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Last Updated  05/09/2023


Hunger  Strikes Remembered

Take me home to Mayo -- the 70s

Both the hunger-strike deaths of the seventies took place in prisons in England. The first, on Monday 3rd June 1974, was Michael Gaughan of Ballina, County Mayo, followed almost two years later by another Mayo man, Frank Stagg of Hollymount, on Thursday 12th February 1976. Michael Gaughan was one of the earliest IRA Volunteers to be imprisoned in England in this phase of the struggle, being sentenced to seven years at the Old Bailey in London, in December 1971, for his part in a bank raid. He spent the first two years of his prison sentence in Wormwood Scrubs in London and then was moved to the Isle of Wight's top security prisons first, Albany, and then, in 1974, to Parkhurst. Among the other Irish political prisoners there at that time was Frank Stagg, sentenced with other IRA Volunteers in Coventry the previous November, to ten years' imprisonment, on the vacuous charge of conspiracy to cause explosions

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Easter Rising Commemoration and Flannery Testimonial Report

On an initially rainy Sunday, April 23, 2023 Irish Republicans gathered to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising at the grave of modern Fenian and Cumann na Saoırse Náısıúnta co-founder Joe Stynes in Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, New York.

Master of ceremonies Jane Enright opened the program by inviting Michael Costello to read Forógra na Poblachta. A reading of the Easter Statement from the Republican Movement in Ireland followed by Suzanne Heller.

Joe Flaherty gave a stirring rendition of Padraig Pearse’s 1915 Oration at the grave of Ó Donavon Rossa followed by John Fletcher who recited the Proclamation in English.

Martin Costello delivered the Easter Statement from the Irish Republican Movement in America, followed by Byron Heller who closed out the graveside program by reading the late Brıan Mor’s “The Fenian Faith.”

The group reconvened at nearby Keane’s restaurant for the Flannery Testimonial portion of the program. The late Michael and Juliana “Julie” Williams of Linden, New Jersey were honored with the 2023 Michael and Pearl Flannery Spirit of Freedom Award for their lifetime commitment and support for Republican ideals. The award was accepted by their children Patrick (CnSN executive committee member), Joseph and Siobhán.

Members and supporters of Cumann na Saoırse Náısıúnta finished the morning program by enjoying a traditional Irish breakfast buffet and camaraderie.

Críoch


The 2023 Cabhair Honorees

 

CABHAIR, The Irish Republican Prisoners’ Dependent’s Fund, will recognize Liam Murphy from Irvington, New York, as the 2023 honoree from the United States. The Testimonial event will take place in Wynn’s Hotel, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 1-6pm, where presentations will be made to the honorees. Each of the five awards will celebrate the lives and contributions to the Irish Republican movement by honorees from each of the four Irish provinces and one from the United States. 

Many of you have supported the families of Irish POWs in the past, and for that, we and they are most grateful. Over 100 years after the Easter Rising, there are still Irish Republicans at risk of harassment and prison sentences in British and Irish jails; They and their dependents need our support. Please help us support them by taking an ad in the 2023 CABHAIR journal. 100% of your donation goes to support the families of Irish POWs.

 Attached is an ad form for CABHAIR 2023 Journal. Ads must be received no later than May 8th. You can send your payment later but we need your ad copy by May 8th.  

 Please email your ads to Joe Flaherty at irelandfirst04@gmail.com. If you are unable to email your ad, please mail it to the Bronx address (see above). Checks can be sent to either of the addresses listed on the ad form (checks sent to Ireland should be made payable to Irish Republican Prisoners Dependents Fund). Everyone who places an ad in the journal will receive a copy of this year’s journal.

 If you need assistance in writing your ad or have questions, please contact Joe Flaherty at 203-206-7199 or Jane or Maggie at the phone numbers below. Thank you for your support. We and the dependents of Irish political prisoners are very grateful for your support.

 

 Jane Enright, enrightnyc@gmail.com, 718-683-6903

 Maggie Trainor, nymayo@earthlink.net, 845-492-7198

 

Chick HERE  for ad form


Provisionals serve King and Kaiser

Provisional leaders Alex Maskey and Michelle 0’Neill confirmed today (April 26) that they will be travelling to the coronation of the new British King, Charles Windsor, the new head of the British State and the Commander-in-Chief of the British Crown Forces, responsible for the murders of so many people in the Six Counties; the world knows the pain and suffering caused by the Crown Forces in Ireland.

They will be joining with other world elites in banquets etc, enjoying lavish surroundings as they embrace their paymaster just a short time after the anniversaries of our fallen comrades Bobby Sands and Francis Hughes; standing shoulder to shoulder with medal-bearing generals of the British army, toasting the coronation of the invaders’ king.

Supporters of Provisional Sinn Féin online have defended the news stating it is part of the ‘politics game’. The only thing the ‘politics game’ has achieved in the past twenty-five years is to further strengthen Britain’s occupation of the Six Counties. Those who claim to oppose the British occupation are now servants of the Crown who act as protectors of the Union.

Republicanism is opposed to colonialism and imperialism and the very principle of Republicanism is a socialist republic which the Provisionals have long abandoned as they administer British rule in Ireland on behalf of the British State. The very principle of Republicanism is in opposition to monarchy. 

Sinn Féin Poblachtach calls once again for the Provisionals to give up the honourable name “Sinn Féin”. With Wolfe Tone we call for the breaking of the connection with England, “the never-failing source of all our political evils”.

Sinn Fein Poblachtach is the only Republican organisation that has a green paper on Irish unity under the Éire Nua program and stands firm on the principles set out in 1916.

Sinn Féin Poblachtach calls on all Republicans to join us today and stand up for the republican ideals set out by our forefathers.

 We call on voters in the May local elections in the Occupied Six Counties to spoil their vote or abstain as all of the parties participating are part of the British establishment in Ireland.

Críoch


2022 Cabhaır Christmas Swim Appeal

                                                                                      

A cháırde,

 Thank you for your support for Irish Political Prisoners and the National Irish Freedom Committee throughout the years. The past several years have been difficult for all of us due to the effects from Covid-19.  

Christmas is a very important holiday for celebrating together with our families. This Christmas morning, a number of people will give up time away from their families and warm homes in order to help assist the families of Irish Republican political prisoners and to demonstrate their solidarity and support for political prisoners. These men and women will be taking part in sponsored swims in Dublin and Wexford  to raise funds in support of Cabhair, the long standing Irish charitable organization dedicated to supporting the dependents of Irish Republican prisoners. The Swim was first organized in Dublin in 1976. This year will mark the 45th anniversary of the Christmas Swim.

 Your gift, no matter the amount - even a few dollars - will be greatly appreciated by needy families. Make your check payable to NIFC and mail to: NIFC, P.O. Box 358, Bronx, New York, 10470. 100% of your donation will be sent to Cabhair in Ireland. 

We thank you for your support and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.  Please also remember to bookmark our website, www.irishfreedom.net, which will feature a report with photos of the Christmas Swim. God bless you for your support. 

Below are a few photos of the swim in Dublin on Christmas Day over the years in aid of CABHAIR. Big thanks to those who took part and all those who have supported the swimmers. We are grateful to those who took part over the years.

 Jane Enright,  National Irish Freedom Committee


Annual Fenian Commemoration Report 2022

On a blustery Sunday, November 13, 2022 Cumann Na Saoirse Náisiúnta (National Irish Freedom Committee) held its annual Fenian Commemoration at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York. The theme of this year’s event was The Fenians in America:

The Founding of the Fenian Brotherhood.
The Fenian Brotherhood was founded in 1858 by Irish immigrants, co-founders Colonel John O’Mahony and Colonel Michael Doheny. Although Colonel O’Mahony was buried in Ireland (Glasnevin Cemetery), Colonel Doheny was buried in New York in Calvary Cemetery.

The morning began with emcee Maggie Trainor welcoming all gathered at the base of the majestic Fenian monument which was erected in 1907 by the IRB Veterans’ Association of New York and is dedicated to the Fenians of 1865 to 1867 period.
 She then called Suzanne Heller forward to read the 'The Proclamation of the Irish Republic (in English) followed by Michael Costello who delivered it as Gaelige.

 Joe Flaherty read the Fenian Proclamation of 1867 in which the Fenians “appealed in vain to the reason and sense of justice of the dominant powers” advocating that armed struggle was the only way to achieve a nation free from British rule. 
 Tom Costello spoke about the Fenian Graves Project in “Who were the Fenians?” The project tells the story of Ireland’s and Irish America’s sons and daughters who battled the odds to advance Ireland’s journey to freedom (see feniangraves.net).

 Next, Vic Sackett read the “Fenian Faith” which was written by NIFC Executive Committee member, the late Brian Mor, just prior to his death in 2012.

 Maggie spoke of those who had passed since we had last gathered, mentioning longtime NIFC supporters Mike Williams and Gary Delaney. Sympathies were extended to their families and the crowd recited in unison an Sé do Bheatha A Mhuire.

 In closing the ceremony, Maggie thanked all who had attended, several of whom had traveled a great distance. The group disbursed for brunch at a local Irish restaurant.

 

“The Rare Ould Times” From The Irish People newspaper, Feb. 9, 1991

 By the late Joe Stynes

It was the year 1922, and the IRA was split in two. The Company I belonged to, C Company of the 2nd Battalion, had several of its members go over to the Free State Army. Several became neutral, and the rest remained in the IRA, loyal to their oath of allegiance to defend the Republic against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The IRA had taken over the Four Courts when they established their headquarters.

On June 27,1922, C Company of the 2nd Battalion, Dublin Brigade, meeting at 42 North Great George's Street, were ordered to remain for the night. Next morning, on orders from Lloyd George, Prime Minister of England, the Free State Army with British cannon attacked the Four Courts and the fight was on between the Free State and the IRA. The 2nd Battalion took over O'Connell Street and Parnell Street.

 Our Company C was assigned to Healy's Public House in Parnell Street, where we set up barricades inside and outside the building. Before we left 42 N. Great George's Street, I cycled home to get two Lee-Enfield rifles. Our equipment was very poor; we had only five or six rifles, seven revolvers and one machine gun. The first night we were attacked by the Domestic Enemy with two armored cars. We withstood the attack, but not before they had blown away the barricade on one of the windows. We began boring holes in the walls connecting the building. When there was sufficient opening, I went into the next house, and crouched up in the corner was a young woman and her children. I assumed nothing would happen and brought her food and milk. She was so grateful she gave me a piece of caul (it's something that comes with the birth of a baby) and told me it would keep me safe. I still have it.. --- continue

 


Saoirse Newspaper

Saoirse – Irish Freedom is the voice of the Irish Republican Movement. The monthly newspaper of the Republican Movement, it takes its name from Irish Freedom – Saoirse, a Fenian paper which first appeared in November 1910 and continued as a monthly publication until December 1914 when it was suppressed by the British authorities. Among the contributors to that paper were Bulmer Hobson, PS Hegerty, Terence McSwiney, Pádraig Pearse, Ernest Blythe, Piaras Beaslaí, Pat Devlin, Fred Cogley, JW Good and Roger Casement.

Irish Republicans have always attempted to produce a newspaper, as a means of speaking to the people. As revolutionaries we have had to rely on our own resources to counter-act the status quo message promoted by the Establishment media.

More than 200 years ago, on January 4, 1792, the first number of the Northern Star appeared. The paper, produced by the Belfast Society of United Irishmen, promoted unity among Irish people of all religions. It was a popular target for the opponents of Irish unity and freedom. The proprietors of the Northern Star and its printer, John Rabb, were charged with sedition in January, 1793. Its offices were again raided on September 16, 1796 in a general clamp-down on the United Irishmen in Belfast. The presses of the Northern Star were smashed by a pro-British militia on May 19, 1797.

A new paper, The Press, appeared on September 28, 1797.

In a short article in the first issue of The Republic, on December 13, 1906, produced by the Dungannon Clubs, Bulmer Hobson wrote:

Ireland today claims her place among the free peoples of the earth. She has never surrendered that claim, nor will ever surrender it; and today forces are working in Ireland that will not be still until her claim is acknowledged and her voice heard in the councils of the nations.

To that end The Republic has been started. It has not been brought into existence to make a party among the political parties of Ireland, nor to carry on a party propaganda nor to waste time quarreling with any political party. It has been started to gather together all that is best and greatest, most progressive and far-seeing in Ireland round the Republican banner and to build up, not a Republican party, but an independent Irish Republic.

We stand for an Irish Republic because we see that no compromise with England, no repeal of the Union, no concession of Home Rule or Devolution will satisfy the national aspiration of the Irish people nor allow the unrestricted mental, moral and material development of our country. National independence is our right; we ask no more and we will accept no less.

An independent Irish Republic, then, is our aim – governed by the whole people of Ireland in the interests of the whole people, without let or hindrance, supervision or interference on the part of any other power under heaven. We owe allegiance to no country save Ireland, and we will yield none to any other.

The old hate and the old bigotry that have kept Catholic and Protestant divided – the old grovelling spirit of Toadyism must be killed and forgotten by the people. The ineffective and outward political movements, Unionist and Nationalist, must be superseded and silenced and, in their place, a national movement, virile and militant, that recognises no creed save that of Irishman, and no party save the nation, must be established.