West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

De Brun rededicates Teach Markievicz advice centre

Published: 5 March, 2009

Republicans gathered in Turf Lodge last Thursday, 5 March, to see Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brun officially rededicate the Upper Springfield Sinn Fein advice centre in honour of former Sinn Fein MP and Fianna Eireann founder, Countess Markievicz.

Turf Lodge Sinn Fein councillor Janice Austin chaired the ceremony at which Bairbre de Brun spoke of the importance of the constituency work that Sinn Fein does and of the legacy of Countess Markievicz.

Speaking at the event, Ms de Brun said:

''There is a massive republican history in this building and it has been used as a base for many significant campaigns, in particular the campaign in support of the Hunger Strikers.

''I have worked in this office many times over the years and I have witnessed the first class constituency service that it provides.

''It is important that our representatives are accessible to the community and Teach Markievicz (Markievicz House) plays a big role in that.

''Janice Austin and Maire Cush, the local Sinn Fein councillors, are tireless workers for the people and their long record in republicanism shows that.

''Countess Markievicz was also a tireless worker for the people and a tireless campaigner for a 32 county republic.

''She was the 1st ever woman elected to the British parliament but, as an Irish republican, she refused to take her seat and instead gave her allegiance to the First Dail where she became a Minister in the all Ireland Parliament.

''She also founded Na Fianna Eireann, the republican youth movement, one hundred years ago and this building stands only yards from the home of young Fian John Dempsey, killed by the British army during the 1981 Hunger Strike.

''Constance Markievicz was an inspirational figure, like so many republican women who followed in her footsteps such as Maire Drumm, Mairead Farrell and Sheena Campbell.

''It is our job to continue the work of Countess Markievicz, to serve the people and to work for a united Ireland.''

Teach Markievicz, located at 2A Monagh Crescent in Turf Lodge, is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Members of the community are encouraged to call into the office if they are seeking advice on, or help with, any issue.

The phone number is (028) 90 626670.