)
(See Sligo Says No to War thread)

by The Lark - Ógra Shinn Féin Mon Aug 28, 2006 16:05 osfnational at yahoo dot ie

Tour to remember the Hungerstrikers of '81
Ógra Shinn Féin set of on their 'On The One Road' Hungerstrike Tour from Belfast on Saturday 26th August.

They will be stopping of across Ireland in Dundalk (Sat 26 Aug), Dublin (Sun 27 Aug), Kilkenny (Mon 28 Aug), Cork (Tues 29 Aug) Kerry (Wed 30 Aug) , Galway (Fri 1 Sept), and South Armagh (Sat 2 Sept).

In each area, Ógra will be doing a public launch of their new Hungerstrike publication 'Awaiting The Lark', giving a speech on Republican Youth, Ógra and the struggle today and also undertaking an extensive leaflet drop and postering campaign in each location they visit.

This page will be used each day to update activists, supporters and the public on the progression of the tour.

"We're on the one road
Sharing the one load
We're on the road to God knows where
We're on the one road
It may be the wrong road
But we're together now who cares
North men, South men, comrades all
Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Donegal
We're on the one road swinging along
Singing a soldier's song"

Lead ÓSF Car seeting of from Belfast 'Were on The One Road'

by The Lark - Ógra Shinn Féin Mon Aug 28, 2006 16:23 osfnational at yahoo dot ie

Ógra Shinn Féin began their seven day On The One Road Hungerstrike tour of Ireland on Saturday 26th August. From Belfast a convoy of Ógra Shinn Féin activists travelled to Dundalk where local Ógra Shinn Féin, Republican activists and members of the public gathered at the Imperial Hotel for the launch of the Ógra Shinn Féin publication, Awaiting The Lark.

Local Ógra Shinn Fein activist Eugene Garvey chaired proceedings. Barry McNally of Ógra Shinn Féin gave a brief outline of the background to the book. This was followed by 3 young Ógra activists who read extracts from the book. Paddy Agnew, former blanket man and T.D. for Louth in 1981 who had contributed a piece to the book praised and congratulated Ógra for the publication. Arthur Morgan, present T.D. for Louth then gave the main address of the night and congratulated the local Republican youth on their activities. He spoke of the importance of Ógra for the future and also spoke of his memories of the 1981 Hunger Strike.

The night was then brought to a conclusion with Eugene Garvey singing A Song for Marcella and Barry McNally played Amhran na bhFiann.

On Sunday morning, before continuing on to Dublin, the Ógra Shinn Féin activists on the tour of Ireland helped Dundalk Ógra Shinn Féin members distribute over 1,000 leaflets in local housing estates.

What if no one turns up?

Arthur Morgan (Current T.D), Eugene Gravey (Future T.D) Paddy Agnew (Former T.D)

ÓSF activist Eugene Garvey Singing Song For Marcella

Setting of to Leaflet Dundalk

Delivering the revolution....

by The Lark - Ógra Shinn Féin Mon Aug 28, 2006 16:33 osfnational at yahoo dot ie

"Who could have known that the actions of 10 men in a prison in the north of Ireland could have changed so much, both Nationally and Internationally, 25 after their sacrifice we are still feeling the loss that was felt in 1981". That was how Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald summed up the 1981 Hunger Strike.

She was speaking as a convoy of Ógra Shinn Féin members arrived in Dublin on Sunday. They were continuing their National tour of Ireland. Ógra Shinn Féin activists along with senior Republican activists gathered at the Corduff Centre in Blanchardstown for the launch of the Ógra Shinn Féin Hungerstrike publication Awaiting The Lark.

Local Ógra Shinn Féin activist Ian Breslin welcomed those present for the event who were then given a background to the book. Following this Ógra Shinn Féin activists, Colm ONeill, Grace Vaughey and Barry McColgan read extracts from the book.

Mary Lou McDonald who is current MEP for Dublin then addressed the Republicans
gathered. She spoke of her memories as a nine year old of watching TV pictures of a H-Block cell with men wrapped in Blankets. She said she knew there was something utterly different about Ireland with people living in these conditions.

Proceedings were brought to a close by the Chairperson, Ian Breslin, who ironically wasnt born at the time of the 1981 Hunger Strike. He summed up by stating that he was inspired by the sacrifice of the 10 men in 1981 and also all Irish Republicans who played their part in the National liberation struggle.

What happened in Long Kesh in 1981 was nothing short of Inspirational, what a selfless commitment to a noble cause. What the 1981 Hunger Strikers did was sustain the desire for freedom in Ireland and by their actions sky rocketed the Irish Freedom Struggle. 25 years on I urge all republicans to continue on their fight. Achieving the Socialist Republic will be the ultimate tribute to the martyrs of 81.

Ian 'I Hate Thatcher' Breslin chairs proceedings

ÓSF activsit Grace Vaughey reads extract by Ella O'Dwyer

ÓSF National Organiser reads his piece from 'Awaiting The Lark'

Sinn Fein MEP Mary Lou McDonald gives keynote Speech

ÓSF On Tour in Dublin!

by Pete Brickette Mon Aug 28, 2006 18:13

To Ogra Shinn Fein I would say that Adams is to the Hunger Strikers what De Valera was to the Men and Women of 1916. He might have once been a part of that particular momentous period in Irish History but he now uses their memory and their sacrifices for his own Political deviousness.

Stop parading the images of the Hunger Strikers around Ireland because all your roads lead up the one Sticky path to Stormont.

by ede - Ógra shinnfein Tue Aug 29, 2006 17:25 eiresaoirse32 at yahoo dot com dot au Monaghan 857956

Pete whould the Hunger strikers not have Commemorated the men of 1916 for the political support of re unification I dare say they did
and Irish youth will continue to do so .

H Block Remembrance

by Pete Brickette Tue Aug 29, 2006 18:56

Ede, of course the Hunger Strikers commemorated the Men and Women of 1916 but they also saw the dangers of allowing particular Political opportunists to have too much control. They saw how the one time hero of the Easter rising, De Valera rose to political prominence and then not only abandoned those who strived to reunite Ireland but actively worked against them, even hanging former comrades.

I'm not saying that Adams would hang Republicans today but he has by his deviousness left us with about as much chance of a United Ireland as there was in 1969 or 1922. Adams has achieved no more than Hume did in the 70s. and Sinn Fein has become no different to the SDLP or Fianna Fail.

Members of Ogra are young and no doubt committed but you are naive as those of us were during the 70s and 80s when we looked up to Adams and McGuinness, but in time you will learn to look beyond their lies.

by The Lark - Ógra Shinn Féin Tue Aug 29, 2006 22:30 osfnational at yahoo dot ie

“The growth of Irish Republicanism in Kilkenny/ Carlow and throughout Ireland is down to the selfless dedication and self sacrifice of the Hunger Strikers of 1981”, according to Ógra Shinn Féin organiser in Kilkenny/Carlow, Peadar De Bluit.

Peadar was speaking as the National Ógra Shinn Féin ‘On The One Road’ tour arrived in Kilkenny.

A vigil in memory of the hunger strikers of 1981 attracted a great crowd and even more attention from the people of Kilkenny on Monday evening. An ÓSF Hungerstrike banner was erected on the railings of Kilkenny City Hall.

Following the vigil, there was a launch of ‘Awaiting the Lark’ in a local hotel.

Kevin Dunphy, who served 10 years in an English Jail during the 1970/80’s addressed the gathering. He spoke of how earlier the weapon of the hunger strike had been used by republicans in English Jails.

Speaking of the 1981 Hunger Strike, Kevin described how helpless he and the other prisoners in England felt to affect change in Long Kesh and Armagh. He described emotionally how he watched 10 men die in the cages of Long Kesh. He also congratulated those involved for compiling ‘Awaiting the Lark’ as a permanent reminder of the feelings of the people who were involved directly in the prison protest in 1981.

On Tuesday morning Ógra distributed over 2000 leaflets in a local housing estate. The ‘On The Road Tour’ then continued on to their next port of call, Cork City.

Local Organiser Peadar De Bluit hailed both events as a huge success.

Remembering The Hungerstrikers outside Kilkenny City Hall

Inspiring another generation.....

Erecting anÓSF Hungerstrike Banner on City Hall

Ógra activist Colm O'Neill reads extract from 'Awaiting The Lark'

Kevin Dunphy former Republican Prisoner in English jails speaks of his experience

by The Lark - Ógra Shinn Féin Tue Aug 29, 2006 22:37 osfnational at yahoo dot ie

More photos.

Engaging with the public

Bringing the message to Kilkenny

Door after Door after Door...

We don't support Kilkenny....... Were 'On The One ROad' to Cork!

by Disgusted ex provo Tue Aug 29, 2006 23:22

$inn Feign's youth wing has nothing better to do but take photos of themselves as they wait to see if Paisley will allow their leadership to sit in his Parliament. Then they can take lots and lots of photos in Stormont.

by upmayo Wed Aug 30, 2006 16:16

I wonder how sincere ÓSF are about commemorating H-Block, when their party leadership banned all mention of today's struggle for political status at the recient rally in Casement park.

by Disgusted ex provo Wed Aug 30, 2006 20:04

It seems that $inn Feign holds the copyright to the images of the 10 Hunger Strikers and they parade them around as if in someway this will still give them a vestige of Republicanism.
The fact is that Paisley forced them to strip down and remove any semblance of their former Republican identity. Adams was only too willing to do this in order to be a part of a Government for N.Ireland.
Of course everything he did was Historic as if this could excuse what he did. What happened was that Paisley slapped $inn Feign in the face and now wait for more concessions which will come as Adams grows more desperate, an example being was the ridiculous nominating of Paisley as first Minster.

by Phil Thu Aug 31, 2006 17:53

I notice one of Ogras photos entitled 'Inspiring another Generation' They don't look very inspirational standing about with placards of the Hunger Strikers in their hands. What are they trying to inspire this other generation to do? Maybe they could tell us how SF plans to establish a United Ireland from within a six county state? I bet they can't because it's a con.

by The Lark - Ógra Shinn Féin Tue Sep 05, 2006 16:27 osfnational at yahoo dot ie

Between Kilkenny and Cork, ÓSF stop of at Waterford to relieve two flag poles of the Imperialist British and USA Flag. An act in solidarity with oppressed people the world over.

Up The Republic!

Imperialism has no place in Ireland.....

Your coming down...

Cutting The Cord

Down with Imperialism!

by The Lark - Ógra Shinn Féin Tue Sep 05, 2006 16:41 osfnational at yahoo dot ie

“Cork has famously been known as ‘The Rebel County', and it certainly rebelled against the Black and Tans or indeed any strand of British imperialism in the County” so said Barry McColgan of Ógra Shinn Féin, after their tour of Cork in the latest leg of their National Tour. McColgan also made the connection between the fight of the early 20th Century and the current phase of the conflict against British rule in Ireland and in particular the role played during the 1981 Hunger Strike.

The Ógra Shinn Féin ‘On The One Road’ tour arrived in Cork on Tuesday evening for the latest leg of the Ógra tour of Ireland. The Barrack street office of Sinn Féin was the venue for the book launch of 'Awaiting the Lark'. The launch was well attended by Ógra members, the public and a number of locally elected Sinn Fein representatives.

According to Barry McColgan of Ógra Shinn Féin they were given a warm welcome in Co. Cork, however upon leaving the city they become the target of Anti Republican elements or 'Ógra negligence?' as they found their car clamped. However the tour continued unabated as they travelled on to Co. Galway to continue the tour.

Barry McNally gives background to 'Awaiting The Lark'

Audience listen to an extract from 'Awaiting The Lark'

Smash Political Clamping!!!! (or someones negligence)

by The Lark - Ógra Shinn Féin Tue Sep 05, 2006 17:16 osfnational at yahoo dot ie

Ógra Shinn Féin's 'On The One Road Tour' finished up in Galway City on Friday 1st September.

There was a well attended launch of 'Awaiting The Lark' in Richardsons pub in Eyres Square, that was attended by local Sinn Féin General Election Candidate Colm Ó Ceannabháin and Councillor Daniel Callanan.

Following the book launch there was a Lebanese Solidarity Protest held in Eyres Square to protest against the ongoing slaughter of Lebanese people. Hundreds of people witnessed the protest many shouting supportive messages.

Conor McGuinness, Connaught ÓSF organiser said that, "Remembering the Hungerstrikers and the commemorations we hold are important, but they are only as good as the actions they inspire today. They will continue inspiring us to challenge Imperialism and injustices, domestically and Internationally."

Barry McColgan, National Organiser of ÓSF summing up the tour, said, "We will need to do a re-run of the book, because during the tour we have sold all 2000 copies of 'Awaiting The Lark', we also distributed thousands of information leaflets, held many protest and vigils, organised many public meetings and touched base with hundreds of activists and supporters across Ireland."

"We will continue to remember and promote the true story of the Hungersrike, inspiring a new generation to continue their fight, and to complete their vision of a new free Socialist Ireland!"

Conor McGuiness chairs the launch

Barry McColgan reads extract (watched by the demonic McNally)

Standing for our National Anthem

The Spirit of Liam Mellows 'Isreal Out - Britain Out'

Hear our message loud and clear!

by Phil Tue Sep 05, 2006 17:56

Pulling flags from flagpoles very inspiring indeed! I see however that The Lark and his pals in Ogra Sinn Fein keep hiding when I ask the simple Question;
How does Sinn Fein plan to establish an United Ireland from a six county state? A simple question! Why don't you ask an older Shinner? Then again no! Because that might be marked down against you:
'Asks the Wrong Questions, needs to be brought into line!

I'm afraid you can't answer my question because it is a con and a lie. Adams knows that that he and his party have spent the past years since the ceasefires, what was it 12 YEARS?crawling on their knees to be accepted by Unionism They've been ridiculed and have reduced Republicism to a laughing stock then they expect us to believe that once the Institutions are set up that the Unionists will allow them to make moves towards a United Ireland!

I would laugh only I knew too many people who have died for Irish Freedom.

by Bogwarrior Tue Sep 05, 2006 18:52

First a parachute jump as part of their "Suicide Awareness Campaign, and now a Barbecue in Galway to commemorate the Hungerstrikers. OSF are great crack altogether!!
They support struggle in Irish prisons from 20 years ago and struggles overseas today, yet seem reluctant to support the Republican prisoners struggle in IRELAND TODAY!

by Big Mac Tue Sep 05, 2006 19:10

"To continue their fight for a New free socialist Ireland" That's one of the daftest remarks I've heard yet from Adam's gullible kids! Does the Lark really think that Gerry's right wing pals in America [ You didn't pull THEIR flag down did you?] would EVER EVER ALLOW the establishment of a Socialist Republic in Ireland?

Stick to silly stunts and taking photos.

by C Tue Sep 05, 2006 19:37

"Gerry's right wing pals in America [ You didn't pull THEIR flag down did you?] "

What is there flag? If it's the American one, those that mean right-wingers here own the Irish flag?

by Phil Tue Sep 05, 2006 20:21

A Hunger Strike Barbecue.....SICK! SICK! SICK! But then again weren't they selling Hunger Strike plates in America and blankets during the Casement Park Commemoration? Can't go much lower.

by Ogre SF Tue Sep 05, 2006 20:48

The Casement park commemoration. Wasn't that the HERES GERRY SHOW?

by Pete Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:52

well done Ogra keep up the good work and keep the butchers apron off flag poles where they are not welcome

by Big Mac Wed Sep 06, 2006 17:01

I agree Pete hit them where it hurts financially, it must have cost them, oh say a tenner, while Canary Wharf cost, what was it millions?
Keep pulling the flags down kids another million or so should have them counting the cost of staying in Ireland.
You should find plenty of Union Jacks in Stormont, Gerry'll show you where to find them, then you can work your way up the Newtownards road. The Shankill, Tigers bay etc. oh and don't forget City Hall.

by Éamonn Fri Sep 15, 2006 13:09

Bogwarrior and Phil, how did you know about the barbecue, the barbecue had absolutely nothing to do with Ogra. It was my birthday and out of the 40-50 people there, only about three were even politically minded. Most of them were just friends of mine who wanted to have a bit of a party. I bought all the food myself, and with the help of one other, (who is also not a member of Ógra), I made it all myself. That bbq was my 19th birthday party and had absolutely nothing to do with politics, which brings me to the question...how did you even know about it?

by brains to burn Fri Sep 15, 2006 13:51

First a parachute jump as part of their "Suicide Awareness Campaign, and now a Barbecue in Galway to commemorate the Hungerstrikers. OSF are great crack altogether!!

LOL thats class that is

Jasus Gerrys getting paid a nice sum of GBP by his british masters, but shure he wouldnt be the first

and id doubt he be the last...

they find any more moles lately lads?

by phil Fri Sep 15, 2006 18:15

A Lark from Ogra-Shinn Fein told everyone reading this thread about it;
Go to the main article and read where it says, 'Galway will be visited by OGRA on friday and will be GREETED with a BARBEQUE' not it's Eammon's birthday and his friends had a barbeque for him.
Why say it happened and then try to hide your embarrassment with lies Eammon?

by Left ....outside Sat Sep 16, 2006 21:59

I spent this afternoon in O'Connell Street in Sligo along with six or more campaigners,handing out out Anti War flyers and drumming up support for the National demo on the 23rd of this month.We were ably assisted by the Ireland/Pallestine Solidarity group who were campaigning for a boycott of Israeli goods in the local Tesco.This is the second major event we have organised recently here in Sligo.The first being the protest against Bloomberg's visit to Ballymote.
On both occasions there was'nt a shinner to be seen,in fact the Sinn Fein councillors attended the Civic Reception for Bloomberg in the Town Hall in Sligo.It galls me to see all this propaganda and spin from the youth wing of an organisation that proports to be socialist and left wing.They are hypocrites,they talk the talk but they do not walk the walk.They just seem to clog up up this site with their propaganda and spin.They are full of it!.

by Big Mac Sun Sep 17, 2006 18:43

Has Ogra got anymore photos about their road trip? Surely you must have photographed a cow eating grass or did you have a Barbecue in Bundoran? I know! You could've gone to Belfast zoo and took pictures of the monkey's asses because that is what Sinn Fein has made of the so called 'Peace Process'.

by Mary, Longford Tue Sep 19, 2006 16:18

Great work ÓSF, from what i see of your National tour, you had a committed bunch of young people willing to spend a week on the road to spread the story of the Hunger strike, i find that very admirable and rather than just talking about stuff, you are very actively following through with alot of action.

The critics of you actions on this thread just come across as jealous and very bitter.

We should not be criticising young political activists in this increasingly materialist world, we should be cherishing them, advising them, and maybe constructively criticising them, but not down right lambasting them.

I think ÓSF attitude to campaigning is brilliant and will bring alot of success to their campaigns and their movements.

Great work!

by AK Tue Sep 19, 2006 18:07

While not disputing that Ogra SF are committed to spreading the word of the Hunger Strike lets not forget that countless other Volunteers lost their lives during the struggle. Why not do something in their memory because Sinn Fein seems to have forgotten what they all died for and it most certainly wasn't for a 6 county Government controlled by Paisley.

Ogra might as well be the youth wing of the SDLP or Fianna Fail because Politically they are no different.

They should ask themselves why Bobby Sands' family and committed former Hunger Strikers like Brendan Hughes have shunned Sinn Fein.

by Eamonn Thu Sep 21, 2006 21:47

First of all, I did not know the lark said that, I dont even know who the lark is, second, it's the lark who's lying. The bbq was for my birthday, and nothing to do with the event. I don't even have much time for OSF, (as anyone on politics.ie will know).

I'm not embarrassed, I'm pissed off at The Lark for using my birthday for his own publicity ends.

Phil, whether you believe me or not is inconsequential, but I'm telling the truth. The bbq was non-political, and I'm disgusted, both at the idea of a bbq commemorating the martytrs, and the fact that fifty of my friends are being credited with supporting something most of them don't even understand. Granted, it's not as if their pictures are up on the website, but still, the principle!

So, in conclusion, sorry lads, the bbq wasn't for ye, I didn't even know that ye were coming down, (and ye weren't actually at the food part), it was for my friends and me!