Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin members and supporters gathered in Leinster House on the 21st January to strategise for 2011. The event which was attended by Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD was held in government buildings to coincide with the anniversary of the First Dáil Éireann in 1919. Dozens of young people attended the event which gave way to lots of discussion of Ógra's activism in 2010 and what lies ahead for 2011.
The Launch Night which started at 18.30 was a huge success. Ógra Shinn Féin Átha Cliath spokesperson Daithi Byrne said;
"A lot of work was put into this event by very dedicated young people in the organisation. Young people attended the event and were impressed with the presentation of 2010 activities including the protests and demonstrations against the handover of sovereignty to the IMF and EU. Young people who were not necessarily political have become interested in developments in the state, especially the disastrous handling of the crisis by the Fianna Fáil/Green Party government. Those who attended last night that weren't Ógra members were encouraged to join Ógra Shinn Féin due to the need to provide a radical alternative aiming to change Irish society to a situation which reflects the ideals of the 1916 proclamation; equality, justice, peace and freedom. Discussions and meetings are taking place all over the country about how to bring young people into the heart of the republican project - now is the time to join Ógra in the community, join Sinn Féin in the college. This is easy to do and there is no better time to do it."
Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD sponsored the Launch Night and was glad to see young people from all over Dublin on their visit to the event in Leinster House. Colm Ó Mordha, Dublin Ógra Chairperson said;
"I'm happy to see young people attend this event and getting involved in Sinn Féin's alternative. Tonight is symbolic in that this event coincides with the first anniversary of the 1919 An Chead Dáil Éireann, which saw Sinn Féin dramatically swept to power in an overall majority vote by the Irish people in the 1918 election. The fightback has begun with the 2011 General Election called for early March. Sinn Féin are about reversing the devastating policies of both Fianna Fáil and the Greens. Young people have always been at the heart of the republican project from the very beginning. Now is the best time for youth to get political, get involved and join Sinn Féin to bring about the alternatives which Ireland needs."
Deputy Ó Snodaigh thanked Dublin Ógra's team for its hard work over the years, especially in 2010 and congratulated its hard-working members with their well designed website launch and professional video which is being distrusted on major social networks.
Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin unveiled its online presence last night by launching its Facebook page, its website and a professionally produced video. Young people are encouraged to visit the website and spread the word on its foundation. The web addresses are dublinogra.com, facebook.com/dublinogra and youtube.com/dublinogra.
