Tag: History

Watch History Now: From The Treaty to Civil War with Dr Darragh Gannon

Roe 4 Maghaberry Prisoners Statement – IRPWA

Regrettably Republican Prisoners Roe 4 feel the need to issue a statement regarding allegations surrounding an individual’s decision to leave the Republican Wing.

This, of course, should have been dealt with maturely and pragmatically without feeding the PR machine of those attacking Republicans.

This individual was accepted onto Roe 4 after being asked to leave the Roe 3 community as a result of his behaviour there. He was accepted onto Roe 4 conditionally, despite his history in the British Army’s RIR and his previous attitude and behaviour toward Republican Prisoners.His acceptance onto Roe 4 was based on the ending of this behaviour yet after a short time this continued. Firstly, with Roe 3 Prisoners and then with others on Roe 4, he engaged in systematic bullying and engaged in other actions which jeopardised the community conditions without consulting the community. The community provides support and protection to all of those who reside on Roe 4; bullying, intimidation and anti-community activity is incompatible with the very basis of this wing. When this was explained to this individual, he refused to accept this and made it clear that he would rather leave; citing that he would not be adhering to the community guidelines (despite initially agreeing to do so on admittance to the Roe 4 landing). He then proceeded to issue serious threats against two Roe 4 Prisoners in front of the screws.

One issue of particular concern was his individual approach to potential Judicial Reviews that could have detrimental repercussions for all Maghaberry POWs and not to him individually, as he is due to be released soon.
The Judicial Review mechanism is employed by Republican Prisoners to deliver regime change in the face of utter intransigence. The agreement which Mr Mackle had accepted by subscribing to the Roe 4 charter, determined that any Judicial Review initiated in relation to issues on Roe 4 could only be initiated in consultation with all those that it directly affects, and in conjunction with all other ongoing Judicial Reviews.
Roe 4 believes, with substantiating evidence to back it up, that this organised approach to Judicial Reviews is the only approach viable, against an administration that is maintained by British Intelligence.
Mr Mackle decided that he would no longer adhere to these terms regarding the initiation of Judicial Review proceedings. As this placed Republican Political Prisoners at risk of adverse outcomes it was at this stage that the duty which Roe 4 representatives have to Republican Prisoners was activated.

The relationship between Roe 3 and Roe 4 has never been stronger and this individual is not welcome in either community.

Republican Prisoners in Roe House are at the coal-face of the prison struggle for political status and will remain so. We are obligated to protect and to defend not only current Republican Prisoners but those who will follow us through the gates of this citadel of hatred. We will not be distracted or moved from our position by deliberate scurrilous allegations.

This is the last word on the matter. Republican Prisoners are concerned with challenging oppression. We have no time for petty nonsense. Our decision is final. Gabriel Mackle in repeatedly breaching the charter to which he subscribed is not welcome on Republican Roe House.

Republican Prisoners,
Roe 4,
Maghaberry.
28th March 2017

Celtic Symbols and their meanings | Ireland Calling

Ireland is an ancient country home to several civilisations over thousands of years.
Some of the important symbols used by these communities have come to be symbols of Ireland itself and mean a great deal to many people who are proud of their Irish heritage.

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http://ireland-calling.com/celtic-symbols/

Today in Irish History: 19th October 1989 – After serving 15-years in an English prison, “The Guildford Four”: Geard ‘Gerry’ Conlon, Patrick ‘Paddy’ Armstrong, Carole Richardson and Paul Hill are released in what is considered to be one of the biggest-ever miscarriages of justice in Britain’s history.

Paul Hill is taken to a Belfast prison where he was serving time for murder; he was also expected to be released.https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=moDZUdmXT1E

With many thanks to:
http:// https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=841832689264527&id=352615514852916#!/StairnahEireann

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Gerry Conlon stormed out of the Old Bailey in London after his release, pictured with his sisters Birdie and Ann.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=841832689264527&id=352615514852916

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Paul Hill, speaking in 1994 after his conviction for the murder of a British soldier in Belfast was quashed

Give Gerry Conlon’s Facebook page a like: Click on the link below….
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=841832689264527&id=352615514852916#!https://www.facebook.com/GerryConlonappreciation?fref=ts&refid=52

Served 15-years-in-prison for something he didn’t do.
(Part 1)
http:// https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=SOtIccHr8SE
(Part 2)
http:// https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=pV5kFR-17_g
(Part 3)
http:// https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=qGEWoHDaeak

Gerry Conlon and Paddy Hill at the Univerisity of Limerick, School of Law.

http:// https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=hgVOcEn3N3A

Gerry Conlon Dies in West Belfast (21.6.2014)

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The coffin of Gerry Conlon is carried by, among others, Guilford Four member Paddy Armstrong (front right), and Birmingham Six member Paddy Hill (front left).

http:// https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=ahczeAn5dUU

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A post-release of Guildford Four member Carole Richardson, who died in obscurity in 2012.

End the Injustice and unjust incarceration of Martin Corey

Many people are rightly praising Nelson Mandela today, along with Bobby Sands probabily the most globally known political prisoner, and remembering the injustice of his incarceration for over two decades into his 60s.

FREE MARTIN COREY FOR CHRISTMAS

Less than 10 miles from Belfast there is a man named Martn Corey, aged 63, in Maghaberry Gaol. Martin served 20 years of a life sentence, was released, and and over three years ago was returned to prison with no evidence, no reason given, no right to defend himself – all at the stroke of a pen by a British Secretary of State who has not one vote or any right in Ireland. He has no release date and could die in prison. Where are the Free Martin Corey concerts? 1451527_670237059682798_647295611_nWhere are the pop stars and celebrities queuing up to attach themselves to Martin’s cause? Where are the trendy lefties with their Free Martin Corey protests? Where is the voice of political parties, so keen to attach themselves to Mandela, Castro and Chavez, demanding and taking to the streets en masse for Martin Corey’s release? Nowhere, because somtimes it is easier to seek credibility through a struggle thousands of miles away, than oppose what is happening right in front of your eyes !!!

With many thanks to: Dee Fennell

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World Record attempt – White-line picket – Smash Internment

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Anti-Internment Rally

The Anti-Internment League invites all political, community, cultural and sporting organisations as well as ex prisoners groups, trade unions, human and civil rights groups and the republican/nationalist people of this Island to participate in a record attempt to hold the Worlds largest White-Line Picket on the Falls Road to highlight the continued unjustifiable use of Internment against Republicans in Ireland.

The record attempt will be for entry into the Guinness book of Records and will again bring to prominence the issue of Internment, putting it in the headlines and keeping it high on the political agenda.

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PROSPECT OF THOUSANDS GATHERING IN CITY CENTER REAL CONCERN FOR POLICE

ANALYSIS – Connla Young.

WHILE many will take part in Friday’s parade to highlight claims of “internment by remand”, some will also see it as a platform to reclaim a significant date in the republican calendar.

END BRITISH INTERNMENT IN IRELAND

The introduction of internment on August 9 1971 saw the detention without trial of thousands of young Catholics across the north. A watershed moment in the early Troubles, which made headlines around the world,  it had unintended effect of converting morderate nationalists to the republican cause. Traditionally rRepublicans marked the anniversary witht the lighting of bonbone fires in nationalist areas, which often resulted in violent clashes with police. In recent years Sinn Fein has aa banded the bonfire tradition and attempted to remove tensions by creating the Fleadh around the August date. Opponents have claimed this was part of a process of steering its traditional support away from street politics. In that context, some anti-agreement republicans see Friday’s parade as an opportunity to showcase opposition to Sinn Fein’s strategy, both to the party leadership and wider political establishment.

However, the parade is also being used as an outlet for anger by loyalists involved in flag and other protests this year. Two of the five protests planned at Royal Avenue involve groups set up by leading figures from the Union Flag protests. Despite the parade not directly passing any loyalist areas in North Belfast. Orangemen in the area are also planning to travel to the city centre for a demonstration. Coming after strong police criticism of protests held against restrictions placed on a July 12 parade at Ardoyne, this represents a departure for the organization. Until now it is not thought to have organised any protests at republican parades. Given the serious disruption caused to city centre traders and commuters by the flag protests, and the violence seen on July 12 when loyalists gathered to protest at Ardoyne, the prospect of thousands of republicans and loyalists gathering in the city centre on Friday will be a source of obvious concern for police in the coming days.

With many thanks to : Connla Young, The Irish News.

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PROVOCATIVE PUBLIC RHETORIC NOTHING NEW

Paisley, McKeague and Seawright among famed users of emotive words.

POLITCIANS playing to their constituency with colourful and emotive rhetoric is uusually regarded as an asset. Renowned orators like Michael Collins and Winston Churchill delivered words in a manner that instilled awe and great loyalty among their audience.

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Throughout the Troubles – and even before 1969 – the North of Ireland‘s politicians have enjoyed employing aggressive and provocative language when speaking in public. One of the most notorious incidents occoured almost 50 years ago when big Ian Paisley demanded the removal of the Irish tricolour from Division Street in West Belfast. He warned of riots if the RUC did not heed his call, but the violence the relatively young Free Presbyterian preacher predicted was avoided after a police operation to remove the flag. Over subsequent decades the former DUP leader’s language sailed close to the wind on many occasions but never were his words deemed so offensive that they resulted in arrest. However, his East Belfast loyalist associate John McKeague did face prosecution for a hate crime over the written word rather than an inflammatory speech.

The 1971 publication of Loyalist song book and its inclusion of anti-Catholic lyrics saw McKeague brought to court but ultimately acquitted after the proesecution failed to convince the jury of his intent. McKeague was shot dead a decade later by the INLA. In perhaps the best known episode of inciting sectarian hatred Belfast DUP councillor George Seawright was pprosecuted in 1984 when he made provocative remarked during a meeting of Belfast Education and Library Board. The loyalist, who like McKeague was later gunned down by the INLA offshoot, described Catholics who objected to the singing of the British national anthem “fenian scum” and suggested they should be burnt in an incinerator. Although he denied making the comments, Mr Seawright was prosecuted and received a six-month suspended sentence. The era of social media means the opportunities for people to go beyond what is deemed acceptable is much greater. The court restrictions around using Facebook and Twitter placed on loyalist flag protesters Jamie Bryson and Willie Frazer reflect a recognition of the potential by political and community leaders to incite their followers through.

With many thanks to : John Manley, The Irish News.

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IRISH REPUBLICAN HUNGER STRIKERS 1917 – 1976

EIRE SALUTES YOU

Roger Casement

REPUBLICAN HUNGER STRIKERS 1917- 1976

THOMAS ASHE-DIED 25TH SEPTEMBER 1917, MOUNTJOY PRISON.

MICHAEL FITZGERALD-DIED 17TH OCT 1920 CORK JAIL.

TERENCE MCSWINEY-DIED 0CT 1920 BRIXTON PRISON.

JOSEPH MURPHY DIED OCT 1920 CORK JAIL.

JOSEPH WHITTY DIED 2ND SEPTEMBER 1923,CURRAGH CAMP.

DENIS BARRY-DIED 20TH NOVEMBER, NEWBRIDGE CONCENTRATION CAMP.

ANDREW SULLIVAN DIED 22ND NOV,NEWBRIDGE CONCENTRATION CAMP.

TONY D’ARCY DIED 19TH APRIL 1940,ARBOUR HILL PRISON.

JACK McNEELA DIED 19TH APRIL 1940, ARBOUR HILL PRISON.

SEAN McGAUGHEY DIED 11TH MAY 1946, PORTLOISE PRISON.

MICHAEL GAUGHAN DIED 3RD JUNE 1974, PARKHURST PRISON.

FRANK STAGG 12TH FEB 1976, WAKEFIELD PRISON.

32 ANNIVERSARY OF THE H-BLOCK MARTYRS

BOBBY SANDS-AGED 27, FROM BELFAST, DIED 5TH MAY AFTER 66 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

FRANCIS HUGHES AGED 25 FROM SOUTH DERRY, DIED 12TH MAY AFTER 59 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

RAYMOND McCREESH AGED 24,FROM SOUTH ARMAGH,DIED 21ST MAY AFTER 61 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

PATSY O’HARA AGED 24, FROM DERRY CITY, DIED AFTER 21ST MAY AFTER 61 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

JOSEPH McDONNELL AGED 30,FROM BELFAST,DIED 8TH JULY AFTER 61 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

MARTIN HURSON AGED24 FROM EAST TYRONE,DIED 13TH JULY AFTER 46 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

KEVIN LYNCH AGED 25, FROM NORTH DERRY, DIED 1 AUG AFTER 71 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

KIERAN DOHERTY AGED 25 FROM BELFAST, DIED 2ND OF AUG AFTER 73 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

THOMAS McELWEE AGED 23 FROM SOUTH DERRY, DIED 8TH OF AUG AFTER 62 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

MICHAEL DIVINE AGED 27 FROM DERRY CITY, DIED 20TH AUG AFTER 60 DAYS ON HUNGER STRIKE.

THE USE OF THE HUNGER STRIKE BEGAN BY IRISH REPUBLICANS WHEN IN 1913 JAMES CONNOLLY WENT ON HUNGER STRIKE.OVER THE NEXT 80 YEARS MANY MORE REPUBLICANS WERE TO GO ON HUNGER STRIKE AS A WEAPON OF THE PRISON STRUGGLE,AS THEY FOUGHT ATTEMPTS TO CRIMINALISE THEM THE IRISH STRUGGLE. IRISH HUNGER STRIKERS FROM 1917 TO 1981 HAVE BECOME A SYMBOL,NOT ONLY AGAINST OPPRESSION, BUT ALSO OF HUMANITY AND OF THE DESIRE OF THE IRISH PEOPLE TO BE FREE….”THEY HAVE NOTHING IN THERE WHOLE IMPERIAL ARSENAL THAT CAN BREAK THE SPIRIT OF ONE IRISH MAN WHO DOES’NT WANT TO BE BROKEN”……..BOBBY SANDS MPRoger Casement

TODAY YOU’LL HAVE NOTICED MY FIRST 2 PIECES HAVE NOT BEEN ABOUT SIR ROGER-BUT ABOUT THE MEN LIKE ROGER WHO GAVE THERE LIVES FOR IRELAND.THESE MEN WERE DIFFERENT IN A WAY TO SIR ROGER- THEY STARVED THEMSELVES TO DEATH-EXCRUCIATING PAIN IT MUST HAVE BEEN-ALSO KNOWING THEY WERE GOING TO DIE AND ALSO HAVING TO WATCH YOUR FAMILY WATCH YOU GO THROUGH IT ALL. I SALUTE THESE BRAVE COMRADES,WHAT MORE COULD THEY GIVE THAN THERE LIVES FOR IRELAND. TIOCFAIDF ARLA…

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ATTITUDES TO MANDELA REFLECT ‘TERROR’ DEBATE !!!

“There will be no critique that many, maybe even most, states have been initiated and legitimised in the smoke of gunpowder” – Denis Bradley.

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NELSON Mandela was no pacifist. That is not in dispute. However, was Nelson Mandela a terrorist? Now that is a whole different ball game. Not that you would be alerted to that question from the tone and content of recent media reporting. He is portrayed as the nearest thing to a living saint, the saviour of his nation and an example and inspiration for politicians and statesmen throughout the world.

The imminence and reality of his death will augment and further embellish his saintliness while in certain corners of the world, including the North of Ireland, he will be seen by many as a terrorist. Recently we had a soupcon of that in an article in this august paper. I aacknowledge that this is one of the oldest and most clichéd of arguments but one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. It still remains current and pertinent to our historical and moral disputes. When Mandela finally dies, Irish nationalist and republican leaders will hail and celebrate his life and achievements. Smuperlatives will cover pages of newsprint and flow from the mouths of the great anand the good of political life. I would wager that the glowing eulogy will be echoed in Catholic church‘s throughout the land.

There will be little if any critical analysis of his involvement in and support of violence, even if the gospel of that particular day has Christ delivering one of his many warnings against the use of violence as a response to any political or human grievance. Unionist politiicians and Protestant Church leaders will be more flustered. Against the cascade of tributes led by the British prime minister, it will feel churlish to be overly negative so the criticism will be couched in softer wording but there will be the reassertion that those who take up the gun against the legitimate state authority are terrorists in their hearts and in their actions. There will be no crtiquet that many, maybe even most, states have been initiated and legitimised in the smoke of gunpowder. Still less will there be reference to the reality that the greatest acts of terror against humankind have been executed by nation states. The pages of ancient and modern history are dotted with such incidents. The invasion of Iraq by America and Britain is a good exemplar as any of the terrorism of nation states.

I was once advised that the wrong question can be as misleading as the wrong answer. The issue of who is a terrorist is a case in point. During 40 years I saw enough violence emanating from both the state and paramilitary organisations to conclude that they were all terrorists. They all used violence to terrorise a certain constituency to achieve their desired outcome. The wrong question as to who is a terrorist and what constitutes terrorism obscures the important debate that still dominates the core of our political discourse. Irish republicans, particularly Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail, have never confronted the premise that all their violent campaigns to achieve Irish unity have achieved far less than what has been achieved through the democratic process.

Their efforts to morally or politically justify some violent campaigns as opposed to others have been at least limp and probably disingenuous. Fianna Fail says 1916 was good,  the modern Provisional campaign was bad. Sinn Fein claims the ‘Provo’ campaign was good, the dissident campaign is bad. The failure or refusal to admit that none of these campaigns achieved their goal and that all of them left deep scars on the Irish people leaves Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail partially neutered in confronting republican dissidents who continue the tradition of violence. Unionists love rotten apples. If I had a pound for every time I heard unionism disown the rotten apples that were in their barrels, I would have a healthy bank account. I have never once heard (in public) an admission that the state itself has strategically used violence. The state manifests itself through its army, in the North of Ireland, the UDR, RIC, RUC, the Black and Tan’s and the security service, MI5, MI6 and the Special Branch etc. Despite Saville, Stalker, Stephens, De Silva, to name just a few, unionism holds onto the myth that the British state was not a combatant in the 40 years of violence. The inability or refusal to face the reality leaves unionism nearly incapable of facing its own past and reaching out to reconcile with its equally flawed and violent neighbours.

With many thanks to : Denis Bradley, The Irish News.

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