1169 And Counting.....

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Aitheasc an Uachtaráin Ruairí Ó Brádaigh don 85ú Ard-Fheis de Shinn Féin in Óstlann an Spa , Leamhcán , Co. Atha Cliath , 21ú agus 22ú Deireadh Fómhair , 1989 /
Presidential Address of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh to the 85th Ard-Fheis of Sinn Féin in the Spa Hotel , Lucan , County Dublin , 21st and 22nd October 1989.....

" In welcoming also the release of the South African freedom fighters I must point out , as I did at our Ard-Fheis two years ago , that Nelson Mandela and all his comrades could have been released many years ago , if they signed a pledge rejecting the use of physical force. That they still refuse to do so and they deserve our applause for their admirable adherence to principle that will bring them victory . No "working the system" there !

Our members were active at the end of 1988 in mobilising public support throughout the country against Britain's attempt to have Fr.Paddy Ryan extradited from Belgium and subsequently from the 26-County state. We pointed out that the making permanent of political extradition on December 6th - 67 years to the day after the signing of the partition Treaty - by the Fianna Fáil administration would make Mr Charles Haughey Britain's principal agent in Ireland.

This total collaboration by the 26-County neo-colonial state recognises Britain's 'right' to be in Ireland and betrays the right of the Irish people to self-determination without interference by any outside power - the same right recognised by France and Belgium who have recently given more protection to Irish citizens than Mr Haughey . Mrs. Thatcher's objective in signing the Hillsborough Security Pact -the securing of a client state in the south of Ireland prepared to hand over even its own citizens to an occupying power - had been achieved. "
(MORE LATER).

BETRAYAL.......
The (State) Gardaí used John Corcoran (pictured) as a (P)IRA informer. They allowed him to be killed by another (P)IRA informer, and have since refused to investigate his murder*.
From 'MAGILL' magazine, Christmas Annual 1997.
By Ursula Halligan and Vincent Browne.
(* '1169...' Comment - their word, not ours.)

A garda with intimate knowledge of the John Corcoran affair said to 'Magill' on the evening of Monday December 8th , that "...it is well known within the gardaí that someone had been sacrificed for the greater good.." . He said that Corcoran's 'handler' failed to appreciate the significance of information that was being sent up from Corcoran to garda headquarters. " Corcoran was reporting on Sean O' Callaghan's movements. Certain safeguards should have been taken [at garda headquarters] . It should have seen a possible conflict and pulled back."

He said that Corcoran's garda 'handler' was "...truly shocked by what happened.." and said that the 'handler' was not contacted for several days after Corcoran's body was found and that this was " highly unusual."

"This whole thing [the story about the murder* of John Corcoran] is very dangerous and they [the gardaí] will do anything to stop it...."
(MORE LATER).

TRADE UNIONS AND THE HUNGER-STRIKE.
From 'IRIS' magazine, November 1981.

The resolution was recently explained to this magazine by Philip Flynn : " The section of that resolution which applies most directly to the present hunger-strike , basically states that deprivation of liberty is sufficient punishment for any 'crime' , and that the prison regime which obtains subsequent to a person's incarceration should be as conclusive as possible to a dignified and humane existence for prisoners and warders.

This resolution encompasses the spirit of the five demands of the protesting prisoners and was understood , at the time it was being carried , by all involved as a statement of principle in relation to the then two-year-old struggle against criminalisation . The debate was also greatly influenced by the murder of Brian Maguire.

Brian Maguire was a prominent Belfast activist in the AUEW/TASS, a British-based white collar trade union for people working in the engineering industry - the Irish section of which has a left-wing tradition . In May 1978 , Brian Maguire was taken to Castlereagh torture centre for interrogation about the shooting of an RUC man.......
(MORE LATER).

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Fund-raiser for Na Fianna Éireann to be held in Dublin , February 2010...

A ballad session to raise funds for Na Fianna Éireann will be held in the 79'r pub in Ballyfermot , Dublin , on Saturday 6th February 2010....

Pato Cullen , during one of his many radio interviews.

...local balladeer legend Pato Cullen will be joined on stage by equally-talented singers of Irish ballads for what promises to be a fantastic night !
Admission tickets (at €5 per person) are available from the usual sources (and 30 are being held back for sale at the door on the night) , doors open at 9pm , and a raffle for various Irish Republican items (bodhráns,t-shirts etc) will be held during the break.
All Welcome !
Thanks!
Sharon.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

BLOODY SUNDAY PROTEST , DUBLIN , SATURDAY 30th JANUARY 2010.

"...Never Forget.."

On a dry day ,in 'warmish' sunshine , with a very cool breeze , about 50 republicans and supporters held a two-hour protest today on the traffic isle in O' Connell Street , Dublin city centre , to mark the 38th Anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday'.
The protest , which was organised by Republican Sinn Féin Poblachtach ,was the 37th such protest the organisation has held in Dublin in relation to that massacre : they held their 1st Anniversary protest in that spot in 1973!

Some of the protestors , as seen from the GPO.

A total of one thousand eight hundred A4-size information leaflets (in 'packs/booklets' of three) were distributed to the public during the protest and were that well received that the same amount again , if they had been available ,could have easily been distributed! RSF President Des Dalton and John Horan , RSF Dublin , addressed the crowds over the two-hour period , and both stressed , amongst other things , the very real danger that another 'Bloody Sunday' could happen in the Occupied Six Counties as the Westminster parliament still claims military and political jurisdiction over that area of Ireland.

From 'Bloody Sunday' to the Dublin Spire...

A reporter from a French radio station interviewed one of the RSF organisers in a ten-minute session , and a photojournalist from 'Demotix.com' was on site for just under one hour , capturing images which , she hoped , her Editor would publish in the next day or two ! Apart from the by-now usual (but unwelcome) interference by the State political police , the two-hour protest was a massive success , with new contacts made and offers of support from the public received and logged by the organisers for future reference and over 100 copies of the 'Saoirse' newspaper sold at the protest. It was an extremely well-received and well-organised protest , for which the organisers are to be congratulated!

'Bloody Sunday Must Never Be Forgotten!'

A more detailed report , and more photographs , will be published in the February 2010 issue of 'Saoirse' , which goes to print on Wednesday next ,the 3rd of that month. Thank You for reading!
Slán go foill anois,
Sharon.

Friday, January 29, 2010

BLOODY SUNDAY , DERRY , 1972...

BLOODY SUNDAY PICKET , SATURDAY , JANUARY 30th , 2010.
Venue : The GPO in Dublin's O'Connell Street , from 12 Noon to 2pm.

After a peaceful Civil Rights march on January 30th , 1972 - from Creggan to Free Derry Corner - units of the British army Parachute Regiment opened fire with automatic rifles and shot dead 13 unarmed civilians , injuring many more . It was later revealed that some days prior to the massacre , the British soldiers involved had been briefed to "...shoot to kill.." at the march .

" This Sunday became known as 'Bloody Sunday' and bloody it was . It was quite unnecessary . It strikes me that the (British) army ran amok that day and shot without thinking of what they were doing . They were shooting innocent people . They may have been taking part in a parade which was banned , but that did not justify the troops coming in and firing live rounds indiscriminately . I would say without reservations that it was sheer unadulterated murder . It was murder , gentlemen . "
- the words of British Major Hubert O'Neill , Derry City Coroner, at the conclusion of the inquests on the 13 people killed by the British Army .
On Saturday January 30th next , a picket to mark the 38th Anniversary of that massacre will be held at the GPO in Dublin , from 12 Noon to 2pm . All welcome !
Thanks!
Sharon.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Aitheasc an Uachtaráin Ruairí Ó Brádaigh don 85ú Ard-Fheis de Shinn Féin in Óstlann an Spa , Leamhcán , Co. Atha Cliath , 21ú agus 22ú Deireadh Fómhair , 1989 /
Presidential Address of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh to the 85th Ard-Fheis of Sinn Féin in the Spa Hotel , Lucan , County Dublin , 21st and 22nd October 1989.....

" The announcement by the British was timed to make publicity and political capital in the same way as the South African apartheid regime announced the release of eight PAC and ANC political prisoners , some of whom had been held for up to 28 years , to influence the Commonwealth Conference in Kuala Lumpur this week and in particular to strengthen the anti-sanctions lobby led by Mrs. Thatcher.

Indeed their acting in concert on the international arena , their sharing of almost identical censorship laws , catch-all conspiracy laws and rascist attitudes , the British and South African regimes are more and more resembling an 'International League of Oppressors' .

The publicity expressed views of David Evans MP for Welwyn and Hatfield , for instance, would surely be as acceptable in Pretoria as in London : Mr Evans announced at the Conservative Party conference in Blackpool this month that he was , and I quote, - "a hanger and a flogger and I would shut Northern Ireland off from the press and media and send the SAS in and hang the bloody lot of them ".
Aithnionn ciaróg ciaróg eile! "
(MORE LATER).

BETRAYAL.......
The (State) Gardaí used John Corcoran (pictured) as a (P)IRA informer. They allowed him to be killed by another (P)IRA informer, and have since refused to investigate his murder*.
From 'MAGILL' magazine, Christmas Annual 1997.
By Ursula Halligan and Vincent Browne.
(* '1169...' Comment - their word, not ours.)

The murdered * man was John Corcoran, then aged 45 and father of eight children , living in Ballyvolane , a suburb of Cork city. In a statement issued following his murder * , the IRA claimed that he had been "executed" because , as an IRA member, he had given information to the 'security forces' in the 26 Counties.

The man who has claimed his part in the murder * is Seán O' Callaghan who , at the time, was the chief garda informant within the IRA. O' Callaghan has claimed that, even though he was then operating within the IRA to prevent the loss of lives , he took part in the murder* of John Corcoran to protect his cover as an informer.

O' Callaghan has also claimed that he fully briefed his garda 'handler' of the capture and detention of John Corcoran but that the gardaí failed to intervene to save Corcoran's life.......
(MORE LATER).

TRADE UNIONS AND THE HUNGER-STRIKE.
From 'IRIS' magazine, November 1981.

Meeting for their annual conference in 1978 , the delegates to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions adopted a resolution on prison reform - the major points of which were statements of principle as to how a modern penal service should be run.

The resolution was carried , after intensive lobbying, by delegates , who supported the protesting prisoners in the H-Blocks and Armagh . Notable among those lobbyists was Philip Flynn, deputy general secretary of the white-collar Local Government and Public Services Union, who is currently a member of the Sinn Féin National Executive.

In a brief interview , Philip Flynn explained to this magazine what was being expressed by that particular motion.......
(MORE LATER).

Friday, January 22, 2010

REPUBLICAN PRISONERS DEMAND RIGHT TO ORGANISE THEIR OWN LANDING.
Statement from the Republican Sinn Féin PoW Department:
"The denial of a separate landing for the CIRA PoWs in Portlaoise prison is part of a policy to criminalise the continued Irish Republican resistance to British rule in Ireland. Since 1917, 22 Irish Republicans have died in defence of their right to political status.
In the 1940s the Republican Prisoners in Portlaoise were among the first ‘Blanketmen’ in opposition to criminalisation. In the 1970s Republican prisoners endured a 47-day hunger strike.
The Republican prisoners in Portlaoise today are defending the same right to political status because they are part of the same struggle.
The CIRA prisoners demand their right to a separate landing. The CIRA PoWs' demand is simple – they want to continue to be treated as political prisoners - as other groups in the jail are."

IRISH REPUBLICAN PRISONERS ARE NOT CRIMINALS.....
...and Irish Republicans will not stand by while the Free State administration attempts to treat them as such.

Portlaoise Prison protest : the Free State regime are attempting to place Irish Republican POW's on the same prison landing where criminals are presently incarcerated in Portlaoise Prison. A protest against this injustice will be held outside the prison on SATURDAY 23rd JANUARY 2010 from 10am to 4pm.
All those concerned about this latest attempt to criminalise the on-going struggle to remove the unwanted British political and military presence from Ireland are asked to attend this protest. We have political prisoners because of this political conflict ; they are not 'criminals' and we will not stand by as attempts are made to treat them as such.
Portlaoise Prison protest, Saturday 23rd January 2010 , 10am to 4pm.
Thanks!
Sharon.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Aitheasc an Uachtaráin Ruairí Ó Brádaigh don 85ú Ard-Fheis de Shinn Féin in Óstlann an Spa , Leamhcán , Co. Atha Cliath , 21ú agus 22ú Deireadh Fómhair , 1989 /
Presidential Address of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh to the 85th Ard-Fheis of Sinn Féin in the Spa Hotel , Lucan , County Dublin , 21st and 22nd October 1989.....

" This also applies to the Broadcasting Ban which , like Mr Collins' censorship law in the 26 Counties , specifically names our organisation , to the reduction of remission for political prisoners , the ending of the right to silence and the making permanent of the rascist 'Prevention of Terrorism Act'.

We would point out that the very first victims of the 'PTA' 15 years ago were Gerard Conlon , Carole Richardson , Paul Hill and Patrick Armstrong , known to the world now as the 'Guildford Four' and whose release from their living hell in British jails this week we have welcomed.

We recognise however that the British are cynically using Irish prisoners in this instance as bargaining counters in their security conferences with the 26-County administration to guarantee continued collaboration from Dublin. The Free State, for its own part , engaged in similar shadow-boxing the week before despite having handed over Gerard Harte, Robert Russell and Paul Kane in successive political extraditions to their political masters in the past 14 months."
(MORE LATER).

BETRAYAL.
The (State) Gardaí used John Corcoran (pictured) as a (P)IRA informer. They allowed him to be killed by another (P)IRA informer, and have since refused to investigate his murder*.
From 'MAGILL' magazine, Christmas Annual 1997.
By Ursula Halligan and Vincent Browne.
(* '1169...' Comment - their word, not ours.)

There is evidence that the gardaí knew in advance of IRA plans to murder * a Cork man in 1985 and that , although they were aware of where the man was being held, they failed to intervene to save his life.

In addition, there is substantial evidence of garda reluctance to investigate the murder * , including a failure on their part to interview a man who has acknowledged his part in the murder * and supplied details of the circumstances surrounding it.

There is evidence of ongoing garda reluctance to investigate this case in spite of a direction by the new (State) minister for justice, John O' Donoghue, to present a full report into the affair . There are even suggestions that gardaí may have "authorised" the murder * of this man , in order to protect the identity of one of their prime informers.......
(MORE LATER).

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HEROIN IN DUBLIN....... The drugs crisis is one of the major problems facing young people in Dublin today. In large areas of the city it has now reached massive proportions , while in the inner city there is estimated to be a higher percentage of drug addicts and drug abusers than in Harlem in New York . But it has been only recently - 5 years after this epidemic began in earnest - that any notice has been paid to the problem. And even now the Free State government has failed to confront the crisis in a meaningful way . Tony Barry of Na Fianna Eireann has been looking at the issues for 'IRIS' magazine.
From 'IRIS' magazine, December 1984.

Tony Barry : " What do you think is the role that the 26-county administration can play in this ? "

Noel Sillery : " If you had a half-decent administration they would and should have a role to play , but they don't give a damn. As far as we can see , with all the harassment we've received, it seems that they nearly want the drug problem in our area. If it moved out into middle-class areas it would be solved in half the time.

So far as the cops are concerned , the drugs problem makes their jobs easier. All they have to do is pick up one or two addicts , bring them in for a few hours , milk them for all the information they can get and then let them go."

[END of 'THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HEROIN IN DUBLIN']
(NEXT - 'Trade Unions And The Hunger-Strike' , from 1981)

Saturday, January 16, 2010

BLOODY SUNDAY PICKET , SATURDAY , JANUARY 30th , 2010 .
Venue : The GPO in Dublin's O'Connell Street , from 12 Noon to 2pm .

After a peaceful Civil Rights march on January 30th , 1972 - from Creggan to Free Derry Corner - units of the British army Parachute Regiment opened fire with automatic rifles and shot dead 13 unarmed civilians , injuring many more . It was later revealed that some days prior to the massacre , the British soldiers involved had been briefed to "...shoot to kill.." at the march .

" This Sunday became known as 'Bloody Sunday' and bloody it was . It was quite unnecessary . It strikes me that the (British) army ran amok that day and shot without thinking of what they were doing . They were shooting innocent people . They may have been taking part in a parade which was banned , but that did not justify the troops coming in and firing live rounds indiscriminately . I would say without reservations that it was sheer unadulterated murder . It was murder , gentlemen . "
- the words of British Major Hubert O'Neill , Derry City Coroner, at the conclusion of the inquests on the 13 people killed by the British Army on Bloody Sunday .
On Saturday January 30th next , a picket to mark the 38th Anniversary of that massacre will be held at the GPO in Dublin , from 12 Noon to 2pm . All welcome !
Thanks!
Sharon.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Aitheasc an Uachtaráin Ruairí Ó Brádaigh don 85ú Ard-Fheis de Shinn Féin in Óstlann an Spa , Leamhcán , Co. Atha Cliath , 21ú agus 22ú Deireadh Fómhair , 1989 /
Presidential Address of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh to the 85th Ard-Fheis of Sinn Féin in the Spa Hotel , Lucan , County Dublin , 21st and 22nd October 1989.....

" Republicans, however , have always endeavoured to expose the contradictions of British leaders who, while directing their dirty war in Ireland, brazenly attempt to tell the world that "the rule of law" and "due process" are in operation in her courts.

Another aspect of this hypocrisy is 'moving the goalposts' by ministerial order as was done with the announcement of the re-imposition of restricted elections in the Six Counties by the introduction of political test oaths designed to exclude Republicans from public life at local council level.

A similar political test oath kept Republicans out of the councils in the Six Counties from 1922-1973 and the complete failure of such undemocratic restrictions - and Republicans deny the claim of Britain to pass any laws for any part of Ireland - can be seen in the continuing state of revolt there for the past 20 years. Opposition to British rule , far from being smothered by restricted access to unfair elections , blazes up in other and more active means of struggle .

The British , it seems , cannot learn the lessons of history and are therefore condemned to repeat them , to all our costs....."
(MORE LATER).

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HEROIN IN DUBLIN....... The drugs crisis is one of the major problems facing young people in Dublin today. In large areas of the city it has now reached massive proportions , while in the inner city there is estimated to be a higher percentage of drug addicts and drug abusers than in Harlem in New York . But it has been only recently - 5 years after this epidemic began in earnest - that any notice has been paid to the problem. And even now the Free State government has failed to confront the crisis in a meaningful way . Tony Barry of Na Fianna Eireann has been looking at the issues for 'IRIS' magazine.
From 'IRIS' magazine, December 1984.

Tony Barry : " What has been the result of the action the community has taken ? "

Noel Sillery : " Well , we're not 100% free of drugs . We have drug addicts living in the flats . Now I might add that while we're trying to get rid of the drug pushers , we're also trying to help the addicts that are living in the flats.

Any drug addict wanting help is given great moral support . They are accompanied down to Jervis Street by two of our lads , we stay with them while they are treated and they are brought back again. We have tried to do as much as possible for our drug addicts . We aren't running a negative campaign , its purpose has also been to try to help. "
(MORE LATER).

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Agus fáilte arís - Great to be back ! We enjoyed our wee break , but there's work to be done....

Aitheasc an Uachtaráin Ruairí Ó Brádaigh don 85ú Ard-Fheis de Shinn Féin in Óstlann an Spa , Leamhcán , Co. Atha Cliath ,21ú agus 22ú Deireadh Fómhair , 1989 /
Presidential Address of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh to the 85th Ard-Fheis of Sinn Féin in the Spa Hotel , Lucan , County Dublin , 21st and 22nd October 1989.

" A Chathaoirligh , a Theachtaí , is a chairde ar fad. Fearaim fíor-chaoin fáilte rómhaibh ag an Ard-Fheis seo, an 85ú cheann de Shinn Féin . You are all most welcome to this, the 85th Ard-Fheis of Sinn Féin.

There have been many important developments since last we met in national convention. The onslaught of repressive measures by the British government , announced this time last year, was characterised by Sinn Féin Poblachtach at the time as a further admission of British failure to rule in Occupied Ireland by the consent of the people.

And in defending the imposition of Section 31-style censorship on the British broadcasting media and the ending of a prisoners right to silence during interrogation one year ago this week , Mrs Thatcher admitted to the London Times newspaper on October 26 that a war situation existed in the Six Counties. The relatives of the Gibraltar victims or the Winchester Three, needless to say, had no need to be told of that self-evident fact, as they witnessed the true face of ruthless colonialism in action......"
(MORE LATER).

Saturday, January 02, 2010

DÁITHÍ Ó CONAILL COMMEMORATION , FRIDAY JANUARY 1st 2010 , GLASNEVIN CEMETERY, DUBLIN.

Des Dalton , RSF President, delivering the oration at the 19th Anniversary Commemoration for Dáithí O Conaill , New Years Day 2010.

Despite the heavy snow and dangerously frozen roads , the 19th Anniversary Commemoration for Irish Republican leader Dáithí O Conaill went ahead as planned on Friday 1st January 2010 , at the Republican Plot in Glasnevin Cemetery , Dublin .
Approximately 50 people , including an RSF Colour Party and a contingent from Na Fianna Éireann , marched from the main gates of the cemetery to the Republican plot , where the Chairperson , Andy Connolly, welcomed those present and spoke about his own personal recollection of working with Dáithí over the years until we lost him in 1991. Sinn Féin (Poblachtach) President , Des Dalton, , delivered the Main Oration during which he outlined the strong Irish Republican tradition which Dáithí came from -
"Dáithí Ó Conaill came from a strong Cork Republican family. His uncle Michael O’Sullivan (17) along with five of his comrades was bayoneted to death by British Crown forces in March 1921. Dáithí’s first active involvement in the Republican Movement came during the 26-County Local Elections in 1955 when at the age of 17 he joined Sinn Féin. By the end of the following year he was on active service as a Volunteer in the Irish Republican Army serving as an organiser under GHQ staff in Co Fermanagh...."
This is the full text of that Oration -
"The forces of history as they work themselves out tend to throw up people capable not only of recognising but more importantly seizing the moment. Such people are not content to merely witness history as it unfolds. Rather they are determined to take their place on the stage of history and play their part to the full. Dáithí Ó Conaill was such a man.
Ó Conaill in 1969/70 was a key member of a leadership who realised: ‘There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune’. With his lifelong friend and comrade Ruairí Ó Brádaigh he ensured that the Republican Movement was prepared to take the tide of revolution at full flood.
By their actions they ensured the historic Republican Movement was not diverted from the path of revolutionary Irish Republicanism. For despite his youth he knew from his profound knowledge of Irish history that any diversion from this path led only to division and final absorption into the apparatus of British rule in Ireland.
Dáithí Ó Conaill came from a strong Cork Republican family. His uncle Michael O’Sullivan (17) along with five of his comrades was bayoneted to death by British Crown forces in March 1921. Dáithí’s first active involvement in the Republican Movement came during the 26-County Local Elections in 1955 when at the age of 17 he joined Sinn Féin. By the end of the following year he was on active service as a Volunteer in the Irish Republican Army serving as an organiser under GHQ staff in Co Fermanagh.
On January 1 1957 he was Second-in Command of the Pearse Column during the attack on Brookeborough RUC barracks which resulted in the deaths of two of his comrades Fearghal Ó hAnluáin, Co Monaghan and Seán Sabhat, Co Limerick. Four others were wounded including the column commander. This young man of 18 years took command and led a successful withdrawal back across the border – evading 400 RUC, B-Specials, two helicopters and the British army - where they were forced to retire. But as the historian Bowyer Bell pointed out: ‘not before the arms had been safely dumped’. From there he found himself in Mountjoy and the Curragh Concentration camp from where he escaped with his friend and comrade Ruairí Ó Brádaigh in September 1958.

He returned to active service and for a period was Director of Operations. He was critically wounded in an ambush by the RUC and B-Specials in Arboe, Co Tyrone on the shores of Lough Neagh in November 1959. He made his escape but was forced to seek help because of loss of blood and his weakened condition. Captured, he was sentenced to eight years which he served in Belfast’s Crumlin Road Jail. Following his release in 1963 he reported back to active service.
In 1969/70 again made his talents available to the Republican Movement. Ruairí Ó Brádaigh said of him he possessed "the ablest mind in the Republican Movement for over 20 years" . The sheer breadth of his ability and intellect was evidenced by his service to the All-Ireland Republic both militarily and politically. A lasting monument to his contribution to the freedom struggle is EIRE NUA. He had a central role in framing this historic document and remained a tireless advocate of EIRE NUA right up to his death in 1991.
Dáithí Ó Conaill never equivocated on what was the cause of the war in Ireland or what was required to deliver a just and lasting peace for all of the Irish people. Speaking in Belfast at Easter 1973 he said: "Today, the central issue in the war is one of conflict between Ireland’s right to freedom and England’s determination to keep us in subjection. All other issues are subordinate to this basic point. There can be no compromise on the fundamental issue as to who should rule Ireland: the British Parliament or the Irish people. We have had 800 years of British ineptitude in ruling Ireland; we have never known rule by the Irish, of the Irish, for the Irish. Until we do, we shall never enjoy peace and stability in our land."

The coming year presents us all with huge challenges but also opportunities. The two fronts on which it is essential that we engage in 2010 are political and economic. Last year and in recent days events on the ground in the Six Counties testified to the fact that British rule in Ireland will be met with resistance. The attacks on British crown forces and the wave of repression and resistance, which followed are evidence to the reality that the nature of British occupation in Ireland has not changed but neither has the attitude of a section of the Irish people.
The young people in the Six Counties who took on the forces of the British Crown were dismissed as ‘ A-political thugs’ or merely representing an ‘anti-social’ sub youth culture. We know what the truth is. These young people represent a new undefeated generation prepared to take on British rule in Ireland. They are young people simply taking their place in the latest phase of the historic struggle for Irish freedom.
It is our duty in Sinn Féin –the only political organisation representing the revolutionary Irish Republican tradition - to give political expression and leadership to this new generation.
The coming year is also likely to see an intensification of the normalisation of British rule and partition. Speaking on RTÉ television on Monday night (December 28) the 26-County President Mary McAleese signalled the possibility of a visit to the 26 Counties by the Queen of England. We in Sinn Féin equally signal our intention to oppose such a visit.
Mary McAleese’s use of the word ‘collegial’ in describing 26-County relations with the British state is worthy of note. The Concise Oxford English Dictionary 11th revised edition 2006 defines collegial as meaning: ‘belonging to or relating to shared responsibility.’ Or alternatively as one of a number of colleges belonging to the same university. This use of such language is a significant pointer as to the thinking of the political establishment in the 26-County State and how they view their relationship with Britain.
At this time we are also conscious of the Republican prisoners in both Portlaoise and Maghaberry. We extend them our greetings and pledge them our solidarity. Support for the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry in their fight for political status is vital in the coming year. By denying British attempts to ‘criminalise’ them the prisoners in Maghaberry are engaged in a battle to deny the British Government’s criminalisation of the Irish people’s historic struggle for national independence.
We must recognise like James Connolly: "If you remove the English army to-morrow and hoist the green flag over Dublin Castle, unless you set about the organisation of the Socialist Republic your efforts would be in vain."

A war is being waged on working people globally. Here the 26-County administration faced with a choice between taxing the rich or taking from the marginalised and vulnerable, have chosen to put their hands in the pockets of the poorest. Employers and the state are intent on rolling back any advance made by workers over the course of the last century. In the face of all this a weak and reformist trade union leadership were deliberately humiliated and wrong-footed by the Dublin administration in their vain attempts to lay the basis for yet another so-called ‘Partnership Agreement’.
Tinkering at the edges of a discredited and failed social and economic system is not enough. Real revolutionary political and economic change is demanded. In its obituary of Dáithí Ó Conaill SAOIRSE pointed out he ‘viewed the Republican Movement not as a political party, but as the main catalyst of progressive forces to achieve Irish Freedom.’ It is the role, which we must live up to.
We would do well to heed the advice of Connolly given to those intent on building a national movement over a century ago: "It must demonstrate to the people of Ireland that our nationalism is not merely a morbid idealising of the past, but is also capable of formulating a distinct and definite answer to the problems of the present and a political and economic creed capable of adjustment to the wants of the future."

Armed as we are with clearly thought out and radical programme for real political and economic democracy EIRE NUA and SAOL NUA we can take our rightful place in the vanguard of the struggle. The All-Republic for which we struggle has to be – returning to Connolly again – of such a character that: "...the mere mention of its name would at all times serve as a beacon-light to the oppressed of every land."

Just as imperialism is not confined to one country the solidarity in the fight against it must also be international. Over the coming year we must continue to develop our role in the international struggle against imperialism. We extend our greetings to all engaged in the noble quest for national liberation. We face a common enemy but also share the common goal of securing and defending the inalienable rights common to all peoples and nations.
Our work is clearly marked out for us. It is our duty to bring to the task all our energies and abilities. This is the most fitting tribute we can pay Dáithí Ó Conaill and all those who lie in this pantheon of our patriot dead. "Life springs from death; and from the graves of patriot men and women spring living nations" . "

A Decade of the Rosary was recited , a Lament for the Dead was played on a tin whistle , and the Flags were dipped . Following this sombre and respectable Commemoration , most of those present went to a near-by pub where the Organising Committee had arranged for hot and cold refreshments to be provided. We publish with our few words some photographs from the event , on which a full report will be published in the January issue of 'Saoirse' , which goes to print on Wednesday 6th January next.

Marching from the main gates to the Republican Plot.

Na Fianna Éireann members in Glasnevin Cemetery.

RSF Colour Party looks on as a Wreath is laid.

NFE members and a section of the crowd.

A full report , with other pics, will be published in this months issue of 'Saoirse' .Thanks!
Sharon.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

REPUBLICAN COMMEMORATIONS:JANUARY 2010.

Dáithi Ó Conaill Commemoration , Friday, January 1st 2010 (New Year's Day) : Assemble at the Gates Of Glasnevin Cemetery , Dublin , at 12.45pm . Main Speaker - RSF President Des Dalton.

Seán Sabhat Commemoration , Sunday, January 3rd 2010 : Assemble at Bedford Row , Limerick at 1.45pm for Parade to Mount St Lawrence Cemetery. Main Speaker - Cathleen Knowles McGurk.

Feargal Ó hAnnluain Commemoration, Sunday January 10th 2010 : Assemble at the Cathedral , Monaghan, at 2pm , for the Parade to Latlurgan Cemetery. Main Speaker - Des Dalton.
Thanks!
Sharon.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

CABHAIR does it again for our Republican POW's : 25th December 2009 , Dublin.

Santa raises the National Flag over some of the CABHAIR swimmers!

Where to begin about this 4-hour CABHAIR Christmas Day marathon ? At 10AM , of course - because that was when the CABHAIR Christmas Crew arrived on site , having driven through freezing fog , on icy but otherwise deserted roads , in Minus 2-degree temperature. The various cars parked as best they could in the immediate vicinity and the work began : the fire material was laid in place , the two tables for the 'goodies' were set-up and the food and drink etc displayed on them , the National Flag and two banners were secured in place , the music system was assembled and tested - then the fire was lit and the CABHAIR Crew opened a can or two of 'soup' and had a brief rest , before the madness properly began....

....and it began at 10.50AM , when two Special Branch cars 'parked' at the entrances to the Swim site , blocking off both access points , as they always have done. They stayed where they were , making no attempt to venture up the twenty metres or so to where the CABHAIR Crew were having a 'private party' , with the fire blazing , the music blaring , and the freezing fog beginning to lift. Then the crowds started to appear - they came down from the opposite end of the Canal whilst others practically formed queues at both Naas Road access points , where the political police were doing their 'best' to harass them and turn them back home. But to absolutely no avail - the Mammies and Daddies , kids and teenagers, just kept coming in their dozens , the cars and trucks driving past on the near-by Naas Road sounded their car-horns loudly and repeatedly , the Rebel songs were pouring out at high decibels from the sound system and , in the sky above us , a weak watery sun was trying its best to shine on us !

CABHAIR had ten swimmers this year , all of whom took to the freezing water between the hours of 12 Noon and 1.30PM , some more than once or twice - all were watched eagerly by a core of at least 100 on-lookers , with about half that amount again coming and going over the duration of the 4-hour event. The swimmers are Joe Snr and Jnr , 'Rubber' , Stephen , Ciaran , Anto , Garry , Dougie , Jimmy and David - all of whom enjoyed a cup of warm 'soup' after they were finished swimming , and we all of us enjoyed a wee sup of that heart-warming brew , and mince pies , crisps , beer , ale , stout, lemonade and loads of chewy sweets 'and stuff' (!) , all courtesy of CABHAIR and local suppliers. Towards the end of all this good-natured freezing-cold noisy madness and mayhem , a raffle was held, for which only the ten swimmers had tickets : the prizes , all of which were made in Portlaoise Prison in recent weeks , consisted of three items - a bodhron and two etched and framed mirrors . And, as expected (!) - we had three winners , who were thrilled to receive their prizes.

This, the 33rd consecutive such event, was one of the busiest , noisest and hectic CABHAIR Swims in recent years , and left the organisers exhausted by the time it had finally ended , at about 2PM - but in a 'good' way ! There were really only three 'downers' about the Swim :one of the swimmers cut his knee , not seriously , and was 'bandaged'-up on site , not a bother on him ! The other two 'downers' concern the presence of the political police - that they should be there at all is a waste of tax-payers money , plus the manner in which they ambushed Santa : they took the four-inch brass bell from him , broke the 'chimer' in the centre of it , and gave it back to him , threatening him with arrest the next time they see him at the Swim site. He rightly replied with a 'Greeting' , which we won't repeat here....

Finally - Swim Pics ! We have posted a load of pics over on our 'Sister' site , here, and this link will take you to some pics that Paula took , and Oxana took these pics at the Swim site. As you'll see for yourself , we had one 'back-flipper' - and nine 'belly-floppers' ...;-)
And that's it for this year regarding the CABHAIR Christmas Swim : a hugely enjoyable , busy , hectic craic- filled four hours , for which CABHAIR themselves are to be applauded , as are the ten swimmers and the approximate 150-200 people that joined-in and/or observed proceedings. And , of course - most important of all - our Republican prisoners , who are in our hearts throughout the year , every year , but more so over the Christmas period.
Thanks for reading!
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh!
Sharon.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

FROM NEW YORK TO A DUBLIN CANAL , DECEMBER 2009....

This is the sight that imprisoned Irish Republicans will see on Christmas Day...

The following statement has recently been issued by Irish Republican supporters in New York :

"Please help the children of Irish political prisoners this christmas. This is a rough time of year in Ireland for the children of Irish political prisoners, all of whom have been jailed thru non-jury courts. In most cases the primary breadwinner has been taken out of the household. Ten or Twenty dollars can make a difference. Those who donate a $100 will be given a home made ornament as a thank you. More information at www.irishfreedom.net
The Annual CABHAIR Christmas Swim will be held this year on Christmas morning at the Grand Canal in Inchicore, Dublin , on the 3rd Lough , at 12 Noon. This year marks the 33 consecutive anniversary of this event. Over the last few years, here in the U.S. we have growing support and sponsorship for those who take the chilly morning plunge in support of the prisoners’ families.
With the holiday season fast approaching, many families will benefit from your donation of any amount in support of the Annual CABHAIR Swim. Your contribution means something truly special to them, especially in days such as these. If you have been meaning to contribute all year, this is the time to do so. Your support will raise the spirits of a family - who have sacrificed themselves to raise the spirit of a Sovereign Irish Nation.
(Click here for additional details on who we are and our objectives)
Videos can be viewed here of NIFC member Darryl Levy talking about the importance of the NIFC's IRPAS Campaign in video One while on video Two , one of the Cabhair Swim organizers, John Horan, discusses the history of the swim at the Canal, from the actual Swim site."
_________________
Cumann Na Saoirse Náısıúnta
National Irish Freedom Committee
http://www.irishfreedom.net/

---------END OF CORRESPONDENCE---------------THANKS TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS IN NORTH AMERICA , CANADA ,AUSTRALIA , ENGLAND , SCOTLAND AND WALES WHO HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH US HERE IN DUBLIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE CABHAIR SWIM : MUCH APPRECIATED - GO RAIBH MILE MAITH AGAT !

33 YEARS UNDER WATER........

It began - properly structured and organised - in 1976 ,as a ‘fundraiser with a difference’ combined with the need to gain extra publicity for a situation which was then - as now - making world headlines . Those that sat down together in early September 1976 to tighten-up the then ‘hit-and-miss’ affair were a dedicated team who fully understood that to fail in their business would not only bring derision on them and the issue they sought to highlight , but would give their enemy a publicity coup which they would exploit to the fullest extent . With that in mind , the team persevered - favours were called-in , guarantees were secured , provisions obtained and word dispatched to like-minded individuals in the near-locale . At the appointed time on the agreed day - 12 Noon , Christmas Day 1976 - a soon-to-be 33-years-young event was ‘born’…….
The CABHAIR Christmas Day Swim is , thankfully , still going strong and will be , as mentioned , 33-years-young on December 25th next!

Annual CABHAIR Christmas Morning Swim : 12 Noon , Grand Canal , 3rd Lough , Inchicore , Dublin 8.

Photographs of last years event can be viewed here and , if you can’t make it to the actual swim itself , you might consider posting a donation to the following address (please note that all monies raised goes to the republican prisoners themselves and to their families - no expenses or admin fees etc are removed) :
CABHAIR
Irish Republican Prisoners Dependants Fund
223 Parnell Street,
Dublin 1,
Ireland.
Thank You,
Go Raibh Maith Agat.
Sharon.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

BRIEF REPORT ON FLUTE BAND FUND-RAISER (and BIG praise for Chris!)

Chris Carney on stage : one of the best preformers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to !

The fund-raiser to benefit the new 'Tom Maguire / Dáithí Ó Conaill Irish Republican Flute Band' was held last night (and this morning!) and, while it was a financial success , it was a 'success' in another way , too - in that it introduced most of us , for the first time , to Chris Carney , the ballad singer. Or should that be THE Ballad Singer ? And it should read like that because , like nearly all of those present , I have attended dozens of ballad sessions over the years - from the Wolfe Tones to the Barleycorn , to Eire Óg and all types in between - but I have never witnessed such a performance from any one person , 'armed' simply with a guitar and a microphone !
For almost three hours , Chris quietly introduced each song , sometimes giving a wee history of the words ....and then , honestly - proceeded to lift the roof and stun the audience into silence , with a rendition of whatever Irish Rebel song he was singing , the likes of which we had never seen or heard before , on any stage , in any city , at any time. This young man is talented beyond belief , beyond mere words can describe - a master at his craft , simply unbelievable. It was our good fortune that we happened to be in the right place , at the right time , and we look forward to the next time when our paths cross. If there is any 'justice' in the field of the Irish ballad scene , this young man - Chris Carney - will be its 'King' , the one that others struggle to impersonate.
(Chris can be heard here in action , but it doesn't do him justice at all!)

Now for the formalities (!) : we could not have enjoyed such a fantastic night without the welcomed input from the staff , management and owners of 'The Phibsboro House Pub (Davys)' (36 Phibsboro Road , Dublin 7 ; 'phone 01-8303372) , local organisers Kevin , Brendan , Shane , Frank and Morris and , of course , the 'management' and members of the 'Tom Maguire / Dáithí Ó Conaill Irish Republican Flute Band', and for all those who braved the ice and frost to make it to the venue. Much appreciated!
Thanks!
Sharon.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

FUND-RAISING GIG FOR IRISH REPUBLICAN FLUTE BAND...

....on Saturday 19th December 2009 , a ballad session will be held in 'The Phibsboro House Pub (Davys)' (36 Phibsboro Road , Dublin 7 ; 'phone 01-8303372) to further the establishment of the new 'Tom Maguire / Dáithí Ó Conaill Irish Republican Flute Band', who are in the process of acquiring newer instruments and uniforms.
The main session will be courtesy of 'Chris' , and I'm told that various members of the Flute Band will be on stage themselves during the course of the night. A raffle will be held , doors open at 9pm and admission per person is only €5.
If you are in a position to attend , please do so as funds are urgently needed to ensure that this new(ish!) Flute Band look and sound as best they can , as they will shortly be seen in O'Connell Street in Dublin , and at other Republican events elsewhere.
Thanks!
Sharon.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY.......
Twenty-six men were convicted on the word of Harry Kirkpatrick. On their appeal against those convictions could well rest the future of the 'Anglo-Irish Agreement'
('The Hillsborough Treaty') . Based on a full transcript of the Kirkpatrick trials , the story of how these convictions were obtained shows why the 'Supergrass System' is a pale shadow of justice.
By Derek Dunne. From 'MAGILL' magazine, February 1986.

Another man from Derry has also been arrested ; he had been arrested in 1984 in Derry and had been in RUC custody but was not charged on Kirkpatrick's word at that time. Now that man and Liz Le Guria both face 'trials' based on the informer's 'evidence' .

Since 1982, almost four hundred men and women have been arrested , charged and remanded in custody on the 'word' of informers , and have been held for an aggregate of one thousand years before coming to 'trial' . It can take up to two years to have an appeal heard , and some of the victims in the Kirkpatrick case will have served six years by then - twelve years in real terms. Such is British 'justice' , as practised here in Ireland.
[END of 'The Trouble With Harry'.]
(NEXT : 'Presidential Address of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh to the 85th Ard Fheis of Sinn Fein , October 1989'.)

WHERE DO THE DRUGS GO ?
The official line is that the evidence is finally taken under guard to a certain multinational chemical-processing company that is under contract to the State Department of Justice to dispose of the substances and the packaging.......
From 'MAGILL' magazine , March 1988. By Marguerite Barry.

Everyone has heard tall tales about a big incinerator in the midlands , proud display cases in the 'National (sic) Drug Unit' and bits going 'missing' along the way ; officially , only small 'street deals' are taken into garda stations , and only 24-hour stations , at that. Bigger hauls require the expertise of the Garda Technical Bureau , which is called in to photograph the scene and examine other evidence left behind.

Then the drugs haul is taken to the garda forensic-science laboratories at the Phoenix Park headquarters in Dublin , where substances are examined to confirm quality and quantity and analysed for fingerprints , hairs and fibres. These should be the first non-garda hands to come into contact with the contraband since they were confiscated.

While the file is being prepared about the investigation and arrests (if there are any) for the State DPP, the evidence is stored at Phoenix Park HQ. Once the file is complete , a request can be made to the DPP for permission to dispose of part of the seized amount ; the rest of it is kept - usually about 20 kilos of cannabis or 1 kilo of cocaine , heroin or other controlled substances . Ten per cent of the excess is also kept as a reference to the size of the seizure and the rest of it can be destroyed. The State DPP may, on the other hand, refuse permission if the case requires all the evidence to be kept, rather than just sample amounts.......
(MORE LATER).

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HEROIN IN DUBLIN....... The drugs crisis is one of the major problems facing young people in Dublin today. In large areas of the city it has now reached massive proportions , while in the inner city there is estimated to be a higher percentage of drug addicts and drug abusers than in Harlem in New York . But it has been only recently - 5 years after this epidemic began in earnest - that any notice has been paid to the problem. And even now the Free State government has failed to confront the crisis in a meaningful way . Tony Barry of Na Fianna Eireann has been looking at the issues for 'IRIS' magazine.
From 'IRIS' magazine, December 1984.

Tony Barry : " Were drug pushers who were living in the flats barred from the area , as happened in some other places ? "

Noel Sillery : " Nobody was really barred from the flats. The people that were pushing drugs were ostracised - we let them know in no uncertain terms that we didn't want them here , and it was very effective.

We had one drug pusher , Jamie Gantley, who actually burnt his flat in order to get rehoused out of the area. We had a number of pushers moving out . So that action was effective for us. There was also the community pressure ; if something came up at a meeting about either drug pushers or addicts being seen to go to one particular flat , it would be discussed and it could be decided that we'd march on that person's flat to see what was happening there .
But at the same time , everyone had the right at those meetings to defend themselves. "

(PLEASE NOTE - this will be our last '3-in-1' post for 2009 : we will be posting other material over the Christmas period , but our usual '3-in-1' posts will not be returning until early in the New Year.)
(MORE LATER).