All we want is the truth!

This past weekend 23rd-24th February, Ógra Shinn Féin An Strath Bán organised a weekend of events around the British government’s collusion/soot-to-kill policies.

The weekend kicked off on Saturday morning in Lisnafinn community centre with the monthly meeting of Cuige Uladh and was followed by a demonstration in Strabane town centre.

The protest saw Ógra members take to the streets dressed as members of the RUC, UDA and british army, acting out role plays demonstrating the passing on of information on Nationalist/Republican ‘targets’. The protest attracted a mass amount of attention as members of the public became curious as to the presence of state forces and unionist paramilitaries on the street on a packed Saturday!

In an interview with the Strabane Chronicle, Ógra Shinn Féin spokesperson Seán Mac Giolla Easpaig said;

“We are here today to campaign for the truth about Britain’s dirty war in Ireland, especially its role in formulating the repressive counter insurgency policies of Collusion/shoot-to-kill. Today also marks the 23rd anniversary of the deaths of IRA volunteers Charles Breslin and brothers Michael and David Devine. These three men were executed by the british SAS without any chance to surrender and there is strong evidence to state that they received their “shoot-to-kill” orders directly from Whitehall.”

After the protest, activists sat down to lunch back in the community centre before listening to a presentation on the history of British state sponsored violence. The presentation was given by Strabane Sinn Féin councillor Brian McMahon along with Paul Gore, Strabane SF’s education officer.

After the well received presentation, activists were shown a dvd on the shoot-to-kill murders of the three volunteers in 1985 which was followed by a question and answer session. That night a function had been organised by the Strabane Memorial Flute Band where everyone was treated to a a great nights craic with music from 'Flight of the Earls' and the Coatbridge RFB all the way from Scotland.

Sunday saw the annual Breslin/Devine commemoration parade organised by the SMFB, during which the banner of ÓSF was proudly carried. The entertainment for the rest of the night included a quiz, band competition, and music by Strabane’s very own Terry Boyle.

Strabane Memorial Flute Band and Ógra Shinn Féin would like to thank everyone for their support, and we look forward to seeing you’s all next year.