Ógra Shinn Féin
Encyclopedia
Ógra Shinn Féin is the youth wing of the Irish
political party Sinn Féin
. ÓSF is active and organised throughout Ireland
. It is often considered the most prominent incarnation of Fianna Éireann
. Upon its establishment in 1997 it was originally known as Sinn Féin Youth, it changed to Ógra Shinn Féin in 1999. A number of Sinn Féin's elected representatives are also members of ÓSF. Although it does not publish its membership figures, ÓSF is believed to have about 500 activists. It has also been described as "One of the largest and most active youth wings" in Ireland.
and the establishment of a democratic socialist republic.
The long-term aim of Ógra Shinn Féin is to establish a thirty-two county democratic socialist republic. Specific issues of primary importance include: Irish unity and independence; workers' rights; the environment; an end to sectarianism and racism in Ireland; decent housing for the people; weekend elections and referendums; education; Shell to Sea
, voting age to be lowered to sixteen; and the promotion of the Irish language
(Gaeilge).
The following is a list of some campaigns which Ógra Shinn Féin is involved in at the moment:
was adopted. The words 'Sinn Féin Youth', which encircled the logo were changed to 'Ógra Shinn Féin' in 1999 when the name of the organisation was changed.
As part of the transformation of the Republican Movement
to reflect changing realities brought about by the peace process
a decision was taken to change the logo, and at the 2004 National Congress the green star and orange graffiti-style logo was adopted. The logo again changed at the 2006 Congress when the current logo, incorporating the words 'Ógra Shinn Féin', the Starry Plough
, the Sunburst Flag and the "Freedom Lark
" was adopted. Ógra Sinn Féin has been criticised by the Young Unionists
for failing to remove the petrol bomb logo from a number of its wall murals.
At the Special Congress in 2007 called during the policing
debates in Sinn Féin, Ógra Shinn Féin took the controversial step of voting not to support the motion put to the Sinn Féin Special Ard Fheis by the Ard Chomhairle. This was in opposition to the leadership of Sinn Féin. In their motion that was passed at the Special Congress OSF stated: "We will recognise the decision made by the Ard Fheis."
Ógra Shinn Féin publishes a quarterly republican youth magazine entitled Spark. The magazine was launched in 2001 eventually ceasing publication around 2006 or so, it was re-launched in 2007, primarily in online format and renamed Splanc, which is the Irish language
translation of Spark. ÓSF also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter entitled Glor Na nÓg (Voice of The Youth).
ÓSF has published its own book Awaiting the Lark in 2006 to mark the 25th Anniversary of the 1981 Irish hunger strike
. The book includes interviews with many well known Irish republicans such as Michelle Gildernew
, Barry McElduff
, Sean Crowe
, Ella O'Dwyer, Seanna Walsh and Martina Anderson
. It also includes photographs from the funerals of the hunger strikers and protests that took place around the time. The book also includes information about Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg
who died on hunger strike in 1974 and 1976 respectively.
Some notable examples include:
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
political party Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin is a left wing, Irish republican political party in Ireland. The name is Irish for "ourselves" or "we ourselves", although it is frequently mistranslated as "ourselves alone". Originating in the Sinn Féin organisation founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith, it took its current form in 1970...
. ÓSF is active and organised throughout Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. It is often considered the most prominent incarnation of Fianna Éireann
Fianna Éireann
The name Fianna Éireann , also written Fianna na hÉireann and Na Fianna Éireann , has been used by various Irish republican youth movements throughout the 20th and 21st centuries...
. Upon its establishment in 1997 it was originally known as Sinn Féin Youth, it changed to Ógra Shinn Féin in 1999. A number of Sinn Féin's elected representatives are also members of ÓSF. Although it does not publish its membership figures, ÓSF is believed to have about 500 activists. It has also been described as "One of the largest and most active youth wings" in Ireland.
Membership
Membership is free and open to anyone aged fifteen to twenty-nine who supports a united IrelandUnited Ireland
A united Ireland is the term used to refer to the idea of a sovereign state which covers all of the thirty-two traditional counties of Ireland. The island of Ireland includes the territory of two independent sovereign states: the Republic of Ireland, which covers 26 counties of the island, and the...
and the establishment of a democratic socialist republic.
Organisation
Ógra Shinn Féin is organised throughout the 32 counties of Ireland in both local communities and universities. Its structure is similar to that of Sinn Féin. ÓSF cumainn are largely autonomous from local Sinn Féin structures.- Cumainn - Cumainn are organised within a local area or within a college or University. At present there are over 50 active ÓSF cumainn throughout Ireland. A cumainn is required to have a minimum of five members.
- Cúige - Cumainn are then organised within a local Cúige. At the moment there are five different Cúige in Ireland representative of the regions of Dublin, UlsterUlsterUlster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
, MunsterMunsterMunster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
, LeinsterLeinsterLeinster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the east of Ireland. It comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Mide, Osraige and Leinster. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the historic fifths of Leinster and Mide gradually merged, mainly due to the impact of the Pale, which straddled...
(excluding Dublin) and ConnachtConnachtConnacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
. Each of these Cúige elects its own Officer Board to oversee co-ordination between the cumainn. Each Cúige is also entitled to at least two representatives on the National Executive. (Leinster has both northern and southern organisers due to the large geographic area which must be covered)
- National Executive - The National Executive (Comhairle Naisiunta) is the democratically elected governing body of ÓSF. It consists of between 11 and 20 members. The National Executive consists of each of the Ógra Cúige Organisers (elected at the annual National Congress), one delegate from each of the five Cúige (elected at each Cúige's AGM), the National Organiser, the elected Ard Comhairle Delegate and up to eight additional members who may be co-opted for specific officer positions.
- Members of National Executive 2010:
- National Organiser - Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork)
- Secretary - Dave Collins (Cork)
- PRO - Mark Ó Maoldomhnaigh (Dublin)
- Finance Officer - Barry McColgan (Omagh)
- Gender Equality Officer - Gemma McKenna (Portadown)
- Irish Language Officer - Laura Gildernew (Tyrone)
- Recruitment Officer (& Ulster Organiser) - Fra Cochrane (Down)
- Education Officer * Connacht Organiser - Mairéad Farrell (Galway)
- International Officer - John McDermott (Strabane)
- New Media Officer - Daithi Byrne (Navan)
- Campaigns Officer - Luke Callinan (Roscommon)
- Munster Organiser - Joe Lynch (Cork)
- Dublin Organiser - Colm O'Mordha (Dublin)
- North Leinster Organiser - Caoimhe Ní Shluáin (Navan)
- South Leinster Organiser - Jason Doyle (Wicklow)
- National Exec Representative - Shane McKenna (Dublin)
- National Exec Representative - Kerry McColgan (Omagh)
- National Exec Representative - Fintan Butler (Belfast)
- National Exec Representative - Liam Lappin (Armagh)
- Youth Council Representative - Órla Ní Dhúill (Dublin)
Campaigns and issues
Shell to Sea
Shell to Sea is a campaign based in Cill Chomáin parish, Erris, County Mayo, Ireland which opposes the proposed construction of a natural gas pipeline through the parish and the ongoing construction by Royal Dutch Shell, Statoil and Vermilion Energy Trust of a refinery at Bellanaboy intended to...
, voting age to be lowered to sixteen; and the promotion of the Irish language
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
(Gaeilge).
The following is a list of some campaigns which Ógra Shinn Féin is involved in at the moment:
- N.A.R.C campaign - The "Not Another Ravaged Community" campaign was an anti-drugs campaign launched by ÓSF at the beginning of 2008. The campaign focused on educating young people about the danger of drugs. It also included information on alcoholAlcoholIn chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
abuse.
- Educate to be Free Campaign - This campaign was launched in Winter 2008 and calls for free education for all. It also calls for an increase in Irish language education and for student empowerment and radicalizing students unions.
- Green Postbox Campaign - This campaign was launched in 2008 and involved young republicans in Northern Ireland painting postboxes green (postboxes in the Republic of Ireland are green while those in the north are red). The campaign received severe criticism from Unionist politicians such as Jim Wells. It is alleged that hundreds of postboxes were painted throughout Northern Ireland. Although this campaign was officially launched in 2008, it had been common for ÓSF members and other Irish republicans to engage in this practice. In 2006 a TyroneTyroneThe name Tyrone can refer to:*County Tyrone, a county in Northern Ireland, roughly corresponding to the ancient kingdom of Tír Eogain*An Earl of Tyrone*A small steam train which runs between Bushmills and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland-Places:...
ÓSF member was arrested for painting a postbox in FintonaFintonaFintona is a village and townland in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is the second largest settlement in the Omagh District Council area, after Omagh itself. Its 2010 population was estimated to be 1,410.-History:...
.
- National Suicide Prevention Campaign - In 2006 Ógra Shinn Féin launched a nationwide suicide prevention campaign. The campaign focuses on the dissemination of information and the demand for an all Ireland approach to suicide awareness.
- ARISE - In 2007 Ógra Shinn Féin launched the Anti-Racism, Imperialism, Sectarianism and Exploitation (ARISE)campaign.
- Other Campaigns - Ógra is/was also involved in campaigns regarding Demilitarization, Anti-Collusion, Disband the Royal Ulster ConstabularyRoyal Ulster ConstabularyThe Royal Ulster Constabulary was the name of the police force in Northern Ireland from 1922 to 2000. Following the awarding of the George Cross in 2000, it was subsequently known as the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC. It was founded on 1 June 1922 out of the Royal Irish Constabulary...
/Proper Policing, Minimum Wage, Lower Car Insurance, A President for All, Gay Rights, Re-routing Orange Order marches, "Freedom for the POW's", "Bring them home" (Colombia ThreeColombia ThreeThe Colombia Three are three individuals – Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley – who are currently living in the Republic of Ireland, having fled from Colombia, where they were sentenced to prison terms of seventeen years for training FARC rebels.-Arrest:The three came to...
), anti-occupation of IraqIraqIraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
, remembering "Irish martyrs", Irish LanguageIrish languageIrish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
, Shell to SeaShell to SeaShell to Sea is a campaign based in Cill Chomáin parish, Erris, County Mayo, Ireland which opposes the proposed construction of a natural gas pipeline through the parish and the ongoing construction by Royal Dutch Shell, Statoil and Vermilion Energy Trust of a refinery at Bellanaboy intended to...
, Save 16 Moore Street and All Ireland mobile tariff .
Recent events
Upon the establishment of Sinn Féin Youth, a logo incorporating a petrol bomb, symbolising the militant origins of republican youth organisations, and an Easter lilyZantedeschia aethiopica
Zantedeschia aethiopica ; syn. Calla aethiopica L., Richardia africana Kunth, Richardia aethiopica Spreng., Colocasia aethiopica Spreng...
was adopted. The words 'Sinn Féin Youth', which encircled the logo were changed to 'Ógra Shinn Féin' in 1999 when the name of the organisation was changed.
As part of the transformation of the Republican Movement
Republican Movement (Ireland)
The Republican Movement is a collective term used to describe the Irish Republican Army and other political, social and paramilitary organisations associated with it.The term is not restricted to any one movement and can include:...
to reflect changing realities brought about by the peace process
Northern Ireland peace process
The peace process, when discussing the history of Northern Ireland, is often considered to cover the events leading up to the 1994 Provisional Irish Republican Army ceasefire, the end of most of the violence of the Troubles, the Belfast Agreement, and subsequent political developments.-Towards a...
a decision was taken to change the logo, and at the 2004 National Congress the green star and orange graffiti-style logo was adopted. The logo again changed at the 2006 Congress when the current logo, incorporating the words 'Ógra Shinn Féin', the Starry Plough
The Starry Plough (flag)
The Starry Plough banner was originally used by the Irish Citizen Army, a socialist, Republican movement. James Connolly, co-founder of the Irish Citizen Army with Jack White, said the significance of the banner was that a free Ireland would control its own destiny from the plough to the stars.This...
, the Sunburst Flag and the "Freedom Lark
Lark
Larks are passerine birds of the family Alaudidae. All species occur in the Old World, and in northern and eastern Australia; only one, the Shore Lark, has spread to North America, where it is called the Horned Lark...
" was adopted. Ógra Sinn Féin has been criticised by the Young Unionists
Young Unionists
The Young Unionists, formally known as the Ulster Young Unionist Council , is the youth wing of the Ulster Unionist Party . It has in its present incarnation been in existence since 2004...
for failing to remove the petrol bomb logo from a number of its wall murals.
At the Special Congress in 2007 called during the policing
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
debates in Sinn Féin, Ógra Shinn Féin took the controversial step of voting not to support the motion put to the Sinn Féin Special Ard Fheis by the Ard Chomhairle. This was in opposition to the leadership of Sinn Féin. In their motion that was passed at the Special Congress OSF stated: "We will recognise the decision made by the Ard Fheis."
Affiliations
- National Youth Council of IrelandNational Youth Council of IrelandThe National Youth Council of Ireland also known as the NYCI is a representative body for Irish youth organisations, a role that is recognised in the 2001 Youth Work Act...
(NYCI) - Ógra Shinn Féin is a full member of the National Youth Council of Ireland. - European Network of Democratic Young LeftEuropean Network of Democratic Young LeftThe European Network of Democratic Young Left is an independent network of left-wing democratic socialist political youth organizations in Europe....
(ENDYL) - Ógra Shinn Féin is a full emmber of the ENDYL.
International
Ógra Shinn Féin has strong connections with a number of pro-independence and socialist groups throughout the world, including:- SEGI - A BasqueBasque peopleThe Basques as an ethnic group, primarily inhabit an area traditionally known as the Basque Country , a region that is located around the western end of the Pyrenees on the coast of the Bay of Biscay and straddles parts of north-central Spain and south-western France.The Basques are known in the...
nationalist party that forms part of the Basque National Liberation MovementBasque National Liberation MovementThe Basque National Liberation Movement is an umbrella term that comprises all social, political and armed organizations orbiting around the ideas of the illegal armed organisation Euskadi Ta Askatasuna , proscribed internationally as a terrorist organisation.The wide variety of organizations and...
and is aligned with Langile Abertzaleen BatzordeakLangile Abertzaleen BatzordeakLAB is a Basque nationalist trade union operating mainly in Spain currently led by Ainhoa Etxaide.It was created in 1974 by Jon Idigoras among others...
, BatasunaBatasunaBatasuna was a Basque nationalist political party based mainly in Spain, where it was outlawed in 2003, after a court ruling declared proven that the party was financing ETA with public money. Batasuna is included in the "European Union list of terrorist persons and organizations" as a component...
and the militant organisation ETAETAETA , an acronym for Euskadi Ta Askatasuna is an armed Basque nationalist and separatist organization. The group was founded in 1959 and has since evolved from a group promoting traditional Basque culture to a paramilitary group with the goal of gaining independence for the Greater Basque Country...
. SEGI is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by SpanishSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
and FrenchFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
authorities. ÓSF frequently send delegations to the Basque CountryBasque Country (autonomous community)The Basque Country is an autonomous community of northern Spain. It includes the Basque provinces of Álava, Biscay and Gipuzkoa, also called Historical Territories....
It has been reported in the Spanish media that the Spanish security services are monitoring both groups closely and have noticed a sharp increase in co-operation between the two. Spanish papers have also claimed that the youth wings exchange IRA and ETA knowledge and information.
- Ghjuventù Indipendentista - A youth movement which supports Corsican NationalismCorsican nationalismCorsican nationalism is a social and political movement in Corsica, active since the 1960s.- History :In 1923 was created the Partitu Corsu d'Azione by Petru Rocca, an Italian irredentist who initially promoted the union of Corsica to the Kingdom of Italy but after World War II changed to promote...
and advocates independence from FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. An ÓSF delegation attend the "Scontri Internaziunali" which is held in the town of CorteCorteCorte is a commune in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica. It is the fourth-largest commune in Corsica .-Administration:Corte is a subprefecture of the Haute-Corse department.-History:...
in central CorsicaCorsicaCorsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....
every year.
- JERC - The youth wing of the CatalanCataloniaCatalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, with the official status of a "nationality" of Spain. Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona. Catalonia covers an area of 32,114 km² and has an...
nationalist group Republican Left of Catalonia which campaigns for the independence of CataloniaCataloniaCatalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, with the official status of a "nationality" of Spain. Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona. Catalonia covers an area of 32,114 km² and has an...
from SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
.
- Others - ÓSF also supports nationalist movements in Kanaky, Kabylia, Galicia, ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, SardiniaSardiniaSardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea . It is an autonomous region of Italy, and the nearest land masses are the French island of Corsica, the Italian Peninsula, Sicily, Tunisia and the Spanish Balearic Islands.The name Sardinia is from the pre-Roman noun *sard[],...
and BrittanyBrittanyBrittany is a cultural and administrative region in the north-west of France. Previously a kingdom and then a duchy, Brittany was united to the Kingdom of France in 1532 as a province. Brittany has also been referred to as Less, Lesser or Little Britain...
Notable members
- Pearse DohertyPearse DohertyPearse Doherty is an Irish Sinn Féin politician. He serves as a Teachta Dála for the Donegal South West constituency and as Sinn Féin's Dáil spokesperson on Finance. Doherty formerly served on Donegal County Council from 2004–07 and in Seanad Éireann from 2007–10.-Background and education:Doherty...
– Former Senator and current Teachta DálaTeachta DálaA Teachta Dála , usually abbreviated as TD in English, is a member of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas . It is the equivalent of terms such as "Member of Parliament" or "deputy" used in other states. The official translation of the term is "Deputy to the Dáil", though a more literal...
, served as a member of the ÓSF National Executive. - Toiréasa FerrisToireasa FerrisToiréasa Ferris is an Irish Sinn Féin politician. Her father, Martin Ferris, is a Sinn Féin Teachta Dála for Kerry North.- Political career :...
– Elected to Kerry County Council. - Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin is a political theorist and member of Sinn FéinÓ'Broin is from Cabinteely in Dún Laoghaire, and was educated in Blackrock College in Dublin. He holds a degree in Cultural Studies from the University of East London and an MA in Irish Politics from Queens University Belfast. Ó Broin was...
– Sinn Féin Director of European Affairs. He is also a published author. - Daithí McKayDaithí McKayDaithí McKay, MLA is an Irish republican politician. He is the Education spokesperson for Sinn Féin and the deputy chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee in the Northern Irish Assembly...
– Sinn Féin MLA for North Antrim, Ballymoney District Councillor and member of the Policing Board. Daithi is also the youngest MLA. - Cara McShane – Current chairperson of Moyle District Council in North Antrim.
- Charlene O'Hara – Elected to Lisburn Council, and Ireland's youngest Councillor.
- Johnny McGibbon – Councillor in Craigavon Borough Council. Ireland's youngest male Councillor. Also Upper Bann Sinn Féin organiser.
- Matt Carthy – Elected to Monaghan County Council. Has served two terms as mayor and is also a former National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin.
- Fiona Kerins – Elected to Cork City Council.
- Niall O'Donnhgaile – Sinn Féin councillor representing East Belfast, and Sinn Féin Assembly Press Officer. Youngest ever Lord Mayor of Belfast (2011-12).
- David Cullinane – Elected to Waterford City Council.
- Elisha McLaughlin – Elected to Derry City Council and current chairperson of Derry City DPP (District Policing Partnership)
- Conor Maskey – Elected to Belfast City Council.
- Tierna Cunningham – Elected to Belfast City Council.
- Paddy Daly - Elected as Vice-President of Griffith College Students Union
- Paul Hogan – Elected to Athlone Town Council.
- Caolan Quinn - Elected as Vice-President Education and Welfare (Belfast and Jordanstown) University of Ulster Students' Union
National organisers
- Eoin Ó Broin - 1997-98
- Matt Carthy - 1998-2000
- Damian Lawlor - 2000-02 (Author of Na Fianna Éireann and the Irish Revolution - 1909 to 1923)
- Chris O'Ralaigh - 2002-03
- Mickey Bravender - 2003-06
- Barry McColgan - 2006-09
- Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - 2009–present
Publications
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
translation of Spark. ÓSF also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter entitled Glor Na nÓg (Voice of The Youth).
ÓSF has published its own book Awaiting the Lark in 2006 to mark the 25th Anniversary of the 1981 Irish hunger strike
1981 Irish hunger strike
The 1981 Irish hunger strike was the culmination of a five-year protest during The Troubles by Irish republican prisoners in Northern Ireland. The protest began as the blanket protest in 1976, when the British government withdrew Special Category Status for convicted paramilitary prisoners...
. The book includes interviews with many well known Irish republicans such as Michelle Gildernew
Michelle Gildernew
Michelle Gildernew is an Irish republican Sinn Féin politician and former Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Northern Ireland Executive...
, Barry McElduff
Barry McElduff
Barry McElduff is an Irish politician.Born in County Tyrone, McElduff attended the Christian Brothers Grammar School in Omagh before attending Queen's University Belfast and becoming an Irish republican activist for Sinn Féin....
, Sean Crowe
Seán Crowe
Seán Crowe is an Irish Sinn Féin politician, and is a Teachta Dála for the Dublin South West constituency.Crowe was born in Dublin and has lived there all his life, currently in Tallaght...
, Ella O'Dwyer, Seanna Walsh and Martina Anderson
Martina Anderson
Martina Anderson, MLA is an Irish nationalist politician in Northern Ireland who occupies the post of Director of Unionist Engagement for Sinn Féin and is a former volunteer of the Provisional Irish Republican Army .-Biography:...
. It also includes photographs from the funerals of the hunger strikers and protests that took place around the time. The book also includes information about Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg
Frank Stagg
Frank Stagg -Background:Stagg was the seventh child in a family of thirteen children, born at Hollymount near Ballinrobe, County Mayo,...
who died on hunger strike in 1974 and 1976 respectively.
Notable actions and incidents
Ógra Shinn Féin frequently attracts media attention or causes controversy due to some of its activities.Some notable examples include:
- Arrests at Belfast City Hall 1997 - On the 3rd of November 1997 three members of ÓSF were arrested after they scaled the front of Belfast City Hall and unfurled a banner calling for the release of political prisoners. This was part of the "Saoirse" campaign. The RUC special branch later attempted to recruit one of those arrested to work as an informant.
- Alleged abuse by Gardaí in Store Street 1998 - In November 1998 seven members of ÓSF were arrested by Gardaí in Dublin for allegedly acting in an abusive manner. While being held in Store Street Garda station the activists alleged that they were kicked and beaten by Gardaí. A protest which took place outside the Garda Station that night resulted in skirmishes between demonstrators and the Gardaí.
- UCC Riot 1999 - In November 1999, 50 members of the gardaí were called in to reinforce University College Cork security after a melee broke out in the corridors of the Science building. Members of Ógra Shinn Féin, the Socialist Party, Workers' Party and anti-fascist groups had attempted to force their way into a lecture hall where revisionist historian David IrvingDavid IrvingDavid John Cawdell Irving is an English writer,best known for his denial of the Holocaust, who specialises in the military and political history of World War II, with a focus on Nazi Germany...
was to hold a talk. Gardaí were forced to baton charge the 600 strong crowd.
- South Armagh demilitarization riots 2001 - In December 2001 ÓSF was blamed for carrying out petrol bomb attacks against RUC and British army bases in south ArmaghArmaghArmagh is a large settlement in Northern Ireland, and the county town of County Armagh. It is a site of historical importance for both Celtic paganism and Christianity and is the seat, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland, of the Archbishop of Armagh...
. Twenty-two police officers, three soldiers and two police dogs were injured in the incidents during which protesters attacked the watchtowers at Creevekeeran and Drummakaval with iron bars, bottles, fireworks and petrol bombs. Two of the soldiers suffered serious head injuries after being hit with petrol bombs and had to be airlifted to hospital. Another soldier suffered serious burns. The barracks at CrossmaglenCrossmaglenCrossmaglen or Crosmaglen is a village and townland in south County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 1,459 people in the 2001 Census and is the largest village in south Armagh...
was also attacked and protesters managed to smash through the main gate after igniting an oil barrel and pushing it into the entrance.
- Attack on SDLP councillor's office - In January 2002, SDLP councillor P. J. BradleyP. J. BradleyP. J. Bradley MLA is a Social Democratic and Labour Party politician in Northern Ireland.He was a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly between 1998 and 2011 for the South Down Constituency...
claimed that members of ÓSF were responsible for an attack on his offices in WarrenpointWarrenpointWarrenpoint is a small town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough and is separated from the Republic of Ireland by a narrow strait. The town sprang up within the townland of Ringmackilroy...
during which eleven windows were smashed and paint was poured over the building and in through the windows. Caitríona RuaneCaitríona RuaneCaitríona Ruane MLA is a Sinn Féin politician and a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for South Down....
refuted Mr. Bradley's comments.
- Attack on Rosslea PSNI station 2002 - On the first of July 2002 ÓSF was blamed for an organised attack against Rosslea PSNI station. Up to 50 masked youths threw stones and bottles at the police station causing extensive damage to the exterior of the building. The Unionist "Newsletter" Newspaper described the attack as "appalling" and condemned ÓSF for "laying vicious siege" to Rosslea PSNI Station.
- Take over of British Tourist office in Dublin 2003 - In May 2003, six members of ÓSF took over the British Tourist office in Dublin and staged a sit in protest against the decision by the British government to postpone the elections in Northern Ireland. A picket in support of the protest was also held outside.
- ÓSF banned from Trinity College 2005 - Sinn Féin had been banned from organising in Trinity College Dublin until the ban was overturned in 1999. In 2005 it was re-instated (until the end of the college term) after the TCD chairperson forwarded an email on to others which made threatening remarks towards Margaret ThatcherMargaret ThatcherMargaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990...
.
- 1916 Auction Protest 2006 - In April 2006 members of ÓSF disrupted a sale of memorabilia associated with the Easter RisingEaster RisingThe Easter Rising was an insurrection staged in Ireland during Easter Week, 1916. The Rising was mounted by Irish republicans with the aims of ending British rule in Ireland and establishing the Irish Republic at a time when the British Empire was heavily engaged in the First World War...
of 1916 at James Adams & Sons Auctioneers on Stephen's Green, Dublin. Two activists were arrested by Gardaí but were later released without charge. The protest was the lead story on a number of News broadcasts including TV3 News.
- Down Orange hall incident 2007 - In September 2007, ÓSF received a large amount of criticism after one of its members was taken to hospital following a fall from the roof of an Orange hall. The member had been removing a Union FlagUnion FlagThe Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, is the flag of the United Kingdom. It retains an official or semi-official status in some Commonwealth Realms; for example, it is known as the Royal Union Flag in Canada. It is also used as an official flag in some of the smaller British overseas...
from the roof. This incident occurred at a time when Orange halls in the area had been subjected to firebomb and arson attacks. Some people claimed that removing the flag was anti-sectarian and should be applauded.
- Green Postbox campaign 2008 onwards - One campaign undertaken by ÓSF involved changing the colour of Royal MailRoyal MailRoyal Mail is the government-owned postal service in the United Kingdom. Royal Mail Holdings plc owns Royal Mail Group Limited, which in turn operates the brands Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide...
postboxes in the Six CountiesNorthern IrelandNorthern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
from red to green (green is the standard colour of postboxes in the Republic of IrelandRepublic of IrelandIreland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
). Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff described the campaign as "peaceful political statement". Rival politicians claimed that this amounted to the MLA condoning criminal damage. It is believed hundreds of postboxes were painted green in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
, StrabaneStrabaneStrabane , historically spelt Straban,is a town in west County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It contains the headquarters of Strabane District Council....
and West TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
alone.
- Occupation of Green Party offices 2008 - On 4 December 2008 a number of ÓSF members took part in a protest organised by the student based "Free Education for Everyone" (FEE) group. A number of protesters were arrested after they occupied the offices of Paul GogartyPaul GogartyPaul Nicholas Gogarty is a former Irish Green Party politician. He was a Teachta Dála for the Dublin Mid West constituency from 2002 to 2011. He currently works as a media commentator and journalist.-Early and private life:...
, Green Party Spokesperson on Education, in Lucan, County Dublin. Gardaí were forced to break down the door of the office and arrested ten of the activists.
- Gregory Campbell incident 2009 - ÓSF were criticized for comparing East LondonderryEast Londonderry (UK Parliament constituency)East Londonderry is a Parliamentary Constituency in the United Kingdom House of Commons.-Boundaries:The seat was created in boundary changes in 1983, as part of an expansion of Northern Ireland's constituencies from 12 to 17, and was predominantly made up from the old Londonderry constituency...
MP Gregory CampbellGregory Campbell (politician)Gregory Lloyd Campbell is a Northern Irish unionist politician, and the Democratic Unionist Party Member of Parliament of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, representing the East Londonderry constituency of Northern Ireland....
to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph GoebbelsJoseph GoebbelsPaul Joseph Goebbels was a German politician and Reich Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. As one of Adolf Hitler's closest associates and most devout followers, he was known for his zealous oratory and anti-Semitism...
on its web-blog. An accompanying edited image on the site showed Mr Campbell's head superimposed on the body of a man wearing a Nazi uniform. The article criticised Campbell's NI Executive culture portfolio and his stance on the Irish language.
- PSNI recording incident 2009 - In January 2009 a member of ÓSF in OmaghOmaghOmagh is the county town of County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is situated where the rivers Drumragh and Camowen meet to form the Strule. The town, which is the largest in the county, had a population of 19,910 at the 2001 Census. Omagh also contains the headquarters of Omagh District Council and...
was arrested following a confrontation in the town. While at the police station, a constable attempted to recruit the man as an informantInformantAn informant is a person who provides privileged information about a person or organization to an agency. The term is usually used within the law enforcement world, where they are officially known as confidential or criminal informants , and can often refer pejoratively to the supply of information...
. The ÓSF member managed to record the incident on his cellphone. The incident has been brought before Omagh DPP and is currently under investigation by the Police Ombudsman. The recording of the incident was made available on YouTubeYouTubeYouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
.
- WarrenpointWarrenpointWarrenpoint is a small town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough and is separated from the Republic of Ireland by a narrow strait. The town sprang up within the townland of Ringmackilroy...
visit 2009 - On 10 January 2009 ÓSF held a Republican Youth weekend in Newcastle County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. Part of the weekend involved a trip to the site of the Warrenpoint AmbushWarrenpoint AmbushThe Warrenpoint ambush or the Warrenpoint massacre was a guerrilla assault by the Provisional Irish Republican Army on 27 August 1979. The IRA attacked a British Army convoy with two large bombs at Narrow Water Castle , Northern Ireland...
where an IRA unit ambushed and killed 18 British soldiers in 1979. Protesters including Willie FrazerWillie FrazerWilliam "Willie" Frazer is the founder and leader of Families Acting for Innocent Relatives in Northern Ireland. He was also a leader of the Love Ulster campaign.-Background:...
and Jim Wells branded the trip an "insult to victims". Loyalist victims campaigner Willie Frazer said that "10 years ago the world hoped that they had moved on from terrorism but as the last few days have shown they still firmly believe in armed conflict". The local ÓSF spokesperson claimed it was simply part of a historical tour of the County Down area.
- Belfast dinner dance 2009: In January 2010 the Sunday WorldSunday WorldThe Sunday World is an Irish newspaper published by Sunday Newspapers Limited, a division of Independent News and Media. It is the largest selling "popular" newspaper in the Republic of Ireland and is also sold in Northern Ireland .-Origins:The Sunday World was Ireland's first tabloid newspaper...
(Northern Ireland edition) ran a full page article which criticized ÓSF for hosting a "Pro-IRA event" in a hotel in Belfast City Centre. The paper also claimed that there were numerous chants of "F*** the Brits" and "You'll never ever beat the IRA". According to ÓSF the event was a celebration of 100 years of Na Fianna Éireann with the families of dead Fians in attendance and traditional Irish Rebel music.
- Government protests 2010: On 22 November 2010 ÓSF members took part in protests against the International Monetary FundInternational Monetary FundThe International Monetary Fund is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world...
bail-out. During a protest outside government buildings in Dublin one member of ÓSF was injured and taken to hospital after he was struck by a ministerial car during a sit-down protest. Scuffles also broke out with police. Meanwhile, in Cork, Ógra Shinn Féin occupied the offices of Fianna Fáil councillors in Cork City hall protesting against the selling out of Irish sovereignty to the European UnionEuropean UnionThe European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
and the IMF.