Campa Náisiúnta Óige 2009

Campa Náisiúnta Óige 2009
Knockatallon, County Monaghan
19 – 21 June

A chara,

I am writing to extend an invite to the Campa Náisiúnta Óige 2009 which is being held in the beautiful Knockatallon, County Monaghan from the 19 – 21 June.

The National Youth Camp is an annual event that attracts young republicans from across Ireland and in the past has proved to be a huge success, educating and instilling confidence in the hundreds of those who attended, and acting as a catalyst in forging lasting friendships.

Knockatallon is an ideal location for the National Youth Camp, an area that runs close to, and borders both Tyrone and Fermanagh, is steeped in Republican history.

It was home to legendary Óglach Seamus McElwain, who lived close by in Tydavnet, it was also where the Brookeborough men retreated to after the raid which cost the lives of two of Ireland’s most famous patriots Seán Sabhat and Fergal O’Hanlon, and in the most recent phase of armed struggle, it was used by many volunteers on the run.

The local community also demonstrated massive bravery and initiative when collectively they acquired machinery and diggers to re-open roads destroyed and blocked by the British Army. Their legendary actions earned them the fond term of ‘border busters.’

That initiative and collective community spirit of an empowered people continues today in the Slieve Beagh Community Hotel which is the venue for the National Youth Camp.

The main theme of this year’s Campa Náisiúnta Óige will be ‘A Century of Youth in Struggle’, marking the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Na Fianna Éireann and the continuation of their struggle embodied in Ógra Shinn Féin today.

There will be talks, debate, historical tour; republican youth quiz, DVD showings, sport, craic agus ceol and a bus will be leaving for Bodenstown on Sunday morning.

Paddywagon and The Dominican Affair will be providing the music for the weekend and there will also be an open mike session to keep.

The cost for the weekend is £30/35E which covers all meals, camp site and entrance to all entertainment and should be sent ASAP with the booking form (attached).

The National Youth Camp is not only a way to develop activists but also to recruit new members. We want to encourage all areas to promote the youth camp as far and as wide as possible so as to ensure the maximum attendance.

There will be a shuttle service available from Monaghan Bus Depot on the Friday to transport people to Knockatallon. We are asking people traveling by bus to arrive into Monaghan Bus Depot between 2pm and 5pm. Those traveling by car need to arrive in Knockatallon before 6pm.

We would also ask everyone traveling to ensure they bring tent, sleeping bag, and trainers/hiking boots. (Musical Instruments welcome for the open mike)

If you have any enquiries or are interested in attending please contact me on 07885569940, or email osfnational@yahoo.ie.

I look forward to seeing you all at Campa Náisiúnta Óige 2009. Bígi Linn!

Is mise,

Barry McColgan
National Organiser
Ógra Shinn Féin
www.osf.ie

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