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RSF Defends Dr Jeanette Findlay
The chorus of denunciation by the unionist media against University of Glasgow lecturer Dr Jeanette Findlay for defending the right of Celtic fans to sing songs in support of the centuries old struggle of the Irish People against English colonial rule, is as sad as it is predictable.
Our songs of freedom carry a message not of bigotry or hate, but of survival, of a fight for freedom against tyranny and genocide and against bigoted legislators and despotic governments. This latest attack on our songs is morally wrong and is really just a cosmetic exercise to appease the bigots in Scottish society who would prefer that the Irish community in Scotland did not exist at all.
We trust that these same detractors would not wish to suggest that it is bigoted to sing songs like Flower of Scotland, Scots Wha Hae or the many other patriotic songs that depict the heroic struggles of Wallace and Bruce against English colonial oppression. Are these not “rebel” songs as well? Or are they only offensive when they are Irish?
Dr Jeanette Findlay was making her comments in her capacity as Celtic Trust chairperson in the context of the opposition of fans to former British defence secretary John Reid becoming Celtic chairman. It should be remembered that polls indicate the majority of Scots believe the British invasion of Iraq and the ongoing occupation of that country to be illegal and immoral. Consequently a significant section of Celtic fans do not believe that the decision to appoint Reid is in keeping with the ethos and traditions of the club.
Republican Sinn Fein fully endorses the legitimate sentiments expressed by Dr Findlay and defends the right of Celtic fans and the Irish community as the largest minority ethnic group in Scotland, to express itself culturally which includes the right to sing our songs of freedom. Therefore whilst we applaud all genuine initiatives aimed at tackling the scourge of religious sectarianism in Scottish society, we reject those forces that would seek to engage in anti Irish racism under the guise of opposing bigotry.
ENDS
www.rsfglasgow.com
23/11/07
Book to be launched about the Fenians in Scotland
A new book about the Irish Republican Brotherhood and other republican organisations in Scotland will be launched by the Irish in Scotland History Group in the Mid Hall of Langside Hall, Langside Avenue, Glasgow on Saturday December 15 from 10am to Noon. Admission is free.
Irish Republicanism in Scotland 1858-1916 is the first historical narrative of the Irish republican movement in Scotland and is the result of extensive research into a significant aspect of the hidden history of the Irish community. The book begins with a discussion of the Irish in Scotland, and follows the organisational birth and growth of the Irish revolutionary movement up to 1916.
The historian Dr Mairtin O’Cathain is the author of this major work and he will give a talk on the theme of the book followed by a question and answer session. The hardback and paperback editions of the book cost £27 and £12 respectively. To secure your copy, which can be collected at the launch, please email your request to: avonlea12000@yahoo.com
 14th October 2007
1820 Radical Rising Remembered
On 9 September members of the Francis Hughes Cumann of Sinn Fein participated with their banner and sold SAOIRSE at the annual 1820 Commemoration in Sighthill Cemetery in Glasgow. The event marked an event in Scottish history known as the 1820 Insurrection when secret radical societies planned a rising to establish democratic rights for Scottish workers and a Scottish Republic.
The rally was addressed by speakers from Glasgow City Council, the Scottish National Party and the Solidarity party. The SNP speaker Bill Kidd recalled the Scottish Radicals and emphasised the need to break up the British state which was recognised by James Connolly and John MacLean who believed that the struggle for national freedom and social justice were inextricable.
Through the role of agent provocateurs the leaders of the 1820 Insurrection rose prematurely and were defeated at the Battle of Bonnymuir in Stirlingshire. Subsequently 3 of them; Baird, Hardie and Wilson were executed and 20 of the Radicals were transported to Australia. Between 1797 and 1803 Irish immigrants were active in the United Scotsmen in order to assist the struggle for an Irish Republic. In 1816-20 most of the Irish workers who were involved in the political agitations in the west of Scotland were suffering as a result of the economic distress of the time and became convinced that only drastic political change would end their agony.
2nd October 2007
Death of Patron of Republican Sinn Féin
Statement by Republican Sinn Féin President Ruairí Ó Brádaigh
The death has taken place after a short illness of Republican Veteran
Dan Keating of Castlemaine, Co Kerry in his 106th year. Commenting on his
passing the President of Republican Sinn Féin Ruairí Ó Brádaigh said:
"One of the last, if not the last IRA Veteran of the Black and Tan
war, he was Patron of Republican Sinn Féin to the very day of his death and
an inspiration to all true Republicans."
Ends.
Dan Keating Biography:
  
Dan Keating
Eanáir/January 2, 1902 - Deireadh Fómhair/October 2, 2007
Life-long Irish republican and patron of Sinn Féin Poblachtach
The Francis Hughes Cumann, Sinn Féin Poblachtach - Glasgow extends its deepest sympathy to Dan's Family and all his comrades in the Republican Movement.
"Today Ireland has lost one of her bravest and finest sons, humble are we to follow in your steps." - An Irish Republican
Early life
Dan Keating was born and raised in the townland of Ballygamboon, Castlemaine, County Kerry. He received his education in local schools, including the Christian Brothers School in Tralee. In 1917, Dan went to work in Tralee at Jerry McSweeney's Grocery, Bar and Bakery where he did his apprenticeship. Jerry McSweeney's uncle, Richard Laide, was shot in the attack on Gortalea barracks which was the first barracks to be attackedin Ireland. During this time he became a skillful Gaelic football player in his native Kerry.
Republican Activity
Dan joined Na Fianna Éireann in Tralee in 1918 and about two years later he joined the Irish Republican Army. Others to join at that time were Gerry Moyles, Donnchadh Donoghue, Tommy Vale, John Riordan (Kerry All-Ireland footballer), Jerry O'Connor (better known as "Uncy"), Matt Moroney and Paddy and Billy Griffin.
In the meantime Dan met a soldier who used to frequent the bar where he worked and during conversations procured a rifle from him. This was then handed over to Johnny O'Connor of the Farmers' Bridge unit. Dan was later to join this unit which included men of the calibre of Johnny Duggan, Johnny O'Connor, Timmy Galvin, Moss Galvin, Jack Corkery, Jim Ryle, Mick Hogan and Jamesy Whiston. This unit was very active from 1920 to 1924 and many of its members took part in the Headford ambush which claimed the lives of approximately 20 British soldiers. Volunteers Danny Allman and Jimmy Baily also lost their lives at Headford.
Dan took part in the ambush at Castlemaine in which eight RIC and Black-and-Tans were killed. Gerry Moyles was severely injured in this encounter. The last ambush in Kerry took place in Castleisland on the night before the Truce and Dan also participated in this. Four RIC members were killed in this action and Volunteers Jack Shanahan, Jack Prenderville, John McMahon and John Flynn also lost their lives.
In 1922 Dan was transferred to a unit in Tralee which was commanded by Tommy Barton of Ballyroe when they occupied Ballymullen barracks for a period of three months. Dan took part in the attack on Listowel barracks, now occupied by the Free Staters, in which one Free Stater was shot dead.
In Limerick, Dan, along with comrades from Kerry, fought the Free State troops over a period of ten days. Republican Volunteers Patrick Foran, Charlie O'Hanlon and Tom McLoughlin lost their lives there, Dan was then sent to Tipperary to instruct Gerry Moyles to return to Kilmallock but on the way they were surrounded by Free Staters. After a battle at Two Mile Bridge Dan and his comrades were taken prisoner and held in Thurles barracks for two days before being conveyed to Portlaoise jail where he was held for six months. This was to be the first of many times Dan was interned by the Free State.
During this period in Portlaoise the jail was burned and Volunteer Paddy Hickey from Dublin was shot dead. Dan was then transferred to the Curragh Internment Camp and was held there until March 1923. a Free State soldier named Bergin from Nenagh, who became friendly with the Republican prisoners and acted as a courier to Republicans on the outside, was executed by the Staters.
Dan was charged with possession of a shotgun in 1930 and was issued a summons but did not attend court and was fined £1. In the true Republican tradition he refused to pay and was sent to Limerick and held for one week. During a court case in Tralee involving Johnny O'Connor and Mick Kennedy, in which they refused to recognise the court, their supporters in the courthouse cheered loudly and when things died down the judge ordered Dan Keating to be brought up before him and gave him three months for contempt. Dan was jailed in Cork with Johnny O'Connor but after a hunger strike by Johnny both were released after three weeks.
The next time Dan was interned was after O'Duffy's visit to Tralee; he was sentenced to six months in Arbour Hill. Dan was later captured in Carrigans in Clonmel by a policeman who had previously arrested him in Tralee and was taken first to Thurles and from there to the Curragh where he was held for three years and six months. In this period the camp was burned and Barney Casey from Longford was shot dead.
Dan was also on active service in England during the early 1940s.
Later Life
Dan returned to work in Dublin and operated as a barman in the Eagle House, James Street, the Cornet and the Kilmardenny public houses. Dan's other great interest was Gaelic games, and indeed between football and hurling he has attended more than 140 All-Ireland senior finals including replays, which must be a record in itself. When Dan retired he returned to Kerry in 1978 and resided at Ballygamboon, Castlemaine. In 2004 Dan Keating replaced George Harrison of Mayo and New York as the fourth Patron of Sinn Féin Poblachtach since 1986, following in the footsteps of such illustrious Republicans as Comdt-General Tom Maguire and Michael Flannery of Tipperary and New York. During his long, healthy and adventurous lifetime Dan has seen many splits and deviations from Republican principles, but he remained loyal and true to the end.
Dan Keating died in Tralee on October 2, 2007, after a short illness.
I measc Laochra na nGael go raibh sé
William Wallace Remembered
On Saturday 25th of August the annual commemoration was held to mark the 702nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Scotland’s patriot and hero William Wallace. Members of the Francis Hughes Cumann of Sinn Fein Poblachtach marched alongside Scottish Nationalists to the Wallace Memorial in his native Elderslie. At the memorial a rally was held at which several speakers recalled the words and deeds of the Liberator of the Scots and their relevance today.
The patriots of every land have acclaimed Wallace as their inspiration and model hero in the fight for freedom. His life was the textbook of the Ulster heroes of 1798 and it was fitting that in his address to an Easter Week Commemoration in Glasgow in 1926, the President of Sinn Fein, Father Michael O’Flanagan noted that: "The greatest man in the history of Scotland and the tradition of the people is not Andrew Carnegie but William Wallace".
Wallace was not inclined to compromise on matters of essential national importance. For him there could be no bending of the knee to a ruthless imperialism or ignoble bartering of principle. Today there is an SNP Government in Holyrood which has successfully completed its first 100 days in power. The election disclosed the latent strength of British unionism, amongst the public, the media and the political establishment and is the reason why the SNP is running a minority government. As we have seen the Liberal Democrats were not permitted by London to join the SNP in coalition unless it agreed to the dropping of its nationalist objectives. The SNP Government faces many challenges and dangers. The party hopes it can convince the people of its ability to govern successfully, contrary to the barrage of unionist propaganda which predicted disaster for Scotland if the Nationalists won.
As we know to our cost the Brits are ruthless and it is likely that nearer the end of the parliamentary term, they will unite to go in for the kill, probably on the issue of the Referendum Bill. Alex Salmond and his colleagues will use their skills to try and create the conditions under which the Scottish people will opt for independence. The SNP is only as strong as the people make it and freedom will come when the people not only demand it but also are prepared to fight for it. In the struggle that lies ahead, the people of Scotland have the magnificent example of Wallace to look to for inspiration.
Glasgow Republican Honoured
On the 16th of June a function was organised in Glasgow city centre for Jimmy Moore, a highly respected Republican from the Gorbals area of the city. Family, friends, comrades and former work colleagues filled the venue to be reunited with Jimmy who in recent years has been largely confined to his home due to a terminal illness.
Stephen Coyle, a friend and comrade of Jimmy’s for many years spoke of his pride in his County Cavan and County Monaghan roots. He talked of his deeply held socialist republican convictions and strong sense of duty. In particular he described how throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jimmy was to the fore in organising and providing practical assistance for the Republican and Republican Socialist POWs and their dependants.
In recognition of this sterling work two ex POWs, James Sweeney from County Donegal on behalf of Sinn Fein Poblachtach and Eddie McGarrigle from County Tyrone on behalf of the IRSP, presented Jimmy with inscribed prisoners’ crafts and a statue of the great Irish hero Cuculainn.
Stephen Coyle then called on Mairtin Christie of the Francis Hughes Cumann of Sinn Fein Poblachtach to read out a very moving message of support for Jimmy from Stephen Daly, the OC of the CIRA POWs in Maghaberry Gaol. To loud applause he reminded the crowd that the campaign by him and his comrades would continue until Political Status is fully restored.
Tommy Gorman, ex trade union convenor of Albion Motors in Scotstoun, where he laboured beside Jimmy for several decades, spoke of Jimmy’s active participation in various industrial disputes at the engineering works, before presenting him with a signed copy of the autobiography of working class socialist activist Hugh Savage.
The renowned folk singer Gerry MacGregor entertained the audience with a repertoire of rousing songs of protest and struggle from Ireland, Scotland and internationally. A raffle of prisoners’ crafts was held with the proceeds going to the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group. Everyone agreed that it was a memorable night and a most fitting tribute to a fine Republican.
9th April 2007
James Maley whose father was from County Mayo was born in the Calton district of Glasgow in 1908.
In 1932 James joined the Communist Party, emerging as a noted speaker at Glasgow Green. Walking along Argyle Street, trams tooted their horns, acknowledging a firebrand socialist. In 1936 James answered the call of the Spanish Republic after hearing La Pasionaria on the radio.
He was in action at the Battle of Jarama in February 1937, part of a heavy-machine-gun company, covering the retreat for three days. Captured and sentenced to 20 years, he was released in a prisoner swap.
James remained a committed socialist and internationalist to the end. The struggle for Irish freedom was particularly dear to him and he gave practical solidarity to the cause. In August 1985 at the age of 77 James was arrested whilst selling a pro Republican newspaper at an Irish demonstration in the Lanarkshire town of Carfin. He was subsequently charged under Section 2 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) that:
“He carried and displayed a document entitled ‘Ireland’s War’ in such a way and circumstances as to arouse reasonable apprehension that he was a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA, contrary to Section 2 of the PTA.”
He was held in custody over the weekend despite the lack of facilities to cater for someone of his age. His case was finally heard at Hamilton Sheriff Court on the Monday afternoon, where as well as being charged under the PTA, he was also charged with a Breach of the Peace. James pled not guilty to both charges and his trial was fixed for February 1986.
A campaign was mounted to have the charges against James dropped, and also in defence of the democratic right to free speech on Ireland. Within weeks of his arrest worldwide outrage and condemnation of this shameful act by the police and courts began to flood in. Support from Ireland was expressed by the Republican and Republican Socialist POWs.
James subsequently received a letter from the procurator Fiscal’s office stating that all charges against him were dropped. The police and courts had been defeated in their attempt to suppress support for the Irish Republican cause in Scotland and to silence free speech on Ireland.
James Maley passed away on 9 April as a result of pneumonia. The Francis Hughes Cumann of Sinn Fein Poblachtach in Glasgow extends its sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
His commitment to socialist republican ideals, international solidarity and the cause of a united and independent Ireland is an inspiration to all of us.
8th April 2007
On Easter Sunday 50 people including representatives of Glasgow’s Irish sporting and cultural bodies assembled at Pearse Park GAA ground in a ceremony chaired by Stephen Coyle on behalf of the Francis Hughes Cumann of Sinn Fein Poblachtach.
Padraig Og MacGiolla Uidhir read the Proclamation. The Republican Roll of Honour was read by Stephen Coyle who outlined the contribution made to the freedom struggle by John McIntosh, James Connolly, Charles Carrigan, Iain MacKenzie Kennedy and Peter Monahan who were all born in Scotland .
Sean Feeney of the Padraig Pearse Cumann of Conradh na Gaeilge recited a decade of the Rosary in Irish. Patrick McAleer of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann read the poem The Rebel.
The Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was read by Antoin Mac Piarais of the Francis Hughes Cumann. Joey Simmonds of Glasgow RPAG read a statement from the Republican POWs in Maghabery Gaol.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Ireland ’s patriot dead as the colour party dipped the flags. The well-known Glasgow folk singer Gerry MacGregor then read The Rhythm of Time by Bobby Sands. The proceedings concluded with the singing of Amhrain na bhFiann.
31st March 2007
On Saturday 31 March, 700 people marched through the centre of Edinburgh in support of Independence First, the campaign for an independence referendum for Scotland.
In an expression of solidarity with the cause of a free Scotland, members of Sinn Fein Poblachtach from Dublin and Scotland marched behind the banner of the local Francis Hughes Cumann. Many people expressed their appreciation at the presence of Irish Republicans on the march and a large quantity of copies of SAOIRSE was sold.
The march coincided with the latest opinion, the third in as many days to put the Scottish National Party ahead of Labour by a clear margin, suggesting it will be the biggest party in the Scottish Parliament after the elections on May 3.
The poll ratings are the best the SNP has ever enjoyed this close to an election and they have made party leader Alex Salmond confident enough to talk about a "new dawn" for Scotland and predict "absolute calamity" for the Labour Party.
http://picasaweb.google.com/wauchopelad/Independence0702
28th March 2007
The Francis Hughes Cumann of Sinn Fein Poblachtach will be joining the pro independence forces on in Edinburgh on Saturday on the Independence First March. The march kicks off at 1pm from East Market Street, assemble 12.30pm. March behind the Cumann banner. SAOIRSE and Easter Lilies will be on sale.
Britain out of Ireland - Scotland out of Britain!
This march will sharply contrast with the one last weekend in Edinburgh when more than 12,000 lumpen proletarian members and followers of the Orange Order commemorated the Act of Union.
http://www.independence1st.com
20 January 2007
Glasgow RPAG Calls for the Repatriation of Noel Maguire
At our meeting today, the members of the Glasgow branch of the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group agreed unanimously to support the repatriation to the Free State of Noel Maguire who is the only remaining Irish political prisoner still incarcerated in an English jail. We are concerned for the health and well being of Noel who despite having family in the 26 Counties has been refused repatriation.
Glasgow RPAG agreed to send letters of protest to the Free State Department of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Justice calling for them to reconsider their decision on the refusal to accept Noel Maguire’s repatriation so that he can be closer to his loved ones. We urge people to show their solidarity with Noel by writing to him c/o HMP Full Sutton, Stamford Bridge, York, YO41 1PS, England.
STATEMENT ENDS
20th January 2007
Glasgow RPAG Weekend of Action
On 20 January, as part of its ongoing campaign to publicise the plight of the protesting Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol, activists from the RPAG leafleted marchers attending the annual Bloody Sunday demonstration in Glasgow organised by Cairde na hEireann. In the afternoon a dozen RPAG activists handed out two thousand leaflets to Celtic fans going into the ground. On the following day the RPAG leafleted all of the several hundred participants on the West of Scotland Band Alliance march in Glasgow that was also organised to commemorate Bloody Sunday.
Glasgow RPAG spokesman, Antoin Mac Piarais commented, “The campaign in support of the 5 just demands of the prisoners is gaining momentum. We are very encouraged by the positive response we have received from the Irish community. There is a real concern that the Brits must not be allowed to continue in their efforts to isolate and criminalise the POWs. People remember the Hunger Strikes of 1980 and ’81 and can hardly believe that Republican prisoners are being denied political status today”.
Anyone interested in joining Glasgow RPAG and attending the monthly planning meetings should send an email to glasgowrpag@yahoo.com or phone 07867996246.
Saturday, 20th of January 2007
If you oppose the British Government’s attempts to criminalise the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol then get in touch with Glasgow Republican Prisoners Action Group. email to: glasgowrpag@yahoo.com or phone 078 6799 6246.
Leafleting of Celtic Fans
Activists from the Glasgow RPAG will distribute leaflets outside Celtic Park before the match in support of the Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol, on Saturday, the 20th of January.
17th January 2007
Republican Sinn Féin to picket Portlaoise prison
The Republican Sinn Féin POW Department will be placing a picket on Portlaoise prison on Saturday, January 20 between 2pm and 4pm. The picket is being held to coincide with a 24-hour fast by the Republican prisoners in Portlaoise. The fast by the Republican prisoners is in solidarity with the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry prison, outside Belfast, where the prisoners have been engaged in a protest campaign since June 2006 to secure their right to political status.
From the beginning of the protest in Maghaberry prison the Republican prisoners in Portlaoise have been holding one 24-hour fast on a weekly basis, alternating the days each week. The purpose of the picket by the Republican Sinn Féin POW Department is twofold, to publicly the thank the Portlaoise POWs for their act of solidarity with the POWs in Maghaberry and to bring to public attention the ongoing struggle by the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry prison for their right to political status, a right which was established due to the sacrifice of Bobby Sands and his nine fellow hunger strikers in the H Blocks of Long Kesh in 1981.
In 1998 the Provisionals in signing up to the Stormont Agreement signed that right away and lent their support to the British government’s criminalisation of Republican prisoners and by extension the ongoing struggle for Irish freedom. The Portlaoise picket is part of a nation wide campaign in support of the Maghaberry Republican POWs in rejecting this latest attempt by the British government to label “Ireland’s fight 800 years of crime.”
Ends.
21st October 2006
18th November 2006
On Saturday 18th of November, members of the Glasgow branch of the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group distributed over a thousand leaflets to fans going into Celtic Park at the Springfield Road and Janefield Street entrances to the ground. The response from the fans was positive and seven new members were signed up.
As part of an ongoing campaign of harassment by Strathclyde Police against Irish Republicans outside the ground, a member of Sinn Fein Poblachtach who was selling SAOIRSE and distributing RPAG leaflets had a leaflet and copy of the paper confiscated and his personal details taken. The incident has been logged with a solicitor. The Glasgow branches of RSF and RPAG refuse to be intimidated and will continue to publicise the Prison Protest in Maghaberry outside Celtic Park.
Republican Prisoners Action Group now have a branch in Glasgow. The branch is up and running following yesterdays launch. A report of the launch will appear shortly. Thanks to all who attended and those who helped out with the leafleting at Celtic Park to highlight the plight of the Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry. For details of how you may join and find out information on the prisoners contact us at onlyourrivers@yahoo.co.uk or rsfglasgow@yahoo.co.uk. A contact number for Glasgow RPAG will be listed shortly. Glasgow RPAG also have a web site in order that info and comments can be left. The site is at http://www.freewebs.com/rpag-glasgow/.
12th October 2006
Planned Launch of Glasgow RPAG
Irish Republicans in Glasgow plan to launch a branch of the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group on the 21st of October in response to the critical situation in Maghaberry Gaol where 38 Republican POWs are engaged in a prison protest.
The Republican POWs have the following 5 demands:
1. Free Association
2. End to Controlled Movement
3. Right to full time education
4. Separate visiting facility
5. Right to organise our own landings
The Prison Protest will continue until these demands are addressed and the necessary changes are implemented. Support for the POWs is growing at home and abroad despite media censorship.
The POWs are relying on the Irish people to back them in their protest for humane conditions and the restoration of political status. We appeal to the Irish community and people who believe in justice in Scotland to support the 5 just demands of the POWs.
If you oppose the British Government’s attempts to criminalise the POWs then offer practical assistance by coming along to the launch. Email rsfglasgow@yahoo.co.uk for full details of the launch.
9th August 2006
Statement from the MacCurtain/McSwiney Cumann - Corcaigh
Vigil in support of Republican Prisoners and the Lebanese and Palestinian Peoples.
Solidarity was shown when about 120 people turned out at 2pm on Saturday August 5th at Daunt Square in Cork for a vigil to highlight the continuing attempts at the criminalisation of Republican Prisoners in Maghaberry and in solidarity with the Lebanese and Palestinian people, in opposition to the widespread and devastating Israeli military attacks on civilians.
The vigil for Political Status was organised by the MacCurtain/McSwiney Cumann of Republican Sinn Fein Cork, and the RPAG (Republican Prisoners Action Group), whose members were in attendance. This was done in association with the vigil for the Lebanese and Palestine Peoples organised by AntiWarIreland, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the IAWM, the attendance was diverse, and included members of a variety of left-wing groups.
Hundreds of leaflets were handed out, highlighting the present conditions in Maghaberry and the continuing protest for Political Status, which after been won by the sacrifices of ten brave men in 1981 has been removed by the British Government and those who signed the failed 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
The reaction from passers by was positive.
Other leaflets from the IAWM calling for workplace and trade union 'blacking' of Israeli goods were also given out.
Republican POW’s in Maghaberry have been engaged in a prison protest since 19th June 2006 and there are now over thirty POW’s on the protest. They are fighting to improve conditions for segregated prisoners in Maghaberry who are in effect being punished for exercising their right to segregation from non-political prisoners. They are demanding that their 5 demands be addressed.
- RIGHT TO FREE ASSOCIATION
- END TO CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
- RIGHT TO FULL TIME EDUCATION
- SEPARATE VISITING FACILITY
- RIGHT TO ORGANISE OUR OWN LANDINGS
POW’s in Portlaoise have been acting in solidarity with their comrades in Maghaberry during the prison protest
The POW’s are relying on the Irish people to stand with them in their fight to improve conditions and ultimately to win back Political Status. The Irish people have never failed POW’s in the past and we have faith that they will not fail them now.
These men are prisoners of war due to the continued illegal occupation of the six counties by England and deserve to be treated as such.
- 1981: They were political prisoners then
- 2006: They are political prisoners now.
Help end the prison struggle; support the Republican POWs. Political status is a right not a privilege. This issue cannot be ignored any longer, it must be dealt with and these demands must be addressed.
ENDS
4th August 2006
RPAG CONDEMNS SNIFFER DOG TORTURE
The Republican Prisoners’ Action Group views with deep concern the continuing abuse of the passive drugs ("sniffer") dog in Maghaberry Gaol. In light of the fact that no drugs have ever been discovered either amongst Republican prisoners or their visitors, it is clear that this measure is simply punitive in nature.
It has been brought to our attention that two Republican POWs have been denied open visits due to alleged "detections" by the dog. One of the prisoners has been refused visits every second week, whereas the other prisoner has been denied his last three visits – by different family members. The end result of this harassment is that he has not received a visit for over a month.
The RPAG believes that this amounts to nothing less than psychological torture of the POWs. We reiterate our call for the removal of the so-called "drugs" dog, and for the concession of the protesting prisoners’ five demands.
ENDS
27th July 2006
Press Release/Preas Ráiteas
Republican Prisoners' Action Group
Maghaberry Protest Continues
Republican POWs in Maghaberry Gaol will embark upon a 24-hour fast from Noon on Thursday until Noon on Friday as part of their ongoing protest for political status.
Their demands include the right to free association; an end to controlled movement; the right to full-time education; segregated visits, and the right to organise their own wing.
Whilst political status was signed away by agents of the English government under the terms of the Stormont Agreement, the Republican Prisoners’ Action Group (RPAG) asserts that it remains the right of Republican POWs. The RPAG calls on the Irish people to support the just demands of the POWs!
ENDS
Monday, 11 July 2006
REPUBLICAN PRISONERS NEED YOUR SUPPORT
The Francis Hughes Cumann of Republican Sinn Fein (Glasgow) gives its full support to the 38 Republican POWs in Maghaberry Prison who are protesting for better conditions and the restoration of political status. They are demanding: free association, an end to controlled movement, the right of access to full time education, a separate visiting facility and the right to organise their own landings. The POWs have made it clear that they will continue the protest until their just demands are implemented.
It is tragic that Republican POWS are forced to take on the British government because political status which was won by Bobby Sands and his nine comrades in the H Blocks of Long Kesh twenty-five years ago, has been removed under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement
In Glasgow thousands of people marched recently to commemorate the ten H - Block Martyrs who died in 1981 in opposition to the efforts of the British government to criminalise the Republican prisoners and the freedom struggle. Today the issues are no different and we call upon those same marchers and everyone who believes in justice in Scotland to support the campaign for the restoration of political status. Help to avert another tragedy and stop this latest attempt by the British government to brand “Ireland’s fight 800 years of crime”.
The mainstream media is deliberately ignoring the prison protest. You can help to break the silence by publicising the plight of the prisoners and by attending planned events in support of their just demands. For updated statements from the POWs and the Republican Prisoners Action Group, log on to the website of the Francis Hughes Cumann of Republican Sinn Fein at www.rsfglasgow.com.
PRO
Francis Hughes Cumann
Republican Sinn Fein
Glasgow
Website: www.rsfglasgow.com
ENDS
20th June 2006
RSF supports protest action by prisoners in Maghaberry
Statement by Ruairi O Bradaigh, President, Republican Sinn Fein
Republican Sinn Fein declares its support for the protest action of the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry Prison, Co Antrim commenced on June 19.
In this 25th anniversary year of the H-Block hunger strike, the British government must not be allowed to go back down the road of attempting to criminalise Republicans while they treat them in an inhumane manner.
In addition to 21 and 23 hour lock-up on alternate days there are constant strip searches. Prisoners are made to choose between daily exercise and education. They are denied facilities to enable them to organise their own education.
The prisoners seek the right to free association on their own landings and an end to "controlled movement". They are abused by the use of sniffer dogs to harass their visitors and themselves.
Safe and secure visits are denied, Family visitors are exposed to loyalist visitors and the prisoners themselves are exposed to loyalists while going to and from legal visits.
Since Republican prisoners secured separation from loyalist and ordinary prisoners some years ago, they have been targeted for special reduced conditions. The mistakes of the past must not be repeated in 2006.
ENDS
June 19, 2006
A local member of the Ard-Chomhairle of Republican Sinn Féin was arrested and taken to Antrim police barracks when the RUC/PSNI conducted a series of raids on homes in Co Fermanagh on Monday morning, June 19.
The man arrested is Michael Lavelle of Donagh, Lisnaskea, who was held with his wife and son in 2003 on charges which later collapsed but not before he had spent nine months in prison on remand.
In his case the members of his family were all put out on the street while the house was minutely searched.
In another case in the Lisnaskea area, the man of the house had already left for work and the family were all herded into one room while the house was ransacked. No supervision of the raid was permitted in either case.
Seized were a computer and all documents and papers dealing with family finances and the finances of the business in which the man of the house is engaged.
In both of these cases the family solicitor has been engaged and is attend ing to the matter.
Republican Sinn Féin regards this raiding and arresting as gratuitous harassment. The name of the RUC may have changed but otherwise these aspects of British rule remain the same.
Members of the Francis Hughes are proud and honoured to have attended this years annual Wolfe Tone Commemmoration in Co Kildare.
Oration at Wolfe Tone Commemoration, Bodenstown, June 11, 2006 by Dr Seán Maguire, Mayo, son of the late Comdt-General Tom Maguire, last faithful survivor of the Second (All-Ireland) Dáil Eireann.
A cháirde
"We have come to the holiest place in Ireland: holier to us than the place where Patrick sleeps in Down. Patrick brought us life, but this man died for us. And though many before him and some since have died in testimony of the truth of Ireland's claim to nationhood, Wolfe Tone was the greatest of all that have died for Ireland whether in old time or in new. He was the greatest of Irish nationalists. I believe he was the greatest of Irish men. And if I am right in this I am right in saying that we stand in the holiest place in Ireland and that the holiest sod of a Nation's soil is the sod where the greatest of her dead lies buried."
That is the first paragraph of the address delivered by Pádraig Pearse at this spot on June 12, 1913.
Pearse spoke again in Glasnevin Cemetery on August 1915 at the grave of another unconquerable man, Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa. During that address he said, "Our foes are strong and wise and wary but strong and wise and wary as they are they cannot undo the miracles of God who ripens in the hearts of young men the seeds sown by the young men of another generation."
Pearse continued: "Life springs from death and from the graves of patriot men and women spring living nations."
At Wolfe Tone's grave we are at the source of all the seeds sown by all the generations and we have the unbroken sequence of loyalty and faithfulness to Tone's teaching right down to the present day.
Tone had a close friend and comrade, Thomas Russell, a Cork Protestant who is remembered in the famous ballad as "The Man from God Knows Where". He was interned without trial in the 1790s and was with Emmet who sent him to the North to organise the 1803 Rising there.
Those are the first three links in the chain, Tone, Russell and Emmet. Michael Dwyer carried on in Co Wicklow.
Thomas Davis, the Young Irelander, visited Bodenstown and found Tone's grave unmarked but guarded by the local blacksmith who would allow nobody to set foot on it. The blacksmiths were one group who suffered excessively in '98 because it was they who made the pikes. Through the blacksmiths we have the connection and sequence with the local people - unbroken all the time.
Tone was captured on a French warship in Lough Swilly, brought to Dublin and sentenced to death. While he was awaiting execution his captors made a botched attempt to cut his throat and tried to brand him as a suicide, a travesty which I do not believe. They tried to destroy his character as well as his body. They adopted the same manoeuvre with Roger Casement later on.
When Tone's body was released for burial an attempt was made to keep the people away. It failed. The people would not tolerate his body being hijacked. The same treatment was given to Terence Mac Swiney. His funeral was hijacked also and we saw the same in our own day in the case of Frank Stagg.
Davis, a Young Irelander, was here. The Fenians were here and that brings us to Pearse as I have said already.
We know that Pearse's faithful disciples, Liam Mellows, Brian O'Higgins, Mrs Margaret Buckley and Miss Mary MacSwiney, Seán Russell and Dáithí Ó Conaill, among others, spoke here.
Pearse proclaimed the Republic at Easter 1916. The Proclamation was ratified by the people in the 1918 election and the deputies assembled in the Mansion House in January 1919. This was the First Dáil Éireann. It was the functioning sovereign Parliament of the 32 Counties.
There was another election in 1921 which elected the Second Dáil Éireann. There were six women elected to it. The members - Teachtaí Dála - swore to defend the Republic against all enemies foreign and domestic. The term Dáil Éireann by definition refers to the sovereign parliament of the 32 County United Ireland. The present occupants of Leinster House call themselves the 29th Dáil Éireann when in fact they are the 27th 26-County Assembly.
The second Dáil Éireann voted on the Treaty of 1921 and by a majority of seven voted to accept that Treaty which would give them a Home Rule type of government with the King of England at its head. Those who voted for the Treaty reneged on their oath which was freely given and thereby committed perjury which was and is a poor foundation for any enterprise and signs on them. None of the six women voted for the Treaty.
The faithful members of the Second Dáil continued the sequence that had been legitimately established and kept their unbroken links and sequence back to Wolfe Tone. They continued to strive to achieve his motto "to break the connection with England, the never-failing source of all our political evils and to unite Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter".
Permit me an interesting deviation. In 1973 Brian Inglis wrote a book on Roger Casement. The book was reviewed by AJP Taylor, Professor of History at Oxford University. This is what he wrote, "Here is Casement's message for the present day. There is no Irish problem without solution. The problem that had marked Ireland for centuries is the British presence in Ireland. That problem can only be solved by British withdrawal." That is an independent Englishman's opinion.
Having reneged on the Republic the Free State assembly attacked the faithful Republican forces in the Four Courts and released the Free State Reign of Terror.
The Republican Sinn Féin members of the Second Dáil continued to meet and organise but life was not easy and numbers began to diminish as deaths took place. In 1938 at a Sinn Féin meeting Miss Mary MacSwiney proposed that the authority of the Second (All-Ireland) Dáil be passed on to the Army Council of the Irish Republican Army. This is a procedure recognised in international law that when a legitimate government is under attack it may pass on its powers.
The speaker here at Bodenstown in 1930 was one of the faithful members who voted for Miss MacSwiney's motion. He lived on to become the last faithful survivor of the Second (All-Ireland) Dáil Éireann. In 1969 he endorsed the Provisional Movement but when the Provisionals reneged and became a partitionist party that endorsement was promptly withdrawn in 1986. He recognised and endorsed the Continuity Movement as the successors of the 1938 leadership and consequently as successors to the Second (All-Ireland) Dáil Éireann and the lineal descendants of 1916, 1867, 1848, 1803 and 1798, right back to Wolfe Tone.
One of the arguments in favour of accepting the Treaty of Surrender is that the Irish Republican Army would be unable to carry on the fight any longer. Dom Brian Murphy OSB in his book Patrick Pearse and the Lost Republican Ideal refuted this theory and quotes from leaders in the south and west and he also quotes a memorandum from the British Commander, General Macready, to the British Cabinet, written on May 23, 1921: "I am convinced that by October unless a peaceful solution has been reached, it will not be safe to ask the troops to continue there another winter under the conditions which obtained during the last."
The 25th anniversary of the Belfast hunger strike is with us and those who reneged on Republicanism and became Stormont parliamentarians tell us that the hunger strikers were the beginning of their moves to accept the Good Friday surrender. Who do these people think they are that the can deceive people into their way of thinking. No matter how often Mr Adams and his hangers-on perform the Pontius Pilate manoeuvre and wash their hands in public they will convince nobody that Bobby Sands and his comrades died on hunger strike rather than wear a prison uniform no more than he died on hunger strike in order that young men and women could join the RUC/PSNI and wear a peeler's uniform.
Participation in a partition parliament attempts to deny the sovereignty of the Irish people. Sovereignty is unalienable and cannot be voted away no matter how great the majority.
The referendum which purports to withdraw the claim to the Six Counties is invalid because the Six Counties are an integral part of the ancient Irish nation. The Six Counties are as much part of Críoch Fodhla as any other county.
Mr Adams must try again because to quote an American aphorism you can't fool all the people all the time. My only comment is what Pearse said: "Let no man blaspheme the cause that the dead generations of Ireland served." We can trace back through all the years and all the vicissitudes right back to Wolfe Tone. The chain is unbroken and it now behoves us as faithful inheritors of a glorious past to pass on our inheritance clean and unsullied to our children and grandchildren and generations yet to come.
Let the generations be able to look back on us and say they were faithful and they left us a priceless legacy.
We saw that Thomas Russell and his comrades were prisoners during the 1790s and now today we have Republicans held as prisoners in both partitioned areas of our country. We send them our warmest greetings and we will remain faithful to the principles for which they are suffering.
20.04.06
Brits "PUNISH " Republican in jail’s for wearing an Easter Lilly
A republican prisoner in a Co Antrim jail has been refusing food and water after being thrown into the prison’s punishment unit for wearing an Easter lily.
Belfast man Terry McCafferty refused food and water yesterday after officials at Maghaberry Prison sentenced him to several days in the prison’s punishment block.
Known as the Special Supervision Unit by prison authorities and “the boards” by inmates, the punishment unit is the only part of the high-security prison not covered by closed-circuit television.
A second prisoner who wore an Easter lily, Paddy O’Mahoney, had his transfer to the punishment block delayed yesterday. It is understood the Co Cork man is considering making an application through his legal representatives for a judicial review into the prison service’s decision to punish him.
Both men were confined to their cells at Roe House last Sunday after trying to enter the main prison wing while wearing Easter lilies. The men were forced to go without food for two days after refusing to remove the lilies before entering the wing.
The men’s solicitor, John Finucane of Kevin Winters and Company, said: “We would have major concerns about the development and we are dealing with it.
“We have consulted with both the men. A letter was dispatched to the prison authorities, the prison governor and the NIO expressing our concerns and we have yet to receive a formal response.
“At this stage, we are considering legal remedies to protest the privileges and rights of the men.”
Paddy Murray of the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association blasted the decision to punish the men for wearing Easter lilies.
“It’s unacceptable in this day and age. In Dublin, people wore Easter lilies to last weekend’s commemoration. Is the only place in the 32 counties that you can’t wear an Easter lily Maghaberry jail?
“It is accepted that people can wear the poppy and the shamrock but not an Easter lily. Prison staff wear a poppy for almost a month, so where is the parity of esteem here? It is important that people know that this is going on and this is not something that finished with the blocks.
“There were 26 people on the wing with lilies but these two men were singled out for special treatment. It’s a segregated wing so there aren’t even any loyalists on it.”
A spokesperson for the prison service said the men were being punished for a “breach of standing order 13/11 for wearing an Easter lily outside their cell”.
Article courtesy of RSF Cork
Easter Commemoration 2006
Glasgow 1916 Rising Commemoration
In bright sunshine a large crowd including representatives of Glasgow’s Irish cultural and sporting bodies, gathered at Pearse Park GAA ground in a ceremony chaired by RSF's Glasgow PRO on behalf of the Francis Hughes Cumann of Sinn Fein Poblachtach. The Proclamation was then read out to the crowd. The Republican Roll of Honour for Scotland was then read by a veteran republican.
This was followed by the laying of a wreath at the Pearse monument. A decade of the rosary was the recited by a member Cumann of Conradh na Gaeilge, this being recited in Irish. A member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann then recited The Rebel by Padraig Pearse.
A spirited reading of the Easter Statement from the Leadership of the Republican Movement was then read out.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Ireland’s patriot dead with the dipping of the Flag by the colour party.
In recognition that this is the 25th anniversary year of the 1981 Hunger Strikes, the chairperson called for the reading of The Rhythm of Time by Bobby Sands.
The proceedings concluded with the singing of Amhran Na bhFiann.
On Easter Monday a wreath was laid on the grave of James Maguire in St Kentigern’s Cemetery, Glasgow. Maguire who was a native of Derrygonnelly in County Fermanagh, was part of a contingent of 50 Irish Volunteers from Scotland who went to Dublin to participate in the Easter Rising.
An Phoblacht Abu!
News: 16.01.06
Irish in Scotland Newsgroup
Several Irish community groups in Glasgow have pooled their resources to compile a news group of over 300
people.The news group will let everyone know of events in Scotland that are of interest to our community and
friends.
In the first news letter we have info on the 5th Jimmy Mc Hugh Memorial concert this Saturday in Woodside
Halls.He was a famous fiddler.Also as part of Celtic connection - a night of tribute to Glasgow Irish music
in the Oran Mor at the junction of Byres Road and Great Western Road. Also 'Young Comhaltas' are playing
the concert Hall in 2 weeks time.We also have details of a new Irish set dancing class for adults to start
in Govanhill on 25th January.Set dancing has swept Irish communities the world over and is different from
ceili dancing so it is just starting in Glasgow now is a good time to get invoved as everyone is a beginner.
You can also read about the Gaelic league's 'oiche bhrid' on Saturday 28th of January in Langside Halls.
This night is a mixture of song and dance with the old Irish craft of making St. Bridget's Crosses from
rushes - come along and learn how.
If you would like a copy of the Newsgroup's newsletter contact irish.inscotland@ntlworld.com and we will send
an electronic copy.
News:
The Irish Tricolour
We have become used to media commentators and politicians in Scotland making references to the Irish Tricolour as being a 'symbol of hate' and a 'sectarian flag' ad nauseum. However, comments like these only show these people up for their ignorance and intolerance, and gives offence to the Irish in Scotland. This attitude sharply contrasts with the experiences of other immigrant groups that are rightly encouraged to be positive about their roots and culture. One only has to look at the origins of the Tricolour to fully appreciate its progressive and non-sectarian significance.
The Young Ireland leader Thomas Francis Meagher, visited France in 1848 to congratulate the leaders there on their revolution, and returned to Ireland with a tricolour flag presented to him by the French. It was later adopted by Patrick Pearse and the Irish Volunteers and thus became the flag of Ireland. Though more important than any flag is what goes under it, the Irish tricolour has a clear meaning, which those who first thought of it, meant it to symbolise and declare. The three colours are equally essential. Green had become associated with the Gaelic Catholic element in Ireland, which had given the country such leaders as Father Murphy, Lawlor, Stephens, and the Manchester Martyrs. The Orange stood for protestantism which had given Ireland Tone, Mitchell, Emmet and Henry Joy McCracken. But between them was the White. This meant not merely peace between the two sections. It was the colour of Republicanism or Jacobinism as it was called. This was summarised in the words "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity". The Irish flag meant that provided you have liberty, equality and fraternity, there can be permanent peace between Orange and Green. During the 'Civil War' which followed the Treaty in 1921, there was a tendency for supporters of the Irish Free State including the catholic Ancient Order of Hibernians, to employ a green, white and yellow (or gold) tricolour, associated with the papal colours of white and yellow. Republicans strongly opposed this practise which was thankfully discontinued. The Irish people at home and abroad can defend the Irish Flag with pride.
10th December 2005
Cilmeri - Solidarity from Celtic Cousins
Message of support from Republican Sinn Fein to the Cilmeri Rally on the Anniversary of the death of Prince Llewelyn, 10 December 2005.
A chomrádaithe/comrades,
Although we cannot be present today at the Cilmeri Stone to honour a great Welsh Patriot, you can rest assured that as Irish Republicans and fellow Celts we are with you in spirit.
Both our Celtic Nations have borne the brunt of centuries of Anglo imperialism including the attempted destruction of our identities. The late DJ Williams,
that redoubtable Welsh cultural freedom fighter once stated:
‘Without language and culture, a people cease to exist. You are fighting against the destruction of people’s minds which is, in the long run, more genocidal than physical destruction, since to destroy a people’s language is to tear and trample on their identity, their individuality, to cut them off from their history and separate them from their forefathers’. Wales has suffered a terrible cultural genocide, yet all is not lost. History has taught us that the ideal of the noblest in each generation ultimately
prevails. You who are assembled here today represent the unbought Welsh who have proudly kept alive the indomitable spirit of Llywelyn Ein Llyw Olaf which has animated subsequent generations of outstanding Patriots who have tread your long march to freedom including Julian Cayo Evans, Denis Coslett and Tony
Lewis.
We support you in your noble struggle for Welsh freedom and look forward to the day when our Six Nations, once more free from the shackles of imperialism, can join together in brotherhood a part of a Celtic league.
Fi Godwin Ni Eto!
Tiochfaidh Ar La!
International Relations Bureau/Roinn Gnóthaí
Idirnáisiúnta
Click on link for reports and photographs
www.freewebs.com/balchder/index.htm
9th December 2005
Statement:
" The Francis Hughes Cumann of Republican Sinn Fein deplores the actionsyesterday of the "Irish President"
Mary McAleese in meeting with the British Queen on Irish soil.
Further, the planned invitation by the Irish government to invite the Brit Queen to Ireland, Dublin in the near future (possibly sometime in early or mid 2006) will be met with strong and determined opposition and demonstration to this enagement, as being a further sign by the Irish government of the "normalisation and acceptance unquestioningly of "British occupation and rule in the occupied six counties.
RSF Glasgow condemn totally the actions of the Free State government in pursuing this course of action, and striving to cowtow to the Brits both politically and economically. I can only assume that when the Brit Queen is in Dublin and the national anthem is played, the words being sung by the Free Staters will change from " Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland", will change to something that does not mention the 800 years of tyranny and occupation.
Should the visit in 2006 go ahead RSF Glasgow will demonstrate in the strongest terms our opposition to the Brit Queen in Ireland. Free Staters have been warned"
Francis Hughes Cumann Republican Sinn Fein Glasgow.
NEWS:
19th November 2005
O BRÁDAIGH ANSWERS DAILY IRELAND REPORTS
IN A letter published in the Belfast newspaper Daily Ireland on November 19, Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, President, Republican Sinn Féin, said: "In spite of all the dire predictions by Daily Ireland, Republican Sinn Féin had a most successful Centenary Ard-Fheis on November 12 and 13. Attendance was higher than ever, the age profile lower, there were no splits and no pickets other than the usual accostings of delegates and visitors by the 26-County Special Branch.
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