SINN FÉIN SCOIL SAMHRAIDH THIS WEEKEND

The second annual Sinn Féin Scoil Samhradh (Summer School), takes place this weekend in Baile Bhúirne, and all local members and supporters as well as the general public is welcome to attend. 

The organisers have put in a massive effort this year, and have secured some very notable speakers. 

The conference kicks off on Friday evening with Kerry Cllr. Toireasa Ferris chairing the debate, “13 years on from the Good Friday Agreement – the future of Loyalism”, which will be addressed by Frankie Gallagher - loyalist politician and chief spokesman for the UDA linked Ulster Political Research Group. 

Afterwards what promises to be a fascinating hour or so entitled, “Eyewitness History”, which will focus on the Hunger Strike of 1981. (Coincidentally, Friday 8th is the 30th anniversary of IRA Vol. Joe McDonnell on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh). Danny Morrison who was centrally involved outside the prisons, Leo Green who was on the 1980 hunger strike for 53 days, and Seán Kelleher from Bandon who was the Anti H Block candidate in West Cork in June 1981. 

On Saturday morning, Meath TD, Peadar Tóibín, will chair the session entitled, “The need for a New Revival”, and will have speakers including:- Minister Carál Ní Chuilín; Artist Robert Ballagh; former Cork footballer Jimmy Barry Murphy and Aidan Breathnach. 

After lunch the keynote address will be delivered by Gerry Adams, TD, and for the afternoon, the economy will dominate proceedings in the session titled- “Dealing with the debt crisis  - Progressive Alternatives to Austerity and Bank Bailouts”. This will feature some notable speakers including: Pearse Doherty TD, Sinn Féin Dáil Finance spokesperson; Huginn Freyr Thorsteinsson - Political Advisor to the Finance Minister of Iceland; Yanis Varoufackis - Professor of Economics University of Athens; Tom McDonnell – Policy Analyst TASC; Jack O’Connor - General President of SIPTU and Mary Smithwick - Assistant News Editor and Political Editor for the “Evening Echo” newspaper.

The formalities of the evening will conclude when SF Vice President, Mary Lou McDonald, TD will deliver the after dinner speech.

Anyone wishing to attend any or all of the weekend sessions, should make contact with their local SF rep.