Peaceful and Democratic Means
This week marks the twenty-first anniversary of the Irish Republican Army formally ending its armed campaign. On July 25th, 2005, the IRA issued a statement ending its campaigns, directing its volunteers to dump weapons, and to support the cause of unity by solely peaceful and democratic means. It also committed the organisation to fully put its weapons beyond use to further confidence in the peace process.This initiative followed the 1997 reinstatement of their ceasefire, which facilitated peace talks that led directly to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
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The Fleadh Comes to Belfast
Yet last weekend was one of the most politically significant of my lifetime.Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was held in Belfast. This is a festival of Irish music, dance and culture. The Fleadh is centred around competitions and draws Irish musicians and dancers from across Ireland and internationally. Outside of competitions, there are gigs, impromptu music sessions, and classes.
That Was the Week that Was
Last weekend, Belfast hosted the annual Sinn FĂ©in Ard Fheis (party conference). The sun was out, and the Waterfront Conference Centre was the perfect venue for our meeting.This was the largest Ard Fheis in several years. There was a huge sense
Coroner to deliver findings on fatal shootings involving British Army in Springhill and Westrock
The inquest concluded in April 2024, just hours before the former Government’s guillotine on conflict-related court cases as part of new legacy laws came into effect.
All Roads Lead to Belfast this Weekend
From Friday evening through Saturday, over 150 motions will be debated and voted on. If agreed, they will become party policy. In advance of the Ard Fheis, the motions will be discussed at a local level, with delegates provided with voting guidelines.
Livestream Sinn Féin’s Ard Fheis 2026
Watch the Livestream of Sinn Féin’s Ard Fheis 2026 Building Ireland's Future - Ag Tógáil Todhchaà na hÉireann - taking place in Belfast on Friday 24th 6pm-9pm and Saturday 25th April 10am-7pm.
Irish Unity Education Webinar with Rose Conway Walsh TD
Join us for a conversation with Rose Conway-Walsh, Sinn FĂ©in TD for Mayo and member of the Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement Committee.We will discuss...
Merch
Yet last weekend was one of the most politically significant of my lifetime.Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was held in Belfast. This is a festival of Irish music, dance and culture. The Fleadh is centred around competitions and draws Irish musicians and dancers from across Ireland and internationally. Outside of competitions, there are gigs, impromptu music sessions, and classes.
Irish Fest 2026 will feature music and dance stages as well as a Performing Arts stage and the Leprechaun Tent with kid-friendly activities and entertainment. The CultĂşr & CĂ©ilĂ Tent returns with Irish language workshops, Celtic knotwork demonstrations, history workshops and