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.