AN PHOBLACHT AUTUMN SCHOOL IN BAILE BHÚIRNE

AN PHOBLACHT AUTUMN SCHOOL IN BAILE BHÚIRNE

PHOTO: Seen at the inaugural “An Phoblacht” Autumn School held at Baile Bhúirne last weekend were Conor Murphy, M.P., M.L.A., Minister for Regional Development Six Counties, Clonakilty Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin and Raymond McCartney, M.L.A., who participated in the 52 day-long Hunger Strike in Long Kesh in 1980.

The inaugural “An Phoblacht” Autumn School took place at The Mills Inn, Baile Bhúirne over last weekend, with around 100 Sinn Féin members from throughout the country in attendance. D’oscail an scoil ar tráthnóna Dé h-Aoine, nuair a chuir an Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin ó Cloich na Coillte fáilte roimh gach duine. Peadar Ó Riada, son of famous composer, poet agus Gaelgóir, Seán, introduced the film “Mise Éire” which was watched by the crowd. The second session of the evening saw Northern Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, M.P., M.L.A. performing the official opening followed by “Eyewitness to History” which had Raymond McCartney, now a Sinn Féin M.L.A. at Stormont, speak about his experiences as a Republican P.O.W. in Long Kesh in the late 1970s and his participation in the 52 day long hunger strike in the autumn of 1980. Raymond described the physical, political and emotions of the period. Thosnaigh maidin Dé Satharn le díospóireacht faoi “An Gaeltacht”. Three speakers outlined their thoughts on the future of the Gaeltacht areas, followed by an open forum. The conclusion was that all other political parties have no strong commitment to the Gaeltachtaí or an Gaeilge. After this, the autumn school was addressed by economists, Michael Burke and Tom O’ Connor on the topic “The Case for an All Ireland Economy”, which again provided food for thought and good discussion. After lunch, Cork hurling goalkeeper Dónal Óg Cusack, Mary Lou McDonald and Cllr. Chris O’ Leary gave their thoughts on “What Kind of an Ireland do we want”. After the formalities were over, the visitors were treated to a historical tour of the local area, with dinner that night with Martin Ferris T.D. as guest speaker.

DIARMUID O’ NEILL COMMEMORATION

DIARMUID O’ NEILL COMMEMORATION

PHOTO: At the Vol. Diarmuid O’ Neill Commemoration in Timoleague last Sunday were from left: Shane and Eoghan O’ Neill (Diarmuid’s brother and father) along with Sinn Féin public representatives- Cllr. Henry Cremin, (Cork City), Cllr. Donnchadha Ó Seaghdha, (Skibbereen), Cllr. Noel Harrington, (Kinsale), Paul Hayes, (Clonakilty) who chaired proceedings, Cllr. Maurice Quinlivan, (Limerick City) who delivered the oration, Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy, M.P., M.L.A., (Crossmaglen), Cllr. Rachel McCarthy, (Bandon), Cllr. Willie O’ Regan, (Mayor of Mallow), Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, (Clonakilty), Cllr. Chris O’ Leary, (Cork City) and Mark O’ Neill a cousin of Diarmuid’s. Behind is Martin McCarthy, (Clonakilty), Flag bearer. (Photo: Donie Hurley)

The annual Vol. Diarmuid O’ Neill Commemoration organised by Clonakilty Sinn Féin Cumann took place at Timoleague Cemetery last Sunday which marked the 14^thanniversary since the 27 years old I.R.A. Volunteer was murdered by London Police. Chaired by Paul Hayes of the Árd Comhairle and the party’s General Election candidate, wreaths were laid on behalf of various branches of Sinn Féin, and a piper played a lament while the flag was lowered over the grave. Cllr. Maurice Quinlivan, from Limerick delivered the oration in which he remembered Diarmuid O’ Neill and the cause which led to his brutal killing. Cllr. Quinlivan pointed out that O’ Neill was under police surveillance for several months and could have easily been arrested at any time. However, the police instead shot him in cold blood as he surrendered at 4.30am on 23^rd September 1996. The orator went on to outline Sinn Féin plans for the upcoming election and calling on more people to get involved in the party. The ceremony concluded with the piper leading the crowd in Amhrán na bhFiann.