Cairde Na hÉireann

Cairde na hÉireann is the national structure for republicans in Scotland. Our work includes:

• To campaign for a united Ireland.

• To support sister organisations in Ireland.

• To promote a new Ireland based on the principles of justice and equality.

• To support initiatives aimed at improving the material conditions of the Irish community in Scotland.

• To campaign against racism and sectarianism.

A national organisation ensures cohesion and accountability in solidarity work. Cairde na hÉireann organises throughout the country and is involved in several areas of work including,

Cairde na hÉireann has already been campaigning in support of the Castlerea prisoners and the families of victims of collusion. Last year we marked the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising and the 25th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike. Republicans will ensure these events are fittingly honoured throughout Scotland and beyond.

This year we launched our United Ireland campaign in Coatbridge (Pictures are available in media/pictures section) We continue this theme at the next march on the 25th of August in Glasgow.

Information Service

We have recently launched an electronic information service, which keeps people informed of political developments and events. This service also acts as a debating tool and allows members throughout the country to exchange ideas.

Political Education

Cairde organises political education classes for all our members who engage in solidarity work. Classes based on the history of republicanism, socialism and nationalism and other topics. The course will be informal and aimed at equipping the group with the political tools necessary to improve their effectiveness as activists.

Marches and Bands

Republican marches in Scotland have come under sustained attacks from our political opponents. The media has misrepresented the nature of these events. Republicans in Scotland have a responsibility to ensure the political purpose of marches are made clear to the communities that host them. Republican marches will include publicity materials and speakers on any given theme. Marches are already planned to commemorate the Hunger strikes in Glasgow and the 90th anniversary of James Connolly's execution in Edinburgh.

Republican flute bands working within the Cairde na hÉireann structure have all agreed a code of conduct. This sets out the required political and financial accountability required to make a positive contribution to the struggle and gives bands the same status as other solidarity groups working throughout Scotland. Having agreed to work in a constructive manner in support of our political project, the following bands, and only the following bands, are available for commemorations and other events in Ireland. Requests for bands should be made through Cairde na hÉireann.

Coatbridge RFB

Vol Martin Doherty RFB

Vol Sean Mcilvenná RFB

James Larkin RFB (England)

Joe Cahill RFB

Eireann 32 RFB (England)

If you would like more information about Cairde na hÉireann then you can email us from our contacts page.

Visit Our Shop | Our Products