The (political) blind leading the (politically) short-sighted.....

" Powersharing was the genesis of the conflict in the first place ."
- so declared Mitchel McLaughlin , Provisional Sinn Fein , speaking on 'Newstalk' radio , Dublin , just before 10 AM this morning (Saturday , 13 January 2007) .
"Powersharing" was never "...the genesis of the conflict.." on this isle as far as Irish Republicans are concerned : the British claim of jurisdiction over any part of this isle is the real "...genesis of this conflict.." regardless of what watery nationalists such as McLaughlin and his ilk claim .
As John Horan , from this blog , has stated over the years - " It was never a case of saying to the British - 'Stay if you want , just treat us better...' " The Republican position remains , as always , the demand for complete British military and political withdrawal from this isle . We have been relentless in that pursuit for over 830 years and will remain relentless in that pursuit for as long as it takes .
Finally ; our files show that , on April 20 , 1995 , Mitchel McLaughlin was quoted in his own party's newspaper , 'AP/RN' (page 6) , as stating (whilst speaking at an Easter Commemoration on Easter Sunday in New Lodge in North Belfast) - " We have confronted the monster of the British Empire and defeated it." !
McLaughlin , and those like him , would feel equally politically 'at home' in the SDLP or Fianna Fail : he is a weak-kneeded 'nationalist' , who will accept 'better treatment' in return for the 'trappings of political office'. He and his type should be avoided at all cost by true Republicans . They are a cancer on this Struggle .

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THE SEEDS OF A POLICE STATE .......
There is substantial evidence that a major crime was perpetrated within the Garda Siochana five years ago .
The evidence for this crime has certainly been available to senior Gardai ever since then , but no enquiry whatsoever has taken place , let alone any Garda being disciplined in connection with that crime .
By Vincent Browne and Derek Dunne .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , September 1983 .

The most senior Garda officer involved in the Sallins mail train robbery , Chief Superintendent John Joy , said in evidence that he did not institute any enquiries into allegations of ill-treatment even after the Osgur Breathnach Habeas Corpus hearing , but he did ask Superintendent Casey , who was also involved in the case , to make informal enquiries after the (State) District Court hearing on Thursday , April 8 , 1976 , when Michael Plunkett (one of those arrested) , speaking on behalf of all four accused , said that they had been beaten up .

Garda Superintendent Casey made informal enquiries of two Gardai , both of whom were the subject of very serious allegations in the case and on hearing from these that there was nothing to the allegations he reported back to Chief Superintendent John Joy that there was nothing to be worried about. And that was the extent of the Garda enquiries into the affair from that day to now .

At any time Chief Superintendent John Joy or any of his superiors in the Garda Siochana could have instituted a sworn enquiry on their own initiative into the allegations but that was never done : were it the position that only in this particular case was it alleged that the Gardai ill-treated persons in detention then the allegations might be treated with greater reserve . But that is not the case......
(MORE LATER).



SPORTING NATIONALISM .......
A look at the political origins of the GAA .
By 'Celt' .
From 'IRIS' magazine , November 1982 .

THE PARNELL SPLIT :
Over the next twenty years the fortunes of the GAA were closely to follow the political events in the country : the 'Parnell Split' saw the GAA lining up on both sides , with active and well-known leaders of the association openly in confrontation at the meeting of the Irish Party in 1890 which met to decide Charles Stewart Parnell's fate as its leader . But as Parnell's fortunes declined , the GAA as a body threw its weight behind him .

At his funeral in 1891 it is reported that over 2,000 GAA members carrying hurling sticks draped with back flags followed the cortege . The same year was to see an even more public demonstration of the GAA's political involvement when the entire central council followed the funeral cortege of Patrick Nally , who had died under peculiar circumstances in Mountjoy Jail in Dublin after serving a ten-year sentence for treason . Thus , by its avowed aims and ideals of consolidating an Irish identity in the field of games , language and culture , the GAA was distinctly and undeniably separatist in its philosophy . ('1169...' Comment - ......then , perhaps , but not now ,unfortunately.)

And so , in the early 1900's , with the growth of the new Sinn Fein movement , the GAA was again to find itself caught up in a new era of the struggle for national independence : Sinn Fein members had gained important positions on many county boards of the GAA - Austin Stack in Kerry , Harry Boland in Dublin and Chris Holland in Limerick . It was quite apparent that James Nowlan , then President of the GAA , was himself an ardent supporter of Sinn Fein . If then , political alignment had become the reality for the GAA from its earliest origins , what of the attitudes towards that sort of alignment on the part of those whose contribution was central to the association's development...... ?
(MORE LATER).



THE PROVOS AT THE BALLOT BOX .......
By Michael Farrell .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , June 1983 .

It is a two-horse race for the nationalist vote : the other parties are irrelevant . Gerry Fitt's political career ended the day he denounced the hunger strikers in the British House of Commons - he is likely to get between 3,000 and 4,000 votes in West Belfast , well behind the SDLP . The Alliance Party and The Workers Party will get a maximum of 2,000 - 3,000 in their best areas .

Both the SDLP and Sinn Fein are very wary of predicting how many seats they will get because of the vagaries of the straight vote and the fact that they are faced with a single Unionist candidate in three of the five key constituencies . The SDLP are confident that they will win Foyle and Martin McGuinness would have to increase his vote dramatically to even put John Hume in danger from the Unionist candidate . The SDLP claim confidence in Armagh-Newry as well but if Jim McAllister holds his vote , never mind increasing it , Seamus Mallon (SDLP) will be hard put to win against a single Unionist candidate .

Sinn Fein is fairly confident in West Belfast especially since there are two Unionist candidates in the field , Gerry Adams should have little difficulty increasing his vote and taking the seat there . The SDLP privately concede they have no chance in Fermanagh-South Tyrone and they will come a poor third there but the nationalist majority against a single Unionist candidate is so small that the SDLP intervention is almost certain to cost Owen Carron his seat.......
(MORE LATER).

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THE SEEDS OF A POLICE STATE .......
There is substantial evidence that a major crime was perpetrated within the Garda Siochana five years ago .
The evidence for this crime has certainly been available to senior Gardai ever since then , but no enquiry whatsoever has taken place , let alone any Garda being disciplined in connection with that crime .
By Vincent Browne and Derek Dunne .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , September 1983 .

Under cross examination , Alan Martin admitted that he was arrested and detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act , 1939 , and that he had been asked questions in relation to the Sallins mail train robbery . He further admitted that he had previous convictions including one for housebreaking .

He said that he couldn't sleep because of all the screaming and shouting and crying that was going on , and that it seemed to have gone on for hours but that finally he managed to get to sleep . He said also that the following morning , the person who gave out the breakfasts said that the occupant of the cell nearby was not able for his meal , and gave him a double portion . He stated that all the commotion was going on when he was trying to get to sleep , and further denied that his evidence was fabrication .

Only the Most Cursory Investigation :
The senior Garda Officers involved in the case acknowledged in court that they were aware of the allegations being made at the time about the ill-treatment of those held in connection with the Sallins mail train robbery . There was press coverage given to those allegations , as there were several press conferences held by members of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP), to which most of those held belonged , to publicise these allegations . In addition , there was of course the Habeas Corpus hearing in the State High Court of Osgur Breathnach , where allegations were made public and as a result of which Breathnach was sent to hospital by order of the court . Apart from that , the Gardai would have been aware from an early stage of the medical evidence that had been accumulated in the case . Yet only the most cursory enquiry was held into these allegations.......
(MORE LATER).



SPORTING NATIONALISM .......
A look at the political origins of the GAA .
By 'Celt' .
From 'IRIS' magazine , November 1982 .

By 1886 , the Fenian element within the GAA was extremely strong : P.T. Hoctor , a renowned IRB leader from Tipperary , was elected vice-president , and in the same year an invitation was offered to the Fenian , John O' Leary , just returned from exile , to become one of the GAA's patrons .

Other invitations to become patrons had been accepted by Maurice Davin and the Archbishop of Cashel , Dr. Croke : Davin was an outstanding athlete and was driven by a concern to preserve Irish games from alien influences * . Dr. Croke's patronage saw the Catholic Church recognising the growing strength of the GAA , and the Archbishop himself was to act as mediator as the growing dissent between political factions for control of the GAA continued with vigour . ('1169...' Comment* : We can only presume that Maurice Davin , amongst others , are turning in their graves over the fact that the GAA now welcomes 'officials' of those 'alien influences' - the British 'security forces' - as members of its organisation. For shame....)

The annual convention of 1887 was indicative of this power struggle - the IRB had managed to pack the meeting with its members , and foremost among them were P.T. Hoctor and P.N. Fitzgerald . Forced to wait in the streets outside , with only a few of their supporters inside the convention , the 'clerical brigade' and 'National Leaguers' , led by Fr. John Scanlan , tried to storm the meeting : amidst fist fights the press stand was wrecked by a group led by Fr. John Scanlan himself ! Having been repelled by stewards , Scanlan and his colleagues withdrew to hold a splinter meeting . Meanwhile , inside the convention itself , the IRB candidate , E.M. Bennett of Ennis , County Clare , defeated Maurice Davin by 316 to 210 votes.......
(MORE LATER).



THE PROVOS AT THE BALLOT BOX .......
By Michael Farrell .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , June 1983 .

Once the immediate backlog of social deprivation in the ghettos is tidied up a bit , constituency work , especially on local councils , will involve compromises and choices between priorities which are likely to lead to sharp divisions in an organisation aiming at revolutionary socialism . ('1169...' Comment : the Provisional Sinn Fein [PSF- 'Please Stoop Lower'] Party are currently experiencing those "sharp divisions" over how best to implement British policy in Ireland on behalf of their leadership in Westminster . As did 'The Workers Party' before them : some of Adams' people , unlike him , are only prepared to bow the head so far - their leader , and those immediately surrounding him , have no 'bottom line' and will do whatever it takes to secure their own political and financial wellbeing . They are politically and morally corrupt and , as such , are well suited to the corridors of Leinster House , Stormont and Westminster.)

And , if Sinn Fein does succeed in winning substantial support outside the republican ghettos , tension will grow between the political and military wings of the movement as the politically involved confront the 'adverse effect' of much of the IRA's activities on the population at large . ('1169...' Comment - the then IRA's "activities" were not focussed on "the population at large " : rather , the response to those activities by the Staters and the British Administration was focussed on that population , in the hope that , by 'squeezing' same , pressure would be brought to bear on Irish republicans to call off their campaign.) It looks as if Sinn Fein is more likely to have to cope with the problems of success than of failure : they look as if they will substantially increase their total and probably approach the 90,000 or 45 per cent to 50 per cent of the nationalist vote they are aiming at .

In the five nationalist-majority constituencies they should do even better , beating the SDLP in three - West Belfast , Fermanagh-South Tyrone and Mid-Ulster , and they may well pull ahead of the SDLP in the five taken as a whole.......
(MORE LATER).

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Great to be back ! We enjoyed the break and managed to catch-up on a few jobs around '1169...' Towers , attend the usual Republican functions and commemorations and still have some time for ourselves ! Hope you enjoyed your Christmas and New Year break , too , and we are glad to have you back with us !

THE SEEDS OF A POLICE STATE .......
There is substantial evidence that a major crime was perpetrated within the Garda Siochana five years ago .
The evidence for this crime has certainly been available to senior Gardai ever since then , but no enquiry whatsoever has taken place , let alone any Garda being disciplined in connection with that crime .
By Vincent Browne and Derek Dunne .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , September 1983 .

One of three men who happened to be in the Bridewell Garda Station at the same time as those arrested for the Sallins mail train robbery , Peter Harrington , spent the night in a cell with George and William Royale : under cross examination , Peter Harrington admitted that he had a number of previous convictions including ones for receiving and stealing , robbery with violence , breaking and entering , and also with stealing a car . This last was in the English jurisdiction and he was convicted in London . He denied that he fabricated his evidence .

William Royale gave evidence at Brian McNally's trial to the effect that he had spent the night in a cell with his brother George , and Peter Harrington : he said that around midnight on the Tuesday , he heard shouts and screams in the Bridewell , and the sound of someone who was obviously in pain and frightened . He claimed he banged on the cell door to try and get the noise stopped , but that he was told he would be better keeping out of it and that it had nothing to do with him - he said that he had been in the Bridewell many times since that night in relation to the same case , and admitted under cross examination that he had a number of convictions including housebreaking , malicious damage , larceny , and interfering with a car .

Alan Martin , giving evidence at Brian McNally's trial , said that he was brought into the Bridewell Garda Station on Tuesday night at around midnight and that he had never been in there before - he said that he heard screams and shouts in the cell next to his own and that these lasted for one-and-a-half to two hours . He also said that he had been in Garda custody three or four times and that he could not remember another incident like it.......
(MORE LATER).



SPORTING NATIONALISM .......
A look at the political origins of the GAA .
By 'Celt' .
From 'IRIS' magazine , November 1982 .

A teacher by profession , from County Clare , Michael Cusack had founded his own academy in Dublin and moved in the prolific literary circles of his day , being an acquaintance of both Douglas Hyde and James Joyce. He was fond of the popular practice of letter writing to the national press , using their columns as a springboard for debate on national and cultural issues .

However , less than two years after becoming the figurehead of the emergent GAA , Michael Cusack found himself in open conflict with other members of the Executive and was subsequently voted from office : the issue which enveloped the GAA , and was to do so again and again , was the conflict between the nationalist lobby within it who favoured constitutional agitation , and those separatists who favoured physical force .

Two of the original seven founding members of the GAA - Joseph Kevin Bracken and John Wyse Power, were also members of the revolutionary Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), and it was obvious before long that the IRB had worked diligently at ground level in many parts of the country , to further their aim of using the GAA as a training ground.......
(MORE LATER).



THE PROVOS AT THE BALLOT BOX .......
By Michael Farrell .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , June 1983 .

On the positive * side , the SDLP is putting great stress on the All-Ireland Forum , due to open with great pomp and ceremony soon , on John Hume's 'achievements' in the European Parliament and on the possibility that they could hold the balance of power at Westminster . ('1169...' Comment * 'Positive' , that is , for the SDLP and others like them , but not for Irish Republicans , as the 'All-Ireland Forum' did not address the issue of the actual British presence itself.)

Apart from the unlikelihood of the last , the points they stress indicate that they are losing touch with grassroots feeling - the 'All-Ireland Forum' , Westminster and the EEC cut little ice in the Falls , Bogside or Crossmaglen where the burning issues are repression , housing and social security - the ones Sinn Fein is concentrating on .

The election is nearly as crucial for Sinn Fein as it is for the SDLP - their new political strategy still sits uneasily on the advocates of pure physical force : indeed , however loyally the Sinn Fein candidates defend it , the Ard Fheis resolution on support for the armed struggle looked very like an attempt by 'the militarists' to put a curb on the 'politicians' in the Republican Movement , and a set-back in the election could well lead to a backlash against the new 'political strategy' ; but even 'success' could have its problems - Sinn Fein sees its involvement in constituency work as central to its new socialist development , and Gerry Adams talks of trying to involve the people in solving their own problems , but the Republican Movement has never found it easy to work with other groups and organisations .

There is also a narrow line between what they would term 'principled' constituency work and the sort of clientilism practised by Leinster House members and county councillors in their constituency clinics.......
(MORE LATER).

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.......we almost have our 'house' in order !
The '1169...' Crew will be back to normal 'transmission' on Monday , 8th January 2007 : we took a longer-than-usual break as we had several Republican functions , commemorations and other such-like events to attend and help organise and , as a result , blogging time was scarce . And talking about "time" and "scarce" , one man who must be wishing that this 'time' [2007] was 'scarce' is French President Jacques Chirac : in 2003 , it was reported , amongst other things , that a criminal inquiry had begun into Mr. Chirac's food bill in a previous position the man held - that of Mayor of Paris .
Reports stated that , between 1987 and 1995 , Chirac and his wife Bernadette ran up a food bill of €2 million , ordering €569-worth of food for their private apartment in the Town Hall every day for eight years ! Chirac is immune from prosecution until his term is over in 2007 . But his wife is not ...
Jacques and Bernadette should move to Ireland where they would be lauded by their own type in the 'political elite' on this isle . Indeed , maybe our Bertie could help them out with a few blank cheques.
Back Monday , January 8 next . Slán go fóill anois .

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At this time of year , newspapers , magazines , blogs , websites etc take a look back 'at the year that was' : but here , in '1169....' Towers , we take a look forward at 'the year that will be' :

A fitting end , in new employment , for those that left the Republican Movement in 1986 : however , our proud history of resistance and struggle has ensured that true Irish republicans are not surprised with , or dejected because of , the actions of those who seek to build 'political careers' for themselves within the 'establishment' they once fought against . We now have - once again - ex-colleagues wearing the uniform of the enemy and using the 'authority' of said uniform to hunt down their old comrades . It failed in the past and will fail now , too . The Provos are setting themselves up to be guardians of a flawed establishment and , in doing so , have forgot that it is not the job of the occupied to provide security for the occupier .
Ni Seoinini Sinn Go Leir !

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Another Cabhair success !

Photographs and comments regarding the 2006 Cabhair Christmas Day swim can be found here, here and here. Meanwhile , the '1169...' crew are not yet finished their turkey and mince-pie : see you all in the New Year !

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NOLLAIG SHONA DAR LEITHEOIRI !

Ar eagle an dearmaid ....

Ba bhrea an rud e siochain bhuan bunaithe ar an gceart a bheith againn in Eireann . Is i an bronntanas is fearr a d'fheadfaimis a thabhairt duinn fein agus dar gclann .

Coinniodh an ceart agus an tsiochain uainn le breis agus ocht gcead bliain , de bharr ionradh , forghabhail agus miriaradh na Sasanach . Socru ar bith a dheantar in ainm mhuintir na hEireann agus a ghlacann le riail Shasana agus a dhaingnionn an chriochdheighilt , ni thig leis an ceart na an tsiochain bhuann a bhunu .

Ni dheanfaidh se ach la na siochana buaine a chur ar an mhear fhada agus an bhunfhadb a thabhairt do ghluin eile . Tharla se seo cheana nuair a siniodh Conradh 1921 agus cuireadh siar ar mhuintir na hEireann e in ainm na siochana . Is mor ag Sinn Fein Poblachtach Eire a bheith saor agus daonlathach , an cuspoir ceanna a bhi i gceist ag Wolfe Tone agus ag na Poblachtaigh uile anuas go dti 1916 agus an la ata inniu ann .

Rinne a lan fear agus ban croga iobairti mora , thug a mbeatha fiu , ar son na cuise uaisle seo .

CEART . SAOIRSE. DAONLATHAS .


A PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS TO OUR READERS !

Least we forget ....

A just and permanent peace in Ireland is most desirable . It is the greatest gift we could give to ourselves and our children . We have been denied justice and peace for more than eight centuries , because of English invasion , occuption and misrule of our country .

Any arrangement which , in the name of the Irish people , accepts English rule and copperfastens the Border , will not bring justice and lasting peace . It will only postpone the day of permanent peace , handing over the basic problem to another generation .

This happened before when the Treaty of 1921 was signed and was forced on the Irish people in the name of peace . Republican Sinn Fein cherishes the objective of a free , democratic Ireland , as envisaged by Wolfe Tone and all Republicans down to 1916 and our own day . Many brave men and women sacrificed a lot , even their lives , for this noble Cause .

JUSTICE . FREEDOM . DEMOCRACY .

The '1169 And Counting... ' crew are on a short break but will be back at their desks in '1169 Towers' in early January . Between this and then take care of yourselves and don't forget about your Irish friends , colleagues and comrades on this isle as we enter into the 838th year of British occupation .
Beannachtai na Nollag agus slan go foill anois !


30 YEARS UNDERWATER !

As confirmed here and here , a sponsored swim in the Grand Canal at Inchicore in Dublin will be held this Christmas day at 12 Noon !
This event has been held on every Christmas Day since 1976 , and has , as usual , been organised by the Cabhair group (details here) , an organisation which seeks to assist the families and dependants of Irish Republican prisoners . The swim , which will be held in the Grand Canal opposite the Blackhorse Inn ('Kelly's on the Bridge') pub at , as stated , 12 Noon , has been known to attract upwards of 200 on-lookers and the organisers supply a turf fire , music , and some food and 'light refreshments' for all those present !
If you can swim , come along on the day and earn your place at the turf fire or at least , perhaps , watch others doing so and maybe even donate a few shillings for their efforts . CABHAIR is an organisation run by voluntary effort and would not accept donations or subscriptions from the State (nor has it ever looked for same) and , as such , would greatly appreciate any financial assistance you can offer .
Go ráibh maith agat , agus Nollaig Shona !

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30 YEARS UNDERWATER !

As confirmed here and here , a sponsored swim in the Grand Canal at Inchicore in Dublin will be held this Christmas day at 12 Noon !
This event has been held on every Christmas Day since 1976 , and has , as usual , been organised by the Cabhair group (details here) , an organisation which seeks to assist the families and dependants of Irish Republican prisoners . The swim , which will be held in the Grand Canal opposite the Blackhorse Inn ('Kelly's on the Bridge') pub at , as stated , 12 Noon , has been known to attract upwards of 200 on-lookers and the organisers supply a turf fire , music , and some food and 'light refreshments' for all those present !
If you can swim , come along on the day and earn your place at the turf fire or at least , perhaps , watch others doing so and maybe even donate a few shillings for their efforts . CABHAIR is an organisation run by voluntary effort and would not accept donations or subscriptions from the State (nor has it ever looked for same) and , as such , would greatly appreciate any financial assistance you can offer .
Go ráibh maith agat , agus Nollaig Shona !

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THE SEEDS OF A POLICE STATE .......
There is substantial evidence that a major crime was perpetrated within the Garda Siochana five years ago .
The evidence for this crime has certainly been available to senior Gardai ever since then , but no enquiry whatsoever has taken place , let alone any Garda being disciplined in connection with that crime .
By Vincent Browne and Derek Dunne .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , September 1983 .

James Lalor , who was in the Bridewell Garda Station at the same time as those arrested for the Sallins mail train robbery , gave evidence at Brian McNally's trial to the effect that he heard shouting and screaming in the Bridewell around midnight on the day in question : he said that he banged on the door of his cell in an attempt to get the disturbance stopped , and that a Garda whom he could not now identify told him to "...mind his own business.." .

At the time of the trial in October 1978 , James Lalor was serving a 12 month sentence in Mountjoy Prison , Dublin , having been convicted of pick-pocketing . Lalor further stated under cross examination that he had appeared in the District Court the morning after hearing the screams and shouts , and that he had received a 12 month sentence . He had not been contacted about the incident until almost two years after the event .

At the time of his giving evidence , Peter Harrington was serving five years penal servitude for armed robbery and had served a year and a half of his sentence ; he gave evidence at Brian McNally's trial to the effect that he had been re-arrested , along with his co-accused who included George and William Royale , outside the Bridewell , after their case had been thrown out of court . He admitted that he had been in the Bridewell thirty times . When questioned about what he heard in the Bridewell on the Wednesday morning , he said that he heard screams and shouts and the sound of something banging off a door , and that it lasted for about two hours . He also said that he had been in the Bridewell on a number of occasions since that night but had never heard anything like it since.......
(MORE LATER).



SPORTING NATIONALISM .
A look at the political origins of the GAA .
By 'Celt' .
From 'IRIS' magazine , November 1982 .

Almost 100 years old (ie 1884 - 1982) , the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)- the largest and most influential sporting body in Ireland - has from its inception to the present day been considerably influenced by political events in its ideals and policy . In recent years , concerted attempts to curb the intensely nationalist beliefs of many GAA members and some clubs have hinged on the demand that the GAA observe the gulf between 'sport' and 'politics' . This article argues that in the history of the GAA no such gulf ever existed .

The earliest driving force behind the GAA was provided by Michael Cusack , who founded the Association in Hayes' Hotel in Tipperary , during 1884 . A pioneer of Irish language revival and a founder member of the Gaelic League , Michael Cusack was inspired by the ideal of restoring pride in the national games of hurling and football , and - through them - instilling hope and determination among Irish manhood in their ability to control their country's destiny .

The cruel hardships of the Great Hunger , less than forty years earlier , bringing death and emigration to two-and-a-half million people , had shattered the national strength . Traditional games like hurling and football - prohibited under law by police and magistrates deeply suspicious of any organised activity which could act as a front for nationally-minded bodies - had been severely disrupted or extinguished altogether in many areas . Restoring these was the end to which Michael Cusack's efforts were directed.......
(MORE LATER).



THE PROVOS AT THE BALLOT BOX .......
By Michael Farrell .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , June 1983 .

The important thing as far as this election - and the next - is concerned is that Sinn Fein's housing and welfare blitz is likely to win them support outside the republican ghetto and bite into the SDLP's traditional support , but the SDLP are hitting back as hard as they can - they are hammering away at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis resolutions passed after the Assembly elections and committing future candidates to "...unambivalent support for the armed struggle.." (' 1169...' Comment - there is no need now for such a declaration from PSF candidates as their objective - reform of the Six County 'state' - is not worth waging an armed campaign for.) .

The SDLP are pointing hard at the killing of a British soldier's wife in Derry who was shielding her husband , and at the breaking of a man's hands with concrete slabs , also in Derry , as examples of the effects of that armed struggle . The Catholic Church has weighed in with its strongest condemnation of Irish republicans since the Civil War : these attacks may hurt Sinn Fein since , to beat or even draw level with the SDLP , Sinn Fein will have to reach out well beyond those who support the IRA's military campaign and the Sinn Fein leaders admit they are unsure of the effect the Catholic bishop's onslaught may have .

But the attacks on Provo violence could be a two-edged weapon : if the Catholic Church and the SDLP escalate their attacks too much they may seem to be ignoring the violence from the loyalists and the 'security forces' which most North of Ireland Nationalists see as the root of the problem . ('1169...' Comment : as far ar Republicans are comcerned , 'the root of the problem' is the British presence , not how they 'behave' whilst here .) And , if they stress too strongly that 'a vote for Sinn Fein is a vote for violence' , they will have a lot of explaining to do if half the Nationalist population does vote for Sinn Fein.......
(MORE LATER).

PLEASE NOTE : The '1169...' crew will be taking a wee break from operations today , Friday 22 December 2006 . We will return in early January to continue on from where we left off . We trust our many readers will have a peaceful and happy Christmas , and that you will continue to support , in whatever manner you can , the struggle of Irish Republicans in our quest to bring a lasting peace to all on this isle .
Go raibh maith agat .
John , Sharon and 'Junior' .

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NOLLAIG SHONA DAR LEITHEOIRI !

Ar eagle an dearmaid ....

Ba bhrea an rud e siochain bhuan bunaithe ar an gceart a bheith againn in Eireann . Is i an bronntanas is fearr a d'fheadfaimis a thabhairt duinn fein agus dar gclann .

Coinniodh an ceart agus an tsiochain uainn le breis agus ocht gcead bliain , de bharr ionradh , forghabhail agus miriaradh na Sasanach . Socru ar bith a dheantar in ainm mhuintir na hEireann agus a ghlacann le riail Shasana agus a dhaingnionn an chriochdheighilt , ni thig leis an ceart na an tsiochain bhuann a bhunu .

Ni dheanfaidh se ach la na siochana buaine a chur ar an mhear fhada agus an bhunfhadb a thabhairt do ghluin eile . Tharla se seo cheana nuair a siniodh Conradh 1921 agus cuireadh siar ar mhuintir na hEireann e in ainm na siochana . Is mor ag Sinn Fein Poblachtach Eire a bheith saor agus daonlathach , an cuspoir ceanna a bhi i gceist ag Wolfe Tone agus ag na Poblachtaigh uile anuas go dti 1916 agus an la ata inniu ann .

Rinne a lan fear agus ban croga iobairti mora , thug a mbeatha fiu , ar son na cuise uaisle seo .

CEART . SAOIRSE. DAONLATHAS .


A PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS TO OUR READERS !

Least we forget ....

A just and permanent peace in Ireland is most desirable . It is the greatest gift we could give to ourselves and our children . We have been denied justice and peace for more than eight centuries , because of English invasion , occuption and misrule of our country .

Any arrangement which , in the name of the Irish people , accepts English rule and copperfastens the Border , will not bring justice and lasting peace . It will only postpone the day of permanent peace , handing over the basic problem to another generation .

This happened before when the Treaty of 1921 was signed and was forced on the Irish people in the name of peace . Republican Sinn Fein cherishes the objective of a free , democratic Ireland , as envisaged by Wolfe Tone and all Republicans down to 1916 and our own day . Many brave men and women sacrificed a lot , even their lives , for this noble Cause .

JUSTICE . FREEDOM . DEMOCRACY .

The '1169 And Counting... ' crew will be taking a break soon but will be back at their desks in '1169 Towers' in early January . Between this and then take care of yourselves and don't forget about your Irish friends , colleagues and comrades on this isle as we enter into the 838th year of British occupation .
Beannachtai na Nollag agus slan go foill anois !


30 YEARS UNDERWATER !

As confirmed here and here , a sponsored swim in the Grand Canal at Inchicore in Dublin will be held this Christmas day at 12 Noon !
This event has been held on every Christmas Day since 1976 , and has , as usual , been organised by the Cabhair group (details here) , an organisation which seeks to assist the families and dependants of Irish Republican prisoners . The swim , which will be held in the Grand Canal opposite the Blackhorse Inn ('Kelly's on the Bridge') pub at , as stated , 12 Noon , has been known to attract upwards of 200 on-lookers and the organisers supply a turf fire , music , and some food and 'light refreshments' for all those present !
If you can swim , come along on the day and earn your place at the turf fire or at least , perhaps , watch others doing so and maybe even donate a few shillings for their efforts . CABHAIR is an organisation run by voluntary effort and would not accept donations or subscriptions from the State (nor has it ever looked for same) and , as such , would greatly appreciate any financial assistance you can offer .
Go ráibh maith agat , agus Nollaig Shona !

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THE SEEDS OF A POLICE STATE .......
There is substantial evidence that a major crime was perpetrated within the Garda Siochana five years ago .
The evidence for this crime has certainly been available to senior Gardai ever since then , but no enquiry whatsoever has taken place , let alone any Garda being disciplined in connection with that crime .
By Vincent Browne and Derek Dunne .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , September 1983 .

There was evidence of mistreatment given by five people who were being detained in the Bridewell Garda Station during that same time -
Mr. George Royale gave evidence in Brian McNally's trial to the effect that he heard shouts in the Bridewell around 1.00am on the morning in question : later on , he said he heard screams and shouts coming from the tunnel under the station , the tunnel leading to the District Court , and that he heard a question being roared - "...who was driving ? " He also gave evidence to the effect that Peter Royale , his brother , and Peter Harrington banged and kicked on the cell door after hearing screams , and that a member of the Gardai came down and told them to shut up or they would get the same .

He further said that when they complained later on , they were told that they were better off keeping their mouths shut , that it had nothing to do with them . George Royale admitted under cross examination that he had seven convictions against him , including ones for housebreaking , shop breaking , assault , and possession of a firearm . He denied fabricating his evidence and could not identify the person who allegedly had told him to ' keep his mouth shut ' . He further said that he had been in the Bridewell on a number of occasions before but had not heard anything like the shouts and screaming he had heard that night and , as a result of what he heard , he joined the Prisoners Rights Organisation and took part subsequently in a picket on the Bridewell .

He denied that either he or his brother were founder members of the Prisoners Rights Organisation but admitted that he knew some of its officers , and also stated under cross examination that he had spent three months in Mountjoy Jail on remand for something for which , in the end , a nolle prosequi was entered . There was another witness who also spoke of hearing "...shouting and screaming.."
(MORE LATER).



Veteran Irish Republican , LILY MOFFATT , interviewed.......
From 'IRIS' magazine , November 1982 .
By John Doyle .

IRIS magazine - " What do you think of the Free State today ? "
Lily Moffatt - " Not much . " (Fergal , a 7-year old relative chimes in - " They're worse than the Brits! ") " It's awfully short of the Republic . And when I think of Liam , Rory , Richard and Joe shot in cold blood by the Staters... The people in the North are right to fight the British , they're our enemy . Now the Free Staters are more British that the British themselves . The people that died in my young days would have no regard for the Free State . Our culture , even our Irish dancing , is forgotten . "

IRIS magazine - " Do you agree with the present IRA's methods ? "
Lily Moffatt - " Yes , they are no different than in our time . In the North today they just have more up-to-date equipment . They are right to fight . I hate to see people killed but England never knew any language but the language of the gun . I wouldn't begrudge anything to get the Brits out . "

IRIS magazine - " Finally , Lily , what would you say to the girls and women who see this interview ? "
Lily Moffatt - " Do all you can for the good of your country . You could do nothing better . My one longing is not to die before the Brits get out . I'd die happy in the morning if we got rid of them . "

('1169...' Comment : Regrettably for Lily and thousands more like us , the Brits continue to maintain a political , military and jurisdictional unwanted presence on this isle , supported by those same Staters that Lily fought against . But the struggle for a re-united Ireland continues...)

[END of ' LILY MOFFATT INTERVIEWED']
(Next - 'Sporting Nationalism' : from 1982)


THE PROVOS AT THE BALLOT BOX .......
By Michael Farrell .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , June 1983 .

All of this 'election campaign business' used to be the SDLP's bread and butter - even at times when feeling ran high against the SDLP over issues like internment they held votes because of their constituency work . But they seem to have grown complacent and they can't compete with the effort Sinn Fein is putting in now .

The SDLP had no office in West Belfast until a few weeks ago - John Hume had an MEP's office in Derry but it didn't deal with purely local issues and there was no party office in the city . Even those SDLP councillors who do work hard simply haven't the time and can't call on the back-up and support Sinn Fein have .

Some of the SDLP mutter darkly about not having access to unlimited funds from bank robberies to pay all those full-time workers : Senator Brid Rogers , the SDLP's general secretary , even suggests the British administration may be going out of its way to facilitate Sinn Fein constituency work as a way of enticing the Provisionals away from violence....... ('1169...' Comment -....now the Provisionals are paid a salary to 'entice them away from violence' : but there is really no need , as the Provos themselves realise that their objective of 'constitutional reform' is not worth organising an armed campaign for.)
(MORE LATER).

PLEASE NOTE : The '1169...' crew will be taking a wee break from operations soon - our last post this side of the new year will be on Friday 22 December next . We will return in early January to continue on from where we left off .
Go raibh maith agat .
John , Sharon and 'Junior' .

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30 YEARS UNDERWATER !

As confirmed here and here , a sponsored swim in the Grand Canal at Inchicore in Dublin will be held this Christmas day at 12 Noon !
This event has been held on every Christmas Day since 1976 , and has , as usual , been organised by the Cabhair group (details here) , an organisation which seeks to assist the families and dependants of Irish Republican prisoners . The swim , which will be held in the Grand Canal opposite the Blackhorse Inn ('Kelly's on the Bridge') pub at , as stated , 12 Noon , has been known to attract upwards of 200 on-lookers and the organisers supply a turf fire , music , and some food and 'light refreshments' for all those present !
If you can swim , come along on the day and earn your place at the turf fire or at least , perhaps , watch others doing so and maybe even donate a few shillings for their efforts . CABHAIR is an organisation run by voluntary effort and would not accept donations or subscriptions from the State (nor has it ever looked for same) and , as such , would greatly appreciate any financial assistance you can offer .
Go ráibh maith agat , agus Nollaig Shona !

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THE SEEDS OF A POLICE STATE .......
There is substantial evidence that a major crime was perpetrated within the Garda Siochana five years ago .
The evidence for this crime has certainly been available to senior Gardai ever since then , but no enquiry whatsoever has taken place , let alone any Garda being disciplined in connection with that crime .
By Vincent Browne and Derek Dunne .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , September 1983 .

John Fitzpatrick , Brian McNally , Nicky Kelly and Michael Plunkett were in the Bridewell Garda Station in Dublin from 11.30am on Wednesday , April 7 , 1976 , following Nicky Kelly's return from the trip to Ballymore Eustace and Bray : thus the question arises why it took a further 11 hours to have them charged . No adequate explanation for this was forthcoming during the trial .

But there was a further suspicious twist to the case - the rules of the Bridewell specify that persons held on the same charge should not be placed in the same cell together - asked by Seamus Sorohan , State Counsel , if he believed that what was done to Nicky Kelly and Brian McNally was in contravention of the rules of the Bridewell , Detective Inspector Ned Ryan said in evidence - " I believe it does , my Lords , contravene those regulations . " However , later in the trial , Ryan contradicted his earlier testimony on that point : he said - " I am not aware of it (ie the rule in question) . I think if that is there it is a new one . "

Independent Evidence of Screaming in the Bridewell .
But before we leave the very persuasive evidence that Brian McNally , Osgur Breathnach and Nicky Kelly were beaten up in the Bridewell , there is further independent evidence that there was something untold going on in the Bridewell during the period in question.......
(MORE LATER).



Veteran Irish Republican , LILY MOFFATT , interviewed.......
From 'IRIS' magazine , November 1982 .
By John Doyle .

IRIS magazine - " You have been active in support of the republican women in Armagh jail , and you have been in jail yourself . Can you tell us about that ? "
Lily Moffatt - " I was first in prison for two months in 1923 , but nothing was as bad as Armagh . I was arrested by Free State soldiers in March 1923 in Rooskey , County Roscommon . The night before , the local garda barracks had been soaked in petrol by the IRA , but the Staters arrived before it could be burned down . I was bundled off to Longford barracks and then taken to the Castle barracks in Athlone . The bed sheets were as black as your boots . We got two sheets and two blankets each , but that wasn't much for March . We pushed our beds together , two girls from Sligo and me , and shared our heat and covers .

My brother Michael was being held too in the same barracks , and we could see him passing each morning . One day when I was looking out , the soldiers fired at us . We couldn't get Mass either . One day we complained to the prison chaplain , but it made no difference . They wouldn't give us Sunday Mass , only Mass on the odd weekday . We had to kneel on rough cement , but one of our guards had a cushion to save his knees , which we robbed on him ! "

IRIS magazine - " You didn't take the Free State pension , given to republicans involved in the Tan war by the newly-elected Fianna Fail Administration ? "
Lily Moffatt - " No , why should I ? We were all Volunteers . " ('1169....' Comment - ...follow that link and judge for yourself the calibre of 'Volunteers' in the Provisional organisation now .)
(MORE LATER).



THE PROVOS AT THE BALLOT BOX .......
By Michael Farrell .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , June 1983 .

SOUTH DOWN -
Patrick Forde (Alliance Party) : Patrick Fitzsimmons (SF) : Cecil Harvey (DUP) : Eddie McGrady (SDLP) : Margaret Magee (WP) : Enoch Powell (OUP) .

This has always been a fairly closely-balanced seat , religious wise , but the unionists have always held it up to this . It has lost the nationalist Newry area and the unionist Banbridge area to neighbouring seats , probably leaving a small unionist majority .

The split unionist vote gives the SDLP's Eddie McGrady a fair chance of winning , but only if he holds the lead the SDLP had over Sinn Fein in the Assembly election . It is one of Sinn Fein's weakest areas , however , so it looks as if Enoch Powell will have to go back to Birmingham .

Assembly Election 1982 : (First Preferences) SDLP 20,610 , three seats ; OUP 18,371 , two seats ; DUP 11,349 , two seats ; Alliance Party 3,646 ; Sinn Fein 3,393 ; Workers Party 1,676 .
(MORE LATER).

PLEASE NOTE : The '1169...' crew will be taking a wee break from operations soon - our last post this side of the new year will be on Friday 22 December next . We will return in early January to continue on from where we left off .
Go raibh maith agat .
John , Sharon and 'Junior' .

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30 YEARS UNDERWATER !

As confirmed here and here , a sponsored swim in the Grand Canal at Inchicore in Dublin will be held this Christmas day at 12 Noon !
This event has been held on every Christmas Day since 1976 , and has , as usual , been organised by the Cabhair group (details here) , an organisation which seeks to assist the families and dependants of Irish Republican prisoners . The swim , which will be held in the Grand Canal opposite the Blackhorse Inn ('Kelly's on the Bridge') pub at , as stated , 12 Noon , has been known to attract upwards of 200 on-lookers and the organisers supply a turf fire , music , and some food and 'light refreshments' for all those present !
If you can swim , come along on the day and earn your place at the turf fire or at least , perhaps , watch others doing so and maybe even donate a few shillings for their efforts . CABHAIR is an organisation run by voluntary effort and would not accept donations or subscriptions from the State (nor has it ever looked for same) and , as such , would greatly appreciate any financial assistance you can offer .
Go ráibh maith agat , agus Nollaig Shona !

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THE SEEDS OF A POLICE STATE .......
There is substantial evidence that a major crime was perpetrated within the Garda Siochana five years ago .
The evidence for this crime has certainly been available to senior Gardai ever since then , but no enquiry whatsoever has taken place , let alone any Garda being disciplined in connection with that crime .
By Vincent Browne and Derek Dunne .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , September 1983 .

In the absence of any attempt at all , let alone any plausible attempt , to explain the reasons for this extraordinary remand into Garda custody , the presumption must be that there was an ulterior motive on the part of the Gardai for taking this exceptional course of action : that ulterior motive , in the circumstances , could only be that they wanted to delay a medical examination and/or they wanted to construct an alibi which would explain how the accused persons came to be suffering from injury .

In any event there is the difficult case of Osgur Breathnach to answer : he was not placed in a cell with anyone before he was medically examined and removed to the Richmond Hospital and before he was seen by Aidan Browne SC - the evidence of Garda ill-treatment in his case is clear cut , and leads further suspicion to the Garda motives for remanding John Fitzpatrick , Brian McNally , Nicky Kelly and Michael Plunkett into Garda custody , following the preferment of charges in the District Court on the night of Wednesday , April 7 , 1976 .

There is additional reason for concern about this issue arising from the unexplained delay in charging the four accused - as the only evidence against any of them was their self-incriminating statements , there was no reason to delay charging them once they had been assembled together in the Bridewell Garda Station , literally yards from the Bridewell District Court .......
(MORE LATER).


Veteran Irish Republican , LILY MOFFATT , interviewed.......
From 'IRIS' magazine , November 1982 .
By John Doyle .

In 1919 , Lily Moffatt joined Cumann na mBan - " All round here joined when the Tans came . We were taught first-aid by Nurse Anne Horan from Slata . We used to carry messages and we drilled with .303's and colts in the bogs upon Curraghroe , instructed by Brian Nangle and Andy Feeney . They're all gone but myself . We did our drilling up at Nangle's house . We could see the Tans passing along the main road from our house . There was a short-cut through fields near where we lived and I used to help men escape down through the back lanes . "

IRIS magazine - " Did the male Volunteers respect you ? "
Lily Moffatt - " Lord , yes . They were very good , like brothers . They had every respect for us . We used to have dances in houses for funds to help the lads . The terrible thing was that some of them later went Free State and came back and raided us ."

IRIS magazine - " What do you think of women today being on active service in the IRA ? "
Lily Moffatt - " I think the women in the North are great . If I could go with them now I would . We were never asked to shoot or anything like that as girls , but we would have done anything . It's better now that women can take a full part . "
(MORE LATER).



THE PROVOS AT THE BALLOT BOX .......
By Michael Farrell .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , June 1983 .

Fermanagh-South Tyrone .
Owen Carron (SF) : Elizabeth Flanagan (SDLP) : Davy Kettyles(WP) : Ken Maginnis(OUP).

This constituency has lost a few thousand votes in the Dromore-Trillick area of Tyrone to Mid-ulster , and gained some in Dungannon . The result may be to reduce the already small nationalist majority .

This is the seat that elected Bobby Sands and then Owen Carron - before that it returned Frank Maguire as a republican-leaning Independent . The SDLP has never been strong here and the constituency is the home of tactical voting - nationalists vote for the strongest candidate on their side to keep the Unionist out and vice versa .

The SDLP candidate is not well-known and Owen Carron , the sitting MP , will have no difficulty beating her . He would need about 85 per cent of the nationalist vote to beat the single Unionist candidate , however , and that isn't very likely , although he is playing down the Sinn Fein label and campaigning under the slogan - ' Save the Seat' .

Ken Maginnis , the Official Unionist candidate , is likely to take the seat .

By-Election , April 1981 (Westminster) - Bobby Sands (H-Block) 30,943 / Harry West (OUP) 29,046 .
By-Election , August 1981 (Westminster) - Owen Carron (H-Block) 31,728 / Ken Maginnis (OUP) 29,048 / Seamus Close (Alliance) 1,930 / T. Moore (WP) 1,132 / Others 339 .
Assembly Election 1982 (First Preferences) - All Unionists 27,990 , three seats / Sinn Fein 16,725 , one seat / SDLP 12,000 , one seat / Workers' Party 1,394 / Alliance Party 1,171 .
Next : South Down.......
(MORE LATER).

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30 YEARS UNDERWATER !

As confirmed here and here , a sponsored swim in the Grand Canal at Inchicore in Dublin will be held this Christmas day at 12 Noon !
This event has been held on every Christmas Day since 1976 , and has , as usual , been organised by the Cabhair group (details here) , an organisation which seeks to assist the families and dependants of Irish Republican prisoners . The swim , which will be held in the Grand Canal opposite the Blackhorse Inn ('Kelly's on the Bridge') pub at , as stated , 12 Noon , has been known to attract upwards of 200 on-lookers and the organisers supply a turf fire , music , and some food and 'light refreshments' for all those present !
If you can swim , come along on the day and earn your place at the turf fire or at least , perhaps , watch others doing so and maybe even donate a few shillings for their efforts . CABHAIR is an organisation run by voluntary effort and would not accept donations or subscriptions from the State (nor has it ever looked for same) and , as such , would greatly appreciate any financial assistance you can offer .
Go raibh maith agat , agus Nollaig Shona !

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THE SEEDS OF A POLICE STATE .......
There is substantial evidence that a major crime was perpetrated within the Garda Siochana five years ago .
The evidence for this crime has certainly been available to senior Gardai ever since then , but no enquiry whatsoever has taken place , let alone any Garda being disciplined in connection with that crime .
By Vincent Browne and Derek Dunne .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , September 1983 .

At the sitting of the District Court at which John Fitzpatrick , Brian McNally , Nicky Kelly and Michael Plunkett were charged took place at 10.30pm and was over in a matter of minutes , there is no logistical explanation for their being kept in Garda custody overnight - the fact is that :
A) A remand into Garda custody is almost unique in the Dublin area :
B) There was no exceptional circumstances in this case which could possibly justify a remand into Garda custody :
C) In any event the remand applied for and obtained was into Garda custody , a highly unusual procedure .

There has been at no stage any official attempt to explain why the remand into Garda custody took place in this instance - no attempt either at the trial or on any other occasion . But there is a very obvious explanation and it is the following - if the prisoners were suffering from injuries received within the previous 24 hours at the hands of the Gardai , then the longer their committal to prison could be postponed the better , for no medical examination was likely to take place until then .

But there was an even more 'attractive' reason for remanding the prisoners back into Garda custody : by placing them back in the Bridewell Garda Station and by placing them two to a cell a scenario was being created whereby it would be maintained later that the injuries which they would undoubtedly be found to be suffering from , were either 'self-inflicted' or 'mutually inflicted'.......
(MORE LATER).



Veteran Irish Republican , LILY MOFFATT , interviewed .
From 'IRIS' magazine , November 1982 .
By John Doyle .

" The IRA are no different today than in our time . They just have more up-to-date equipment ! " - Lily Moffatt .

Now living in Dromod , County Leitrim , at the age of 81 , life-long Irish republican Lily Moffatt (nee Freyne) is a glowing example of the full role played by women in the militant and political traditions of Irish republicanism , and an apt comparison with today's women IRA Volunteers .

Born at Aughoo , Rooskey , in County Roscommon , on March 10th , 1901 , it was no surprise that she grew up sympathetic to republicanism - " I was brought up in Fenianism , my uncle was a Fenian poet , all belonging to me were Fenian . It was all I heard at home . " Lily's first public involvement was during the election campaign in Roscommon successfully contested by Sinn Fein's Count Plunkett in 1917 , where she worked as a Sinn Fein election sub-agent on polling day .

In 1919 , Cumann na mBan was being organised in the area . Lily Moffatt was among the first to join.......
(MORE LATER).



THE PROVOS AT THE BALLOT BOX .......
By Michael Farrell .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , June 1983 .

ARMAGH-NEWRY :
Jim McAllister(SF) : Seamus Mallon(SDLP) : Tom Moore(WP) : Jim Nicholson(OUP) .

The old Armagh seat , which included all county Armagh , had a Unionist majority : now the mainly unionist North Armagh area has been transferred to the new seat of Upper Bann , while the nationalist Newry town area has been added on from South Down . The result is a nationalist majority of between six and ten per cent but with a single unionist candidate and a split nationalist vote the outcome is doubtful .

The SDLP took two-thirds of the nationalist vote in the Assembly elections and their candidate , Seamus Mallon , is deputy leader of the party and identified with its 'greener' wing .

The fact that he was deprived of his Assembly seat because of his membership of Seanad Eireann (sic - Free State Senate) will do him no harm but , unless he can actually win votes from Sinn Fein , the Official Unionist candidate , Jim Nicholson , is likely to take the seat .

Assembly Election 1982 :
(First Preferences) All Unionists , 33,318 , four seats : SDLP , 15,630 , two seats : Sinn Fein , 8,224 , one seat : Workers' Party 2,806 : Alliance 1,806 .
Next : Fermanagh-South Tyrone.......
(MORE LATER).

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THE SEEDS OF A POLICE STATE .......
There is substantial evidence that a major crime was perpetrated within the Garda Siochana five years ago .
The evidence for this crime has certainly been available to senior Gardai ever since then , but no enquiry whatsoever has taken place , let alone any Garda being disciplined in connection with that crime .
By Vincent Browne and Derek Dunne .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , September 1983 .

MAGILL' magazine asked the (State) Department of Justice if there had been any other such cases of a remand from the District Court to Garda custody : the Department referred us to the Garda press office where , at first , we were informed by Sergeant Jim Quinn of the press office that " ....adult prisoners are never remanded back into Garda custody . We can't hold a prisoner for longer than is absolutely necessary . If we have occasion to interview a prisoner further , then we go into the prison to see him . " That seemed unambiguous .

But then , three days later , another official of the Garda press office , Breege Wymes , went to considerable pains to make contact with 'MAGILL' to offer additional unsolicited comment - she maintained that remands into Garda custody were commonplace , it happened every day , she said . We contacted Sergeant Jim Quinn again and asked for clarification as to the point at issue and for an explanation as to why we should be told such contradictory stories : he reverted to us following enquiries and explained that remand into Garda custody did take place in the circumstances outlined above (ie in remote areas) but although he had been stationed for a while in the Bridewell Garda Station in Dublin he was unaware of any occasion in which this had taken place !

Lawyers , dealing with criminal cases to whom we have spoken , said that the procedure was unheard of in the Dublin area . As Sergeant Jim Quinn had suggested to us that a remand into Garda custody might take place if the District Court had sat very late at night and Mountjoy Prison was closed , we contacted that prison and enquired up to what time they would admit prisoners - they replied that they would admit prisoners up to midnight and later if necessary if they were given notice that this was going to take place.......
(MORE LATER).



BEYOND BREAKOUTS AND SUPERGRASSES .......
From 'FORTNIGHT' magazine , October 1983 .

Among the abuses of the judicial process in the North of Ireland is the mass trials at which the only link between the charges against the defendants is that they are based on the word of the same supergrasses : that RUC 'witnesses' are allowed to cite statements from former supergrasses which have since been retracted : and the absence of a defence of entrapment against RUC informers who themselves recruit people into illegal organisations and encourage them to commit 'terrorist crimes' .

Many Nationalist lawyers have lost what faith they had in the 'fairness' of the Diplock non-jury court system in the light of such abuses . The alienation among the IRA's potential supporters in the urban Nationalist ghettos and country areas must now be almost total . How can Jim Prior even begin to contemplate any further political initiative to win moderate nationalist support for the North's institutions when the right of so many ordinary nationalists to a fair trial , surely one of the foundation stones of any democratic society , is under such unprecedented threat ?

As one visiting New York lawyer remarked earlier this month , the British seem to have become like the Americans in Vietnam - they seem intent on destroying democracy here in order to 'save' it !
[END of 'BEYOND BREAKOUTS AND SUPERGRASSES']
(Next : Interview with veteran Irish Republican , Lily Moffatt - from 1982.)


THE PROVOS AT THE BALLOT BOX .......
By Michael Farrell .
From 'MAGILL' magazine , June 1983 .

MID-ULSTER :
Denis Haughey (SDLP) : Dr. Aidan Lagan (Alliance Party) : Danny Morrison (SF) : Rev. William McCrea (DUP) : Tommy Owens(WP) : William Thompson (OUP) .

This is Bernadette McAliskey's old seat : it used to have a nationalist majority of about 3,000 but was held by a Unionist because of a split nationalist vote . It has lost nationalist Strabane to Foyle and the mixed Magherafelt area to East Derry and has gained a republican area around Dromore in Tyrone from Fermanagh-South Tyrone .

It is now absolutely marginal in 'religious' terms but with a split Unionist vote , a nationalist may win . The SDLP had a small majority over Sinn Fein in the Assembly elections but Sinn Fein may be able to reverse that this time and Danny Morrison may win .

Assembly Elections 1982 :
(First Preferences) SDLP 15,244 , two seats : DUP 14,426 , two seats : Sinn Fein 12,690 , one seat : OUP 10,689 , one seat : Alliance 2,872 : Workers' Party 2,054 .
Next : Armagh-Newry.......
(MORE LATER).

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