Trimble's reply
A chairde,
After David Trimble's Christmas visit to the Maze, I,
like others, was disgusted by the purely sectarian
murals glorifying the mass murder of innocent
Catholics. So appalled at this I e-mailed the UUP and
asked them to equate this with the ``abject apology''
that allowed them to talk to loyalists but not SF.
This is the reply I got nearly a month later:
``Contact, direct or otherwise with parties which have
or have had close association with paramilitary
groupings is a very sensitive matter. What seems to be
the right approach today can easily turn out to be a
very bad mistake when looked at later.
``David Trimble does what he feels is best for the
greater number of people. He must not act in a fashion
which he will later regret. Try to let him be the judge
in this matter.''
I am I stupid even trying?
Stephen Gallagher
The Republican Party
A chairde,
If the proposed changes to the Government of Ireland
Act meant that Britain's claim to Derry, Tyrone,
Fermanagh and Armagh (without the consent of the
majority of the people in those counties) is withdrawn,
then Mr Ahern could possibly claim that giving up
Articles 2 and 3 is part of ``balanced constitutional
change''.
However, if these changes are superficial, as seems to
be the case, then substantially changing Articles 2 and
3 could be more accurately described as legitimising
the unjust partition of Ireland. So much for ``Fianna
Fail, the Republican Party''
(Dr) Sean Marlow.
Dublin 11
Share the Tiger
A chairde,
It is a crying shame that in a time of the Celtic
Tiger, the long term unemployed, the homeless and
voluntary organisations have not gained in a
substantial way. It is about time that the people from
the disadvantaged areas who suffer stood together and
demanded jobs, basic facilities and education for the
youth before more teenagers from areas like ours end up
in prisons.
Let us tell the politicians that we too have a right to
share in the fruits of the country's economic
prosperity. Do not let them off the hook.
Liam Frahill
Limerick
Race night thanks
A chairde,
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the many
people who contributed to the very successful Cairde
Shinn Féin race night in Shelbourne Park on Saturday 28
February. I would also like to thank our race sponsors,
dog nominators and advertisers, Caoimhghín O Caoláin
TD, who presented the CSF prize to the winning owner,
Mr Tommy McDonnell of the Sportslocker, Maynooth who
sponsered the trophy, and the manager and staff of
Shelbourne Park for their professional approach to the
event.
Particular thanks to the team who worked hard on the
project, Tony, John, Sean, Paddy, Jim, Oliver. To the
indivudals, the cumainn a special thanks. Your efforts
were appreciated.
Comhgairdeas to the McCreesh Twins (Limerick) who won
the free weekend for two and to Padraig Lane (Longford)
who won the television. Below is the list of winners of
the dog nominators. Their prizes will be sent to them
in the coming days.
1. Monaghan C.C.
2. Emmet Quinn.
3. Siobhan/Kathleen McCreesh.
4. Phil McDonnell.
5. Pat McGinn.
6. TC Conlon.
7. Mike Mathers.
8. Martin Sharkey.
9. Cuddleton (Louth Village)
10. John Gleeson.
11. Leitrim Boy.
12. Pearse McShane.
13. Brian Brady.
14. Carpet Den.
15. John Tinnelly.
16. Tony Ahern Cumann
17. Sheriff Bros. Painters.
18. Joe Patterson.
19. Lydia Cumiskey.
20. Wolfe Tone/Kieran Doherty Cumann.
Cairde Sinn Fein looks forward to your continuing
support. Membership is open to anyone who wishes to
support Sinn Féin. The annual membership fee is only
£20. Aris go raibh maith agaibh go leir.
Joe Reilly
Director CSF
Castlefin tragedy
A chairde,
On 28 November 1938, an accidental explosion caused the
death of three IRA men at Stranamuck, near Castlefin,
Co Donegal. The three men were Comdt. John James Kelly,
Comdt. Charles McCafferty, and staff Capt. James Joseph
Reynolds. Kelly and Reynolds were killed instantly.
McCafferty lingered for a few days before dying in
Lifford hospital.
As this year is the 60th anniversary of that tragic
event, The Strabane Graves Association has decided to
commemorate the ``Castlefin tragedy'' by publishing a
small booklet. The booklet will profile the three men
and will include photographs and documents of the
period.
The Graves Association is currently fundraising for the
erection of a monument to those republicans from this
area who gave their lives for Irish freedom, and any
monies generated by the sale of this booklet will be
donated to the West Tyrone Memorial Fund.
yone who would like to obtain a copy of the booklet
can contact me at 8 Landsdowne Park, Strabane. Tel:
01504 882836 or get in touch with any Graves
Association member.
John Kelly
Strabane Graves Assoc.
TOM tribute to Paddy Mac
A chairde,
I am writing on behalf of the Troops Out Movement to
express our great sadness on the death of Paddy
McManus. We extend our deepest sympathy to Paddy's
family, friends and comrades. He will be sorely missed.
He was very special to us in the Troops Out Movement.
For years he was the main organiser for our annual
August delegation to Belfast. He understood the need
for us to meet people who would give us the concrete
information to support our work over here. He was aware
that the facts are the best form of propaganda.
Paddy was such a warm, kind person that no request was
too much for him and his gentle humour was a great
asset when dealing with some of our very intense
politicos! His organisational skills were such that he
made everything seem so easy and straightforward. We
are very proud to have known him.
On a personal note - Paddy once gave me a present of a
T-shirt sporting a picture of Gerry Adams (looking much
younger than he does now!). It would have fitted Twiggy
(or should I say Kate Moss for the younger generation)
rather than my ample form. I thanked him warmly and
wondered could he not recommend his optician to the
rest of the population! However, the T-shirt was put to
good use as it was a prize in a raffle to raise funds.
So, thanks Paddy, it was great knowing you.
Mary Pearson
Troops Out Movement Steering Committee
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