Ógra Fianna Fáil
Encyclopedia
Ógra Fianna Fáil is the youth wing
of Fianna Fáil
, a political party
in Ireland
. Within Fianna Fáil it is simply called Ógra (Irish
for youth
). It was founded in 1975 by party leader Jack Lynch
under the guidance of party general secretary, Séamus Brennan
. In the Republic, it is active in some major Third Level Institutes and in some Dáil constituencies
. It began recruiting members in Northern Ireland
, beginning on 25 September 2007 in Derry
at Magee College
of the University of Ulster
, and proceeding to Queen's University Belfast the following day.
Six members of the Youth Committee are on the Ard Comhairle (the national governing body) of Fianna Fáil. This also includes the Leas-Cathaoirleach who is elected by all the members, one representative from third-level institution branches, and one from each four regions Munster, Leinster, Connacht-Ulster and Dublin.
There are sixteen further members of the Youth Committee: three from each region and three from the third level sector. Ógra Fianna Fáil recently expanded into Northern Ireland and has since added the position of Northern Representative to the committee.
(chair) is independent of election and is appointed by the President of Fianna Fáil. The Cathaoirelach is normally a member of the Dáil
or Seanad
but not usually a minister. This has recently changed, with the appointment of Dara Calleary
as Minister of State (with special responsibility for Labour Affairs)
in 2008. The purpose of having a member of the parliamentary party as Cathaoirleach is to provide a direct link for policy purposes.
Thomas Byrne
was appointed as Cathaoirleach Ógra at the National Youth Conference which took place in Bundoran
in November 2009.
position and it is the Leas Cathaoirleach who acts as the main spokesperson and representative of Ógra Fianna Fáil. The current Leas Cathaoirleach is Joe O'Neill from Galway East
.
political party in University College Dublin
(UCD). The society, or cumann
predates the founding of Ogra Fianna Fáil which was established in 1974 and has records of being active dating to as early as 1948 when Seán Lemass
addressed the cumann. The cumann formally dates to 1957 when led by Gerry Collins, then a student organiser in UCD and later Minister for Foreign Affairs
and an MEP
. The Cumann is named after Kevin Barry
(1902–1920), a former medical student of the University who fought and was executed during the Irish War of Independence
. It is the largest cumann in Fianna Fáil with recruitment occurring mainly throughout freshers week.
Charlie McCreevy
, previous Irish government ministers Dick Roche
and Mary Coughlan, Clare TD Timmy Dooley and RTÉ
presenter Ryan Tubridy
. The author and former political lobbyist Frank Dunlop
was a member. The Cumann is run by an officer board elected by members annually at its annual general meeting. In 2011, KBC lost its place as the largest political organisation on campus for the first time to UCD Young Fine Gael.
were elected in November 2009 in Bundoran
, County Donegal
at the National Youth Conference. Members of the committee also sit on the Ard Comhairle, the National Executive of Fianna Fáil.
Youth wing
A youth wing is a subsidiary, autonomous or independently-allied front of a larger organization that is formed in order to rally support and allegiance for that organization's campaigns from members and potential members of a younger age...
of Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
, a political party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. Within Fianna Fáil it is simply called Ógra (Irish
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
for youth
Youth
Youth is the time of life between childhood and adulthood . Definitions of the specific age range that constitutes youth vary. An individual's actual maturity may not correspond to their chronological age, as immature individuals could exist at all ages.-Usage:Around the world, the terms "youth",...
). It was founded in 1975 by party leader Jack Lynch
Jack Lynch
John Mary "Jack" Lynch was the Taoiseach of Ireland, serving two terms in office; from 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979....
under the guidance of party general secretary, Séamus Brennan
Séamus Brennan
Séamus Brennan was a senior Irish Fianna Fáil politician and a Teachta Dála for Dublin South. He served as a Minister of State, Minister for Tourism and Transport , Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications , Minister for Education , Minister for Transport , Minister for Social and...
. In the Republic, it is active in some major Third Level Institutes and in some Dáil constituencies
Parliamentary constituencies in the Republic of Ireland
The lower house of the Oireachtas , Dáil Éireann, contains 166 Teachtaí Dála , representing 43 parliamentary constituencies throughout the Republic of Ireland. Depending on its size, each constituency must have at least 3 members and a maximum of five members. The most recent ratio indicates that...
. It began recruiting members in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, beginning on 25 September 2007 in Derry
Derry
Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
at Magee College
Magee College
Magee College is a campus of the University of Ulster located in Derry, Northern Ireland. It opened in 1865 as a Presbyterian Christian arts and theological college...
of the University of Ulster
University of Ulster
The University of Ulster is a multi-campus, co-educational university located in Northern Ireland. It is the largest single university in Ireland, discounting the federal National University of Ireland...
, and proceeding to Queen's University Belfast the following day.
Organisation
Ógra is a full member of Fianna Fáil itself. The national leadership of Ógra is the National Youth Committee, which is elected at the National Youth Conference which takes place every year to 18 months.Six members of the Youth Committee are on the Ard Comhairle (the national governing body) of Fianna Fáil. This also includes the Leas-Cathaoirleach who is elected by all the members, one representative from third-level institution branches, and one from each four regions Munster, Leinster, Connacht-Ulster and Dublin.
There are sixteen further members of the Youth Committee: three from each region and three from the third level sector. Ógra Fianna Fáil recently expanded into Northern Ireland and has since added the position of Northern Representative to the committee.
Cathaoirleach Ógra
The CathaoirleachCathaoirleach
Cathaoirleach is the title of the chairman of Seanad Éireann, the sixty-member upper house of the Oireachtas, the legislature of Ireland. The current Cathaoirleach is Senator Paddy Burke...
(chair) is independent of election and is appointed by the President of Fianna Fáil. The Cathaoirelach is normally a member of the Dáil
Dáil Éireann
Dáil Éireann is the lower house, but principal chamber, of the Oireachtas , which also includes the President of Ireland and Seanad Éireann . It is directly elected at least once in every five years under the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote...
or Seanad
Seanad Éireann
Seanad Éireann is the upper house of the Oireachtas , which also comprises the President of Ireland and Dáil Éireann . It is commonly called the Seanad or Senate and its members Senators or Seanadóirí . Unlike Dáil Éireann, it is not directly elected but consists of a mixture of members chosen by...
but not usually a minister. This has recently changed, with the appointment of Dara Calleary
Dara Calleary
Dara Calleary is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He has been a Teachta Dála for the Mayo constituency since 2007. He served as Minister of State for Labour Affairs and Public Service Transformation from 2009 to 2011....
as Minister of State (with special responsibility for Labour Affairs)
Minister of State (with special responsibility for Labour Affairs)
The Minister of State, who had special responsibility for Labour Affairs, was officially styled Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment , and was a junior ministerial post in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the Government of Ireland...
in 2008. The purpose of having a member of the parliamentary party as Cathaoirleach is to provide a direct link for policy purposes.
Thomas Byrne
Thomas Byrne (Meath politician)
Thomas Byrne is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was elected to Seanad Éireann in April 2011. He was previously a Teachta Dála for the Meath East constituency from 2007 to 2011.-Personal life:...
was appointed as Cathaoirleach Ógra at the National Youth Conference which took place in Bundoran
Bundoran
Bundoran is a town in County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in the north of Ireland. The town is located on the N15 road near Ballyshannon, 3 hours drive from Dublin and around two and a quarter hours drive from Belfast...
in November 2009.
Leas-Chathaoirleach Ógra
The Leas-Chathaoirleach (vice chairperson) is the highest elected position within Ógra Fianna Fáil. The Leas Cathaoirleach is elected at the National Youth Conference every year. The Cathaoirleach ("chairperson") of Ógra is always a member of the parliamentary party - this is an honoraryTitle of honor
An honorary title or title of honor is a title bestowed upon individuals or organizations as an award in recognition of their merits.Sometimes the title bears the same or nearly the same name as a title of authority, but the person bestowed does not have to carry any duties, possibly except for...
position and it is the Leas Cathaoirleach who acts as the main spokesperson and representative of Ógra Fianna Fáil. The current Leas Cathaoirleach is Joe O'Neill from Galway East
Galway East
Galway East is a parliamentary constituency represented in Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament or Oireachtas. The constituency elects 4 deputies...
.
Kevin Barry Cumann – UCD
The Kevin Barry Cumann is the branch of the Fianna FáilFianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
political party in University College Dublin
University College Dublin
University College Dublin ) - formally known as University College Dublin - National University of Ireland, Dublin is the Republic of Ireland's largest, and Ireland's second largest, university, with over 1,300 faculty and 17,000 students...
(UCD). The society, or cumann
Cumann
A cumann is the lowest local unit or branch of a number of Irish political parties. The term cumann may also be used to describe a non-political association....
predates the founding of Ogra Fianna Fáil which was established in 1974 and has records of being active dating to as early as 1948 when Seán Lemass
Seán Lemass
Seán Francis Lemass was one of the most prominent Irish politicians of the 20th century. He served as Taoiseach from 1959 until 1966....
addressed the cumann. The cumann formally dates to 1957 when led by Gerry Collins, then a student organiser in UCD and later Minister for Foreign Affairs
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ireland)
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is the senior minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Government of Ireland. Its headquarters are at Iveagh House, on St Stephen's Green in Dublin; "Iveagh House" is often used as a metonym for the department as a whole.The current...
and an MEP
Member of the European Parliament
A Member of the European Parliament is a person who has been elected to the European Parliament. The name of MEPs differ in different languages, with terms such as europarliamentarian or eurodeputy being common in Romance language-speaking areas.When the European Parliament was first established,...
. The Cumann is named after Kevin Barry
Kevin Barry
Kevin Gerard Barry was the first Irish republican to be executed by the British since the leaders of the Easter Rising. Barry was sentenced to death for his part in an IRA operation which resulted in the deaths of three British soldiers.Barry's death is considered a watershed moment in the Irish...
(1902–1920), a former medical student of the University who fought and was executed during the Irish War of Independence
Irish War of Independence
The Irish War of Independence , Anglo-Irish War, Black and Tan War, or Tan War was a guerrilla war mounted by the Irish Republican Army against the British government and its forces in Ireland. It began in January 1919, following the Irish Republic's declaration of independence. Both sides agreed...
. It is the largest cumann in Fianna Fáil with recruitment occurring mainly throughout freshers week.
Members
Prominent Fianna Fáil members who were members of the Cumann include former European CommissionerEuropean Commissioner
A European Commissioner is a member of the 27-member European Commission. Each Member within the college holds a specific portfolio and are led by the President of the European Commission...
Charlie McCreevy
Charlie McCreevy
Charles "Charlie" McCreevy is a former Irish politician. He was the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services from 2004–2010. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fianna Fáil TD in 1977 and held the seat in Kildare until 2004 when he became Ireland's European Commissioner...
, previous Irish government ministers Dick Roche
Dick Roche
Dick Roche is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was a Teachta Dála for the Wicklow constituency, and also served in Seanad Éireann from 1992 to 1997.-Early and private life:...
and Mary Coughlan, Clare TD Timmy Dooley and RTÉ
RTE
RTÉ is the abbreviation for Raidió Teilifís Éireann, the public broadcasting service of the Republic of Ireland.RTE may also refer to:* Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 25th Prime Minister of Turkey...
presenter Ryan Tubridy
Ryan Tubridy
Ryan Tubridy , affectionately known as "Tubs", is an Irish broadcaster and writer, a presenter of live shows on radio and television in Ireland. He has been described as "one of Ireland's most gifted broadcasters"...
. The author and former political lobbyist Frank Dunlop
Frank Dunlop
Frank Dunlop is an Irish lobbyist and former broadcast journalist with Raidió Teilifís Éireann . Originally from County Kilkenny, he is a key witness to the Mahon Tribunal which is investigating improper payments by property developers to Irish politicians and will be a key witness in pending...
was a member. The Cumann is run by an officer board elected by members annually at its annual general meeting. In 2011, KBC lost its place as the largest political organisation on campus for the first time to UCD Young Fine Gael.
National Youth Committee
Members of the National Youth Committee for Ógra Fianna FáilÓgra Fianna Fáil
Ógra Fianna Fáil is the youth wing of Fianna Fáil, a political party in Ireland. Within Fianna Fáil it is simply called Ógra . It was founded in 1975 by party leader Jack Lynch under the guidance of party general secretary, Séamus Brennan. In the Republic, it is active in some major Third Level...
were elected in November 2009 in Bundoran
Bundoran
Bundoran is a town in County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in the north of Ireland. The town is located on the N15 road near Ballyshannon, 3 hours drive from Dublin and around two and a quarter hours drive from Belfast...
, County Donegal
County Donegal
County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
at the National Youth Conference. Members of the committee also sit on the Ard Comhairle, the National Executive of Fianna Fáil.
Other Third Level branches
- Dublin City UniversityDublin City UniversityDublin City University is a university situated between Glasnevin, Santry, Ballymun and Whitehall on the Northside of Dublin in Ireland...
– Patrick PearsePatrick PearsePatrick Henry Pearse was an Irish teacher, barrister, poet, writer, nationalist and political activist who was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916...
Cumann - National University of Ireland, GalwayNational University of Ireland, GalwayThe National University of Ireland, Galway is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland...
– Cumann De Barra - National University of Ireland, MaynoothNational University of Ireland, MaynoothThe National University of Ireland, Maynooth , was founded by the Universities Act, 1997 as a constituent university of the National University of Ireland. It is Ireland's second oldest university, having been formed from St Patrick's College, Maynooth, itself founded in 1795.The university is...
– Seán LemassSeán LemassSeán Francis Lemass was one of the most prominent Irish politicians of the 20th century. He served as Taoiseach from 1959 until 1966....
Cumann - Queen's University Belfast – William DrennanWilliam DrennanWilliam Drennan ,a physician, poet, educationalist and political radical, was one of the chief architects of the Society of United Irishmen...
Cumann - Trinity College, DublinTrinity College, DublinTrinity College, Dublin , formally known as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, was founded in 1592 by letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I as the "mother of a university", Extracts from Letters Patent of Elizabeth I, 1592: "...we...found and...
– Wolfe Tone Cumann - University College Cork – Donogh O'Malley Cumann
- University of LimerickUniversity of LimerickThe University of Limerick is a university in Ireland near the city of Limerick on the island's west coast. It was established in 1972 as the National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick and became a university by statute in 1989 in accordance with the University of Limerick Act 1989...
– Conn Colbert Cumann - University of UlsterUniversity of UlsterThe University of Ulster is a multi-campus, co-educational university located in Northern Ireland. It is the largest single university in Ireland, discounting the federal National University of Ireland...
- Galway-Mayo Institute of TechnologyGalway-Mayo Institute of TechnologyGalway-Mayo Institute of Technology is a third level institute of education and is based at five locations in the west of Ireland.-Galway Campus:...
External links
- Ógra Online – Official website
- Fianna Fáil website
- Queens University Belfast Ógra Cumann website
- Kevin Barry Cumann