Saoirse is the call in South Armagh
By Deirdre Feehan
There was a massive turnout at a Saoirse rally in the South
Armagh town of Crossmaglen last Sunday.
3,000 people turned out from all parts of Ireland to call for the
immediate release of all political prisoners. The rally, which
was organised by South Armagh Sinn Fein Youth was a hugh success.
The large crowd decorated with colourful banners and flags made
its way up through the town and assembled in the square where
procedings began with entertainment from Letterkenny band
Summerfly. Mitchel McLaughlin was the main speaker joined by
Shane Feeney from Crosmaglem Republican Youth, Martin Meehan,
Gerry McCartney (a recently released POW), Declan Fearon
Chairperson of South Armagh Farmers and Residents Association
(FARM) and Catriona Ruane from Cearta. Procedings were chaired by
local well known republican Jim McAllister.
Feeney read a statement from Crossmaglen Republican Youth calling
for the immediate release of all political prisoners. He
highlighted the determination of the local youth despite
increased harrassment by the RUC and British army. He also voiced
the concerns of the young people at the proposed removal of Rule
21, he proclaimed these discussions to be an insult. Feeney
concluded by stating ``there will be no peace in South Armagh
without complete withdrawal.''
Martin Meehan, Six county Saoirse chairperson, called for an
immediate amnesty for political prisoners. ``Two years is far too
long,'' he said.
Ex-POW Gerry McCartney read out statments from prisoners in
Portlaoise and Long Kesh. ``The release of all POWs remains our
priority, prisoners will not be traded for anything or anyone,''
he said. He ended by stressing the importance of unity: ``now more
than ever, our struggle demands unity''.
Declan Fearon reaffirmed FARM's determination to rid the area of
the British Army. ``We will continue to fight for the day when
these British army installations are removed''.
Cearta representitive Catriona Ruane outlined the main objectives
of the organisation and discussed the Good Friday Document. Ruane
was followed by Mitchel McLaughlin who thanked the people of
South Armagh for ``keeping the dream of a liberated Ireland
alive''.
He declared that the Good Friday document was not a basis for a
settlement but he added that it may contain some good things for
republicans and he said if this was the case, ``it is our duty to
explore it'' McLaughlin praised the young people of the area; he
stated that they were the guarantee that this struggle would
continue. He concluded by saying, ``these issues written down on
paper mean nothing if you are not free in your mind. The
leadership role and inspirational role of this area must be
commended, the people of South Armagh have never had any identity
crises!''
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