Coiste na n-Iarchimí Youth Camp

A credit to their communities

Benburb Priory in picturesque County Tyrone was the setting for this year's Coiste na n-Iarchimí organised youth camp.

With over 70 young people, ranging in age from 15 to 25, attending from various parts of Ireland last weekend, the camp was a huge success.

The craic and the atmosphere was ninety as the young people, representing Waterford, Dublin, Louth, Armagh, Derry, Antrim, Cavan, Monaghan and of course, Tyrone, gathered for registration in the Priory car park.

A traditional céilí band welcomed them and as the burgers and chips were handed out, the Coiste staff busied themselves with last minute preparations. Some donned Campa Náisiúnta Óige T-shirts and we set off to our first engagement.

After introductions and welcomes from Coiste staff, Alex Kane from the UUP arrived just on cue. Speaking on the 100-year history of Ulster Unionism, he outlined his view of the present impasse in the Peace Process and the difficulties faced.

The young people listened intently before breaking up into six workshops to discuss in more detail the contents of Alex's address. The workshops were followed by a question and answer session in which Alex gave forthright answers and the young people were just as forthright in their questioning.

On completion of this, it was time to go back outside and be entertained by Art Ó Dálaigh from the local historical society. In a very detailed but informative manner, he outlined to us the history of Benburb Castle and the connection between it, Red Hugh O'Neill and the Battle of Benburb.

Apparently, Red Hugh was based there as he fought off the invaders from Leinster in 1646 — on this occasion Tyrone people were a bit friendlier to their fellow country people and there were no reports of any replays of 1646.

After dinner and some well-deserved refreshments, it was back to the politics and this time it was the turn of Sinn Féin to answer the questions.

Philip McGuigan stood in for the unavailable Martin McGuinness and a great job he made of it. He never dodged a question, never hesitated and showed loads of confidence — a fine example to young activists everywhere.

As the night wore on and the politicking concluded, it was time for the music.

Bik and Cruncher warmed us up and by the time Marty Fay and the Banditos appeared on stage, the young people had become more familiar with each other, the older participants had let their hair down (those who still had hair, that is) and Benburb was rocking to The Fields of Athenry and Dirty Old Town.

The atmosphere was electric and when the band finished, as on all good occasions, the singsong began. A bodhrán was produced, than a tin whistle and a flute and as if by magic, a guitar. This was passed round thoundless. By 10.45 we were out on the pitch and sweating the previous night's exertions from our bloodstreams. Kieran, Mattie, John and Paddy put us through our paces before we played a few short games.

This was followed by a Poc Fada competition, where the Antrim participants outdid the Waterford participants and Philip McGuigan (despite coming from that hurling heartland of Dunloy) only finished fourth.

Soon enough, the camp was coming to a close. Michelle Gildernew MP agreed to give the closing address and in it she paid tribute to the participants' enthusiasm, talents and dedication. Tributes were also paid to the Benburb staff for their hospitality throughout the weekend and the speakers for their contributions.

On leaving Benburb, I felt elated the weekend was over and had been a success. The level of politics among the young people inspired me.

The last word on the weekend should be left to Noilin from Benburb. I enquired of her was there anything I should know and were there any complaints.

Her answer?

"Those young people are a credit to their communities."

Enough said!