There has always been a tradition of armed resistance to the British military and political occupation of Ireland. This tradition generally only found effective expression when after a period of non-armed agitation, large sections of the Irish people, faced with the British government's denial of the legitimate demand for Irish independence, exercised the right to use armed struggle.
This was the case with the organisation from which modern Irish republicans trace their origins - the United Irishmen of the 1790s. Inspired by the example of the American War of Independence and by the democratic ideals of the French Revolution, the United Irishmen sought to unite the people of Ireland in a common effort to achieve equality and freedom. Choosing initially non-violent means to win their aims, the United Irishmen quickly met with a repressive response from the British government. It was only then that they exercised their right as Irish people to defend their liberty by the use of arms.
This group has been set by and for young Republicans from Newry. Newry has always been at the forefront in the fight for Irish freedom. Sadly we have lost 22 brave Volunteers who were killed in action during this war and this site is a tribute to those brave men who paid the supreme sacrifice. We must also remember the innocent citizens who were brutally gunned down by the Crown Forces and the numerous residents who suffered daily harrassment for decades.
The people from Newry can always be relied on when the going gets tough. We have some of the worst riots imaginable in areas such as Derrybeg and Barcroft, we met violence with violence and are ready and willing to defend our communites if the need arises.
Although there isn't great support for armed struggle at this moment in time Newry Republican Youth recognise the right of Republicans to resort to that tactic as it is the Irish Peoples god given right to do so. Throughout Irelands history armed resistance was never popular but that doesn't mean it was wrong. The Easter Rising of 1916 had no popular support and as a matter of fact the leaders of the Easter Rising were spat upon by the citizens of Dublin when the British Army escorted them through Dublin. It was only after the British executed them that the people understood their motivation. Also the border campaign in the 50s was ended as a result of lack of support by the general public but again that doesn't mean it was wrong.