Ogra Shinn Fein National Congress to take place in West Belfast
Published: 2 November, 2009
Ógra Shinn Féin's Comhdháil Náisiúnta (National Congress) 2009 will be taking place over the weekend of the 13-15 November, when over one hundred youth delegates will converge on The Felons Club on the Falls Road.
This is a significant year for the republican youth movement, as it marks the 100th anniversary since the founding of the first republican youth organisation, Na Fianna Éireann. Indeed 'A century of Republican youth in struggle' will be the theme of the weekend of debate and activities.
Alongside the usual debate and discussion, there will be many events, including a special showing of the acclaimed play 'Young Guard of Erin', a mural unveiling at the former Andersonstown RUC barracks site commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Na Fianna's foundation, a 100th Anniversary Celebration Na Fianna Éireann Dinner Dance, a challenge match between Na Fianna veterans and Ógra Shinn Féin, and a big Irish night with 'The Spirit of Freedom'.
Encouraging maximum turnout for the Comhdháil Náisiúnta 2009, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin, Barry McColgan, said:
"We would encourage the maximum turnout among all Ógra cumann and young republican activists, to the upcoming Comhdháil Náisiúnta in West Belfast. This is a significant year in the republican youth calendar as it marks 100 years since the foundation of the first republican youth organisation, Na Fianna Éireann. The young Fians played a huge role in advancing the struggle, and demonstrated their bravery as over 50 laid down their lives in pursuit of the Republic. They provide us with the inspiration to carry on their struggle, to recruit, and educate a new generation of Irish Republicans, and to campaign on the most relevant and pressing issues of today."
"The Comhdháil Náisiúnta presents an opportunity for young republican activists to come together for an action packed weekend of youth focused events, building lasting friendships, sharing ideas, and debating and plotting the future direction of Ógra, and Sinn Féin. This will be an excellent weekend to come together in remembrance of our fallen comrades, but more importantly to build the ideas and organisation that will deliver the free and egalitarian Ireland for which they died."
The upcoming Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress will have a special performance of the excellent and emotive play 'Young Guard of Erin'.
The play has been produced particularly for the 100th Anniversary of the first republican youth movement, and tells the story of Na Fianna Éireann and some of the young Belfast Fians who died in the most recent phase of struggle.
It will be performed at 8.00pm on Friday 13 November in the Felons and will be followed by a rebel night with Ireland's biggest rebel band 'The Spirit of Freedom.'
Entrance to the event will be £5, tickets are essential.
Encouraging people to get a ticket and come along on the night, West Belfast Ógra activist Róise Níg Uidhrín said:
"Na Fianna was very active right across Belfast, and this was reflective in the huge membership but the even bigger sacrifice of the young Fians in our city. The play 'Young Guard of Erin' is an excellent way to tell the story of the lives of these young boys and also the girls of the gCailini, who were ordinary people living in extraordinary times, and whose bravery shone through when they paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country."
"The play will be an opportunity to remember the sacrifice and significant role of republican youth in struggle, particularly the young Fians who died. We would encourage everyone to join with us in the night to watch this excellent play."
For tickets please contact 07885569940.
To watch a video highlighting the Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress, go to the following web address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2io8endW8bU
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