Ógra Shinn Féin Explained

Ógra Shinn Féin
Founded:c. 1997 [1]
Headquarters:44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
and 53 Falls Road, Belfast
Regional1 Type:European
Mother Party:Sinn Féin
Website:http://republicanyouth.org/

Ógra Shinn Féin (colloquially known as Republican Youth,, and formerly, officially known as Sinn Féin Republican Youth, Irish: Sinn Féin Óige Phoblachtach, from 2012 to March 2018)[2] is the youth wing of the Irish political party Sinn Féin. Ógra Shinn Féin is active and organised throughout the island of Ireland.[3] [4]

Upon its establishment in 1997 it was originally known as Sinn Féin Youth; it changed to Ógra Shinn Féin in 1998. A number of Sinn Féin's elected representatives are also members of Ógra Shinn Féin.[5] [6]

Membership

Membership is free and open to all Sinn Féin party members and college society members aged 15 to 29 who support a united Ireland and the establishment of a democratic socialist republic. After the 2019 Ard Fheis it became mandatory for all party members under the age of 26 to be an active member of their local Ógra branch after the success of Ógra's motion on this issue.[7]

Organisation

Ógra Shinn Féin is organised in all 32 counties of Ireland, in both local communities and universities.[3] Its structure is similar to that of Sinn Féin. Ógra Shinn Féin cumainn are largely autonomous from local Sinn Féin structures.[8]

Campaigns and issues

The long-term aim of Ógra Shinn Féin is "to recruit young dedicated activists to ensure the continuity and successful conclusion of the struggle" to establish a 32-county democratic socialist republic.[11]

Specific issues of primary importance include: Irish unity and independence; workers' rights; the protection of the environment; an end to sectarianism and racism in Ireland; decent housing for the people; weekend elections and referendums; education; supporting the Shell to Sea campaign,[12] voting age to be lowered to 16;[13] and the promotion of the Irish language (Gaeilge).

The following is a list of some campaigns which Ógra Shinn Féin has been involved in:

Recent events

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 was 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.[26]

Affiliations

International

Ógra Shinn Féin has strong connections with a number of pro-independence and socialist groups throughout the world, including:

Notable members and former members

National Chairs

Publications

Ógra Shinn Féin publishes a quarterly republican youth magazine entitled Splanc. The magazine was launched in 2001, eventually ceasing publication around 2006. It was re-launched in 2007, primarily in online format, with the same name, Splanc (which is the Irish language translation of Spark).[53]

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, Seanna Walsh and Martina Anderson. It 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.[54] [55]

Notable actions and incidents

Ógra Shinn Féin frequently attracts media attention or causes controversy due to some of its activities.

Some notable examples include:

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Ógra Shinn Féin Revolutionary Handbook, Pg.4
  2. https://ansionnachfionn.com/2018/03/31/sinn-fein-republican-youth-returns-to-better-known-title-ogra-shinn-fein/ Sinn Féin Republican Youth Returns To Better Known Title, Ógra Shinn Féin
  3. Web site: About Ogra Shinn Féin. Ogra Shinn Féin. 12 March 2009. 8 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20090312003245/http://www.osf.ie/index.php?categoryid=12. 12 March 2009 .
  4. http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/1306 Ogra Shinn Fein join National Youth Council
  5. Web site: Large Ógra Shinn Féin mobilisation to the Basque Country. Anphoblacht.com. 2010-12-05.
  6. Web site: Interview with Ireland's Youngest Councillor: Johnny McGibbon. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 2007-08-28. 2010-12-05. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110708060205/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2007/08/interview-with-irelands-youngest.html. 8 July 2011.
  7. https://web.archive.org/web/20090312003245/http://www.osf.ie/index.php?categoryid=12 Ógra Shinn Féin - About
  8. http://www.corksf.20m.com/whats_new.html Cork Sinn Féin website
  9. Ógra Shinn Féin Revolutionary Handbook, pp. 19-21
  10. http://republicanyouth.ie/about-sfry SFRY National Youth Committee
  11. Web site: Ógra Shinn Féin Átha Cliath - The Voice of Republican Youth in Dublin. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131213155140/http://dublinogra.webs.com/grashinnfin.htm. 13 December 2013.
  12. Web site: Shell to Sea protest. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131218181508/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/02/shell-2-sea-protest-at-statoil-hq-film.html. 18 December 2013.
  13. Web site: OSF calls for voting age to be lowered. Sinnfeinassembly.com. 8 December 2014.
  14. Web site: Ógra Shinn Féin. Educate to be Free. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 7 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220075632/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/12/educate-to-be-free.html. 20 February 2012.
  15. Web site: Launch of educate to be Free campaign. Indymedia.ie. 8 December 2014.
  16. Web site: postbox message heard on the airwaves. Indymedia.ie. 8 December 2014.
  17. News: green postbox MLA told to say sorry. Belfasttelegraph. Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. 8 December 2014.
  18. Web site: Greening the north one postbox at a time. Derryjournal.com. 8 December 2014.
  19. Web site: Young republican jailed for painting postbox. Indymedia.ie. 8 December 2014.
  20. https://www.indymedia.ie/article/74138 OSF launch suicide prevention campaign
  21. http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/09/gra-shinn-fin-discuss-suicide.html OSF discuss suicide prevention
  22. Web site: ARISE against international imperialsim. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220075653/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2007/04/arise-against-international-imperialism.html. 20 February 2012.
  23. Web site: Ógra Shinn Féin. New ARISE video. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220075701/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2006/12/new-arise-video.html. 20 February 2012.
  24. Ogra Revolutionary Handbook (2008 edition) Methods of Revolution, Campaigns, pp. 25, 26.
  25. http://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/26326 SFRY Protest Apple Tax
  26. http://www.irishnews.com/searchlog.asp?reason=denied_empty&script_name=/pageacc.asp&path_info=/pageacc.asp&sid=478927&tser1=ser&par=ben Unionists hit out at SF on logos
  27. Web site: National Youth Council of Ireland. NYCI members. Youth.ie. 8 December 2014.
  28. Hildebrandt & Daiber (ed.), Cornelia & Brigit (2009), p. 103
  29. Web site: Staff. SEGI send solidarity greetings to OSF national congress. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220075742/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/12/segi-send-solidarity-greetings-to-sf.html. 20 February 2012.
  30. Web site: State repression of the Basque nationalist movement. Anarkismo.net. 8 December 2014.
  31. https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/editorial/actual/ael2/bulletin.asp?liste=20040601.html#Chapitre14 Proscribed organisations - France
  32. Web site: Proscribed organisations - Spain. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924020026/http://www.fundacionvt.org/images/revista/anteriores/cachorros.pdf. dead. 2015-09-24. fundacionvt.org.
  33. Web site: OSF complete tour of the Basque country. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220075753/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/11/gra-shinn-fin-complete-tour-of-basque.html. 20 February 2012.
  34. Web site: Sinn Féin Youth in Basque Country. Ogra.150m.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150709181500/http://ogra.150m.com/02apr98.htm. 9 July 2015.
  35. Web site: D.M./J.P.. "Kamaradas" en Irlanda. 'Comrades' in Ireland. ABC. 9 December 2009. Madrid. 8 December 2014. es.
  36. Web site: Ógra Shinn Féin. OSF build strong solidarity in Corsica. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131222141201/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/02/gra-shinn-fin-build-strong-solidarity.html. 22 December 2013.
  37. Web site: Ógra Shinn Féin. OSF address JERC's 21st national congress. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220075809/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2007/11/gra-shinn-fin-address-jercs-21st.html. 20 February 2012.
  38. https://www.indymedia.ie/article/85893 OSF organise successful upbeat national congress
  39. Web site: Pearse Doherty biography. Sinn Féin. 2007. 1 December 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20071119222437/http://www.sinnfein.ie/elections/candidate/237. 19 November 2007 .
  40. Web site: Piece by piece, the Sinn Fein mountain of lies is crumbling. Irish Independent. 22 October 2010. 22 October 2014.
  41. Book: Cullen, Niall . Radical Basque Nationalist-Irish Republican Relations: A History . 2023-12-14 . Taylor & Francis . 9781003806813 . Glossary of Interviewees (2023) . Matt Carthy Sinn Féin Teachta Dála (2020—Present). Member of the European Parliament (2014—20) National Organiser of Sinn Féin Youth/Ógra Shinn Féin (1998—2000). ... Damian Lawlor National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin (2000—2002). ... Eoin Ó Broin Sinn Féin Teachta Dála (2016—Present). Belfast City Councillor (2001—4). National Organiser of Sinn Féin Youth (1997—98)..
  42. Web site: 2013 . Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle Nominations - Ard Fheis 2013 . 2024-04-12 . sinnfein.ie . 16 . Eoin Ó Broin is the Sinn Fein representative for Dublin Mid-West, a Leinster House political advisor and member of the Ard Chomhairle. A party activist since 1995, Eoin was the first National Organiser of Sinn Féin Youth, a north Belfast city councillor from 2001 to 2004, and the party's Director of European Affairs from 2004 to 2007. H.
  43. News: 2004-04-29 . Ógra enjoy Basque youth festival . 2024-04-12 . An Phoblacht . Ógra Shinn Féin National Chair MICKEY BRAVENDER was part of a small delegation from Ógra that travelled to the Basque Country earlier this month to attend a round of international meetings hosted by the Basque youth organisation, SEGI, followed by a Basque youth festival..
  44. News: 2006-09-07 . Interview:Barry McColgan, national organiser, Ógra Shinn Féin . 2024-04-12 . An Phoblacht . Recently appointed Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser Barry McColgan talks to ELLA O'DWYER about himself, his political involvement to date and his plans for Ógra..
  45. Web site: 2007-01-23 . SF youth wing will not back policing motion . https://archive.today/20240412191641/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30294726.html#selection-1475.0-1475.252 . 2024-04-12 . 2024-04-12 . Irish Examiner . en . Barry McColgan, the head of Ogra Shinn Féin, said: “The issue of policing is absolutely huge for republican activists, our communities and support base and any decision taken on policing will have wide ranging implications for republicanism as a whole.".
  46. News: 2009-12-17 . Interview: Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Ógra Shinn Féin National Órganiser . 2024-04-12 . An Phoblacht . FROM Togher on the south side of Cork City Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (20) was appointed National Órganiser for Ógra Shinn Féin last month..
  47. Web site: Roche . Barry . 2016-02-29 . Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (SF) . 2024-04-12 . The Irish Times . en . From Togher on the city’s southside, Ó Laoghaire, who plays hurling with St Finbarr’s GAA club, has a law degree from UCC, where he joined Sinn Féin at the age of 18. He took a year off from his studies to work as national organiser for Ógra Sinn Féin..
  48. News: 2018-03-20 . Sinn Féin youth ard fheisin Derry this weekend . 2024-04-12 . Derry Journal . Ógra Shinn Féin Chair, Fintan Warfield said: “This is the largest gathering of young republicans on the island of Ireland..
  49. Web site: 2018-03-24 . Ógra Shinn Féin on X: "Newly elected Chairperson Aodhan Hamill & Vice-Chairperson Caolán McGinley with Martina Anderson MEP at today’s National Youth Congress #ÓSF18" . 2024-04-12 . twitter.com.
  50. Web site: Ó hAdhmaill . Aodhán . 2020-02-13 . Sinn Féin’s Youthquake . 2024-04-12 . tribunemag.co.uk . en-GB . Aodhán Ó hAdhmaill is the former chair of Ógra Shinn Féin, the party's youth wing, and represents the organisation on Sinn Féin's And Chomhairle..
  51. Web site: Jackson . Michael . 2022-02-16 . Caoimhín steps up to Council role as Stephen steps down . 2024-04-12 . Belfast Media Group . en . The National Chairperson of Ógra Shinn Féin has been selected to replace long-serving Colin Councillor Stephen Magennis on Belfast City Council. 22-year-old Caoimhín McCann will be formally co-opted onto the Council at its next meeting on March 1..
  52. News: Skillen . Rosalind . 2022-05-03 . Meet the new generation changing the face of Northern Ireland party politics . 2024-04-12 . BelfastTelegraph.co.uk . en-GB . 0307-1235 . Caoimhín McCann (22) was 16 when he joined Sinn Féin. As national chairperson of Ógra Shinn Féin and the party’s youngest councillor in Ireland, he believes that politics is hugely enhanced by young people.
  53. Web site: Ogra release Glor na nÓg. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220075707/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2007/04/gra-shinn-fin-launch-glor-na-ng.html. 20 February 2012.
  54. Web site: OSF launch Awaiting the Lark. Indymedia.ie. 8 December 2014.
  55. Web site: Rebel county launches awaiting the lark. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220075714/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2006/09/rebel-county-launches-awaiting-lark.html. 20 February 2012.
  56. Web site: Saoirse sit on City Hall. Ogra.150m.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140519061221/http://ogra.150m.com/06nov97-2.htm. 19 May 2014.
  57. Web site: Gardaí attack Sinn Féin Youth. Ogra.150m.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190327/http://ogra.150m.com/22oct98.htm. 3 March 2016.
  58. Web site: Vicious wave of Garda repression. Republican-news.org. 8 December 2014.
  59. News: Cork Examiner. Kicks and punches fly in riot at college.
  60. Web site: Police officers hurt in Sinn Féin Youth attacks on bases. Archives.tcm.ie. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110629075915/http://archives.tcm.ie/newrydemocrat/2001/12/11/story431.asp. 29 June 2011.
  61. Web site: 19 cops injured in Sinn Féin youth protests. Mail-archive.com. 8 December 2014.
  62. News: Sharrock. David. Sinn Féin mob attack towers. The Telegraph. 8 December 2014. London, UK.
  63. News: Omagh report to accuse police of bungling inquiry. The Independent. 8 December 2014. London, UK.
  64. Web site: Business attack blamed on Sinn Féin youth wing. 22 January 2002. Archives.tcm.ie. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110629110401/http://archives.tcm.ie/newrydemocrat/2002/01/22/story569.asp. 29 June 2011.
  65. News: Masked youths attack police station. BBC News. 8 December 2014.
  66. Web site: Republicans blamed for attack on Fermanagh police station. Archives.tcm.ie. 8 December 2014.
  67. Web site: Staff. Protest by Ogra Sinn Féin ends. 17 May 2003. Breakingnews.ie. 8 December 2014.
  68. Web site: Trinity welcomes Sinn Féin. Anphoblacht.com. 2010-12-05.
  69. News: The Celtic Tenors. Sinn Féin booted out of Trinity College. Independent.ie. 8 December 2014.
  70. Web site: Sinn Féin disrupt memorabilia sale. Indymedia.ie. 8 December 2014.
  71. Web site: Unknown. News report on the auction sale incident. Youtube.com. 8 December 2014.
  72. Web site: Fall From Orange Hall. Archives.tcm.ie. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110629075907/http://archives.tcm.ie/downdemocrat/2007/09/04/story3623.asp. 29 June 2011.
  73. Web site: OSF member injured. Indymedia.ie. 8 December 2014.
  74. Web site: Postboxes restored to original colour. Newsletter.co.uk. 2010-12-05.
  75. News: Green postbox MLA told to say sorry. Belfasttelegraph. Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. 8 December 2014.
  76. Web site: Ten arrested in Dublin fees protest. Ograshinnfein.blogspot.com. 8 December 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220075613/http://ograshinnfein.blogspot.com/2008/12/ten-arrested-in-dublin-fees-protest.html. 20 February 2012.
  77. Web site: Outcry over Nazi portrayal of Campbell. Colerainetimes.co.uk. 8 December 2014.
  78. News: Sinn Féin shows its Nazi side. Belfasttelegraph. Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. 8 December 2014.
  79. Web site: Unknown. ÓSF activist approached by PSNI to be an informer. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/tywST6s_odw . 2021-12-22 . live. YouTube. 8 December 2014.
  80. News: Anger at SF youth massacre visit. Belfasttelegraph. Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. 8 December 2014.
  81. Web site: Willie Frazer on Sinn Féin Youth. Victims.org.uk. 8 December 2014.
  82. News: Anger at massacre site over SF visit. Belfasttelegraph. Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. 8 December 2014.
  83. News: Sinn Féin goes ahead with visit to site of bombing. Irishtimes.com. 8 December 2014.
  84. Steven Moore, "Top Belfast Hotel hosts pro-IRA dinner", Sunday World, 17 January 2010.
  85. News: Protest staged at Government Buildings. RTÉ News. 8 December 2014.
  86. News: Gardai 'use batons' against Israeli embassy protesters. Irish Independent. 8 December 2014.
  87. http://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/22455 Protest by SFRY outside Israeli embassy