TIME IS ON THE SIDE OF NA FIANNA ÉIREANN !

The NFÉ fund-raiser , held last night (and this morning!) [Sat/Sun 6th/7th Feb 2010] in the 79′r pub in Ballyfermot was more of a success than the organisers were prepared for : extra chairs had to ‘borrowed’ (!) from the downstairs bar (and smuggled up as best as possible - extra headache for the RSF bouncers!) and ‘extra’ stage entertainment had been organised , a fact which the local organising committee kept secret as they knew they had more than the fill of the place as it was, from local people and, as such , there was no point in advertising the ‘extras’ any further afield , as there simply wouldn’t have been space available for an influx of ‘outsiders’!

Chris Carney.

Pato and Paddy.

Peter Kerins and Friends.

Crowd scene-at the start of the night!

As well as the ever-brilliant Pato Cullen , Peter Kerins and Friends were on stage for about an hour , as were Bruscar , Celtic Wing , Paddy Kennedy (’The Lonesome Whistler’!) and - sly dogs that they are for keeping this one ‘under wraps’ - the unbelievable Chris Carney, who again stunned all in the venue and even had the bar staff out on the floor , from behind the counter, to get a better vantage point.
Actually , at one point , I thought that the inclusion of Chris was going to lead to a fist fight between the local RSF crew and those from nearby areas , as the latter were heard loudly proclaiming , in earshot of the former, that , had they known that Chris was on the bill , they would have insisted that the entrance fee be ten Euro , not five !

5 of the 12 raffle prizes.

As well as that massive line-up on stage , the organisers had secured 12 items for the raffle : 2 bodhróns , 1 framed ‘Celtic Champions’-etched mirror , 1 ‘Seán South/Seán Glynn’ wood print , 1 Mayo Hunger-Strikers CD , 1 framed ‘Irish Freedom Fighters’-etched mirror , 2 republican-themed wall clocks , 1 framed Bobby Sands-etched mirror ,1 ‘Republican Resistance’ framed wood burn , 1 ‘Political Status For Political Prisoners’ framed wood burn and 1 bottle of ‘Highland Park’ whiskey. All items were won and claimed on the night , with three of them sold immediately by their ‘new owner’ and the money donated to Na Fianna Éireann - a surprising and wecomed extra ‘gift’ , gratefully received by the NFE reps present , one of whom - in full uniform - delivered a powerful and well-received statement from the stage in which he confirmed that the Na Fianna Éireann organisation would continue to do as it had done over the 101 years since its formation - ‘…to give its support to true and sincere republicans accepting , like them , no compromises..’ .

Pics of some of the rest of the prizes on the night …
‘Bobby Sands’ mirror.

‘Irish Freedom Fighters’ mirror.

‘Continuity’ wall clock.

Framed POW’s Portlaoise/Maghaberry wood print.

…and finally : a few words about an up-coming gig that will be held in the 79′r pub on Saturday May 8th 2010 - a Commemorative ‘Bobby Sands Ballad Session’ , featuring , amongst others , The Beermats, Pato Cullen and Paddy Sweeney, to remember the sacrifice of the 22 Irish Republicans that have died on hunger-strike between 1917 and 1981 ,for the Cause of Irish Freedom , has been organised by Republican Sinn Féin Poblachtach. Doors will open at 8.30pm , admission per person will be €5 and a “Monster Raffle” will be held on the night. We will publish more details about this event between now and then -

A Commemorative Hunger-Striker Ballad Session , for all 22 Irish Republican hunger strikers who died between 1917 and 1981 , will be held in the 79′r pub in Ballyfermot , Dublin , on Saturday 8th May 2010. More details later…

- thanks for reading!
Sharon.

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 !

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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 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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

A quick phone call to the person in charge confirms that , yes , there is in fact an incinerator and everything is destroyed by exposure to massive temperatures .

There is no history of raids as the drugs are transported , no reports of evidence going missing and no ‘mini-incinerations’ in the van on the way there . According to the official line , that is. But we’ve all heard tall tales before.

[END of ‘Where Do The Drugs Go ?’]
(Next - ‘Betrayal : State Gardai And a (P)IRA Informer’ , from 1997)

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).