The RSF-organised Hunger-Strikers Rally at the GPO in Dublin on Saturday 7th May 2011 was held , as advertised , despite a very heavy State Garda and Special Branch presence : Republican Sinn Féin members , supporters and a Colour Party formed-up on the traffic isle facing the GPO in Dublin's O'Connell Street where , after the 'warm-up' speaker had concluded - having delivered a detailed history on an Irish Republican POW , Joe Malone, who was force-fed whilst on hunger-strike - a musician on a Bagpipe played an Irish Republican Lament , following which the Chairperson , Andy Connolly , got proceedings under way. Andy named all 22 Irish Hunger-Strikers , giving a brief history of each man, and highlighted the seriousness of the situation being faced today by Irish POW's , as they are now victims of a system which gives them no option but to constantly protest for proper conditions.
That view was echoed by other speakers , including RSF Vice-President Fergal Moore (pictured, above) , who also voiced opposition to the impending visit to Ireland by an English 'queen'.
The Chairperson brought the Rally to an end by thanking all present , including the RNU organisation , which was holding a 'No Royal Visit'-protest at the GPO and , following a rendition of our National Anthem on the Bagpipes , the RSF Rally ended.
A few photographs of same are published with this post, with a more detailed report to be published in the June 2011 issue of 'Saoirse' , which goes to print on Wednesday 8th June next.
'Political Status' Banner.
The Piper plays a Republican Lament.
"We are here today , in O'Connell Street in Dublin , to remember all 22 Irish Hunger-Strikers......"
Andy Connolly , Chairperson.
A section of the crowd.
RNU at the GPO.HUNGER-STRIKERS COMMEMORATIVE FUNCTION , SATURDAY 7th MAY 2011 :
'The Druids' (pictured above) played to a full house , as expected , in the 79'r Pub in Ballyfermot to a very receptive audience , who cheered , clapped and sang-along with every rebel ballad during the almost three-hour session.
The group received loud applause after they issued a verbal statement from the stage in which they condemned recent 'advice offered to them' in relation to which organisations they should or should not take bookings from and stated , as Irish Republicans, they will not be intimidated , morally , financially or any other way, into ignoring the on-going political struggle in this country , regardless of the wishes of those that have attempted to issue 'stay-away advice' to them.
Before the ballad session began , an RSF spokesperson on stage welcomed the full house and highlighted the brutal treatment endured by all 22 Irish Hunger-Strikers , making particular reference to the conditions now being forced on Irish POW's , asking if the 'establishment' will ever learn , in this regard , from the mistakes they have made in the past in attempting to criminalise Irish Republican prisoners and the on-going Struggle itself.
'The Druids' played to their usual high standards , the crowd knew all the words and sang along , and the two car loads of Special Branch failed in their efforts to prevent people from entering the venue - a good night (and early morning!) all round !
Some of the nine raffle prizes won on the night - and a special 'Go raibh maith agat' to Cathy , for her generous contribution to same : really appreciated , and much sought after on the night !
A section of the crowd at the ballad session.
The Hunger-Strike Commemorative Candle , donated by Cathy - and claimed by everyone in the audience !
More of the crowd at the ballad session.Monthly 650-ticket raffle , Sunday 8th May 2011 :
Due to the fact that extra monthly raffle tickets were sold at the above-mentioned rally and ballad session , the 'Raffle Crew' were only left with 12 tickets to sell in a venue in which they normally sell between 30 and 50 - the regulars in the hotel were disappointed but were promised a 'freebie' next month , such was the desire of the 'Crew' to get out of there alive.... !
Anyway ; all tickets were sold , €440 was won in prize money and these are the lucky eight winners-
1st.............Kate................068.................Robbie.
2nd............Jack and Mick......271...............Gavin.
3rd............Teddy................485.................'Carristown'.
4th...........Óisin..................214...................Mullingar.
5th..........Cíaron................506....................PE.
6th.........Jem ..................011.....................RN.
7th.........Francis.............255.......................Gav.
8th.........Joe Ralph..........064......................'Tim Young'.
It was a very busy weekend in Dublin for the Republican Sinn Féin organisation , but one which they managed , professionally , in their stride : well done to all involved - you are a credit to Irish Republicanism!
Thanks for reading ,
Sharon.
