Activism | Rita | Internment

Be An ActivistI had the privilege of attending many of the debates and discussions which are a unique and vital part of Féile an Phobail. Well done to all the participants and in particular to the organisers and the stewards who ensured that everything worked smoothly. Thanks also to the venues which welcomed us all.I want to touch briefly on the remarks made by Terry O'Sullivan and Jeremy Corbyn at separate events, particularly on the importance of organising civic society. Jeremy, a former leader of the British Labour Party and Terry the General Secretary Emeritus of The Laborers' International Union of North America are wonderful advocates for the imperative of organising social and political movements to bring about deep rooted and positive change. Rita O’Hare and Áras Uí ChonghaileÁras Uí Chonghaile on the Falls Road was formally opened by Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins in April 2019. Through its historic artefacts, art work, innovative technology and story-telling it teaches us of the life and times of James Connolly – 1916 executed leader. Last Thursday a large number of family, friends and comrades of Rita O’Hare came together to unveil a plaque in Áras Uí Chonghaile in her memory. Without her unique contribution this important project might never have succeeded.Internment and mass incarcerationWednesday 9 August was the anniversary of one of the most disastrous decisions in recent Irish history. On the 9 August 1971 the Unionist Regime and British government introduced internment without trial. It was a watershed moment in the history of the northern state as hundreds were dragged from their homes, thousands of families were forced to flee to refugee camps, and many of those lifted in the early morning raids were beaten.