24 May 2001 Edition
Irish Northern Aid 2001 Annual General Meeting
Nearly a hundred members gathered in Cleveland over the weekend of 4-6 May for the Annual General Meeting of Irish Northern Aid. The weekend began on Friday evening with a lively social held at ``Pat's on the Flats'' where the entertainment was provided by the renowned balladier Mossy Moran. Members of the Cleveland unit graciously shuttled attendees back and forth from the hotel to Pat's all night long.
The working meetings on Saturday began with an in-depth presentation by Gerry Coleman, Political Education Director. Gerry briefed the members on the current status of the peace process, including information on sectarian attacks, human rights abuses by the RUC and the policing debate. Other reports were made concerning The Irish People, membership and fundraising.
The Luncheon speaker was Jarlath McNulty, Strabane Councillor and representative of Coiste na n-Iarchimí. Jarlath spoke eloquently of the need for Irish Northern Aid's continued assistance for Irish political prisoners. In many ways, he said, ex-prisoners need assistance more now than they did when they were in jail.
Every person that spoke, every session held, also touched upon the 20th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike. Many personal reflections were given and ideas shared for commemorating the Hunger Strike.
Part of the overall programme was the honouring of six original founding members of Cleveland's INA unit, all still involved and active today. They are Patrick Bourke, Mike Chambers, Frank Sheehan, Harry Simon, Sean Neligan and John Campbell.
The keynote address at the dinner dance was given by Tina Tully, from County Cavan and member of Sinn Féin's Ard Chomhairle. Tina's message was one of advancing the republican struggle through political activism.
The working meetings on Saturday began with an in-depth presentation by Gerry Coleman, Political Education Director. Gerry briefed the members on the current status of the peace process, including information on sectarian attacks, human rights abuses by the RUC and the policing debate. Other reports were made concerning The Irish People, membership and fundraising.
The Luncheon speaker was Jarlath McNulty, Strabane Councillor and representative of Coiste na n-Iarchimí. Jarlath spoke eloquently of the need for Irish Northern Aid's continued assistance for Irish political prisoners. In many ways, he said, ex-prisoners need assistance more now than they did when they were in jail.
Every person that spoke, every session held, also touched upon the 20th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike. Many personal reflections were given and ideas shared for commemorating the Hunger Strike.
Part of the overall programme was the honouring of six original founding members of Cleveland's INA unit, all still involved and active today. They are Patrick Bourke, Mike Chambers, Frank Sheehan, Harry Simon, Sean Neligan and John Campbell.
The keynote address at the dinner dance was given by Tina Tully, from County Cavan and member of Sinn Féin's Ard Chomhairle. Tina's message was one of advancing the republican struggle through political activism.