22 April 1999 Edition

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Mála Poist

No offence intended



A Chairde,

We are writing as the people responsible for the Sheela-na-Gig/Easter lily poster that was erected on Derry City's walls for Easter. We are keen to take responsibility for and explain our action, as we are very aware that the poster has offended some people.

We never intended to be disrespectful or offend anybody and we regret so many people have reacted negatively to the poster. Our intention, as republican feminists, was to provoke discussion about the tensions between nationalism and feminism by contrasting two very strong, positive symbols with each other. The Sheela-na-Gig is an old fertility symbol found in churches around Ireland since the 13th century. For years, Sheela-na-Gigs were hidden away in the vaults of the National Museum and not displayed as their explicit celebration of female sexuality was frowned upon. More feminists have adopted it as a celebratory, positive and playful image of female sexuality. Images of Sheela-na-Gigs are now widely available in craft shops all over Ireland.

Sheela-na-Gig is an entirely positive image for us. Placing the Easter lily on the Sheela-na-Gig's genital area was therefore not meant in any way to be disrespectful to the lily.

It is the same shape, and the lily closely resembles women's sexual organs, more than most flowers.

While the lily represents the people that have died for the struggle, we were also seeing it in the broader sense of the spirit of 1916, when the Proclamation guaranteed women the right to equal citizenship with men. We wanted to remember the 1916 Proclamation as still being the best document enshrining equality for all. The lily is symbol of revolution that people have died for and it was never our intention to devalue that. We think it is a fair question though, to ask how much the revolution has been realised. In commemorating the past, questions are raised for the present.

Contrasting the two images then, throws up some questions, not just for republicanism, but feminism also. Is it enough for feminists to celebrate women's sexuality and value women but not engage with the national question? Are we being true to the spirit 1916 with its commitment to women's rights without qualification? Does ``Tiocfaidh ár lá'' mean different things for men and women? We believe these are important and valid political questions that need ongoing debate. We appreciate our method of raising them was a bit obscure but we hope our clarification will help people who were offended to see the poster in a different light.

Finally, some people have agreed with the issues we were raising but argued it was not the right time. We would argue though, throughout history, it somehow never is ``the right time' to raise women's equality issues. If anyone requires further explanation on our part, we would be happy to attend a meeting to discuss this further.

The Derry Sheelas

Praying for Peace



In response to Denis Bradley's article (Irish Times Monday 19 April) and suggestion that days of prayer should be organised by the Cathilic church in Ireland, I am happy to inform your readers that this is in fact happening.

The St. Oliver Plunkett for Peace and Reconciliation Committee has written to every parish priest and religious community throughout the country, inviting them to organise a day of prayer for peace on Wednesday next, 28 April. Specifically, we are inviting parish communities to organise a special Mass for peace on that day and to recite at all Masses celebrated on that day the Prayer to St. Oliver for Peace and Reconciliation in Ireland. St. Oliver is an ideal patron to adopt for this cause as he was a tireless champion for peace throughout his lifetime.

Many parish communities have already pledged their support for this day of prayer, and quite a few have requested prayer cards from us. To date, 200,000 of these cards have been distributed, and many people at home and abroad are reciting this prayer daily for peace and reconciliation in our country.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Paddy Rushe cc,
Parish of St. Peter's, Drogheda

Belfast handicrafts wanted



A Chairde,

The Greater Ballymurphy Commemoration Committee and Carnmore Historical Society are planning a weekend of events for 31 July/1 August to commemorate the part played by the people from this area in our struggle during the last 30 years. Several exhibitions have been arranged, including one on the various phases of the prison struggle which will include handicrafts made by the prisoners at the time.

We would like to make an appeal to anyone, especially ex-POWs and their families, for any items they may have which could add to the success of this exhibition, if so could you please get in contact with anyone from the above two committees.

Máire Cush
Greater Ballymurphy Commemoration Committee.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland