Inspired by the Ten

A Chairde,

I read Jim Gibney's article today, 21 August, and tears came to my eyes.

It was the death of those ten young men that started me writing letters some 20 years ago.

Your article brought back many memories of the ``Kesh'' and people like Oliver and Margaret Hughes, Francis' mom and brother, who I had the pleasure of staying with. Oh, let's not forget the great `Cleaky', who I'll forever miss.

My writing letters opened my eyes and my life to some of the most wonderful men and women and families I will ever meet in my lifetime.

I agree it should be made into a museum. Many a memory made in those visiting rooms. Quite an education for an American. You learn fast and hard and never regret a thing you've done. Many a time I said ``No way'' but found out there was ``a way'' and was glad I found it. I am sure you know what I mean, nothing offensive of course.

By the way Mr. Gibney, I am Maryellen Cantlin, known in the old days in the Kesh, Magilligan, Portlaoise, Armagh and throughout England as Hot Lipps (Lift Irish Political Prisoners Spirits), where my letters were a thorn in the side of all the warders who read them first.

It just wanted to let you know that your article brought back so many sad and wonderful memories. It was very good reading and remembering the hard times.

My very last penpal was Robert ``Cheeser'' Crawford who I am happy to say is home now. I am still very close to his family. How unfortunate it is that ten men died so I could become so fortunate. I hope you understand what I mean by that.

Well, thank you for your time and consideration. I had to share a few memories myself after reading your wonderful article. Thank you for writing it. All the Best.

MaireEibhlin Cantlin

Noonan makes sense

A Chairde,

Mr Michael Noonan declared recently that republicans should realise there is only one legitimate army in Ireland to which any Irishman or woman properly owes his allegiance.

Oddly, I find myself in complete agreement with Mr Noonan and eagerly await his taking of power at the next election where he will, no doubt, disband the illegitimate Free State militia his party's ancestors set up many years ago.

I look forward to Mr Noonan calling for a British withdrawal from Ireland and the establishment of a Workers' Republic at his next opportunity.

Justin Moran

Kildare

Peter O'Neill Crowley

A Chairde,

I would like to thank the editors of An Phoblacht for the excellent article on the anniversary of Peter O'Neill Crowley. Being a Ballymacoda man myself, I feel proud that the courage of this man is being recognised throughout the country, and will be forever more. I would be encouraging you to write more on the patriots of East Cork, Fr Peter O'Neill for instance, the uncle of Peter O'Neill Crowley, who showed great courage and was deported to Botany Bay after the United Irishmen's Rising of 1798. Both of these men, uncle and nephew, are buried side by side in Ballymacoda graveyard. Another great man to come from Ballymacoda was Thomas Bowler Cullinane, who was involved in the raid on the coastguard station in 1867 under P O'Neill Crowley. This man is buried in the old Kilmacdonagh graveyard in Ballymacoda.

Once again, I thank you for your excellent article.

Seamas Ó Coileáin

Rhetoric won't win freedom

A Chairde,

I have just read a post on Red Action concerning the OSF magazine Spark and its recent article on Trotskyism, which also appeared on your paper.

This article was highly interesting, realistic and honest. The bite with which they heaped criticism on the ``Trots'' was very effective and refreshing, yet they also managed to do this without dogma or bitterness. Rather, it was a very accurate and moderated attack on the Utopian nonsense of such groups. The blatant anti-nationalism of such groups, rather than being a progressive step in smashing racism, is political opportunism and cowardice of the worst kind.

I am very cynical by nature and although presently a member of Sinn Féin, I am often concerned by the complacency of some in Sinn Féin. Identifying Sinn Féin as the perfect political organisation, incapable of faults, is not only incorrect but unhelpful in pursuing the best political path in the future. I am strongly against the Public Finance Initiatives and to be honest from a personal point of view would like to see withdrawal from the executive, but I accept the decision of the party.

As the article rightly indicates, it would be wrong to try and portray the Six Counties as a normal political structure when clearly it is not. Let's just wait and see what happens when we get the 32.

What we have to judge on is performance and Sinn Féin has performed for ordinary working class people.

Trotskyite rhetoric will not lead us to freedom. Sinn Féin and honest to decent activists like Tony Gregory Independent TD and trade unionists like Mick O'Reilly and Brendan Ogle just might. As Bobby said, we can all play our part and excellent publications such as Spark are a good start.

Donal O'Driscoll,

21 Casement Street,

Clonakilty,

Co.Cork