Long Beach, NY - Cumann Na Saoirse Naisiunta once again attended the Long Beach Irish Day Parade & Festival organized by members of the AOH St. Brendan the Navigator Division 17 on October 1st. The annual event is very popular and well-attended, with this year's parade featuring an impressive number of pipe bands as well as an Irish dance school.
The merchandise and literature table generated interest, and a significant amount of literature highlighting the struggle of the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry was distributed. The September issue of Saoirse drew much attention, and members of the AOH ensured they were widely available. One woman, remarking on her feelings of the struggles of the Republican prisoners in Maghaberry and the state of Ireland in general, stated "Oh, nothing has changed. I know nothing has changed, and I'm pissed!"

With growing awareness in the USA of the flaws & corruption in the current Stormont arrangement, there was a notable increase in demand for information on alternatives to the GFA. A significant portion of the day was devoted to fielding questions from interested parties about Éire Nua.

CnSN also debuted the Éire Nua wristband, designed by Fenian Heritage. Funded entirely by young supporters of Éire Nua in the United States, the design features the text "Éire Nua - A New Ireland" and "Fenian Heritage 2011" debossed on a swirled tricolor band. The swirl design - symbolizing Ireland's many communities living together in peace under Éire Nua - was quite a hit, and the wristbands were a best seller. The wristbands are $3 each at events, $4 each via post from
feniangifts@gmail.com

Contributed by: Dominick Bruno

back to index page