Irish Freedom Committee
Chicago Christmas Drive for POWs

Sunday December 10, 2007
The Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace (at Elston)
Chicago IL 

Event Report  - Photos - Announcement

WPNA Radio Chicago interview Dec. 09, 2006 (wav. file audio 31895.56KB)

 Event Report

A great turnout was had at the annual 2006 IFC Christmas Drive in Chicago, with supporters driving from as far away as Milwaukee Wisconsin, and St. Paul Minnesota, to attend.  

Steve "Jigmaster" Fitzgerald as usual did not disappoint with a rousing set of Irish Republican ballads and his famous non-stop banter with the audience.  

Deirdre Fennessy gave a brief speech on behalf of Frank O'Neill, who could not be there but asked that everyone remember the POWs. 

A large banner was hung above the stage with many of the POWs names drawn on it to reminded the audience members why they were there, for all of the the families left behind, many of them with small children. Many dozens of Christmas cards made the rounds with everyone taking the time to add a signature or a personal message for the POWs.  

At the afternoon's close raffle for Irish Republican memorabilia and craftwork was held, with prizes of a hand painted bodhron, a a belt, and a wallet all sent to the event for the raffle by POWs at Portlaoise prison.  A variety of other items were also raflled off including some celtic crosses and Irish republican apparel.  

Thanks to the great success of the event, many families received a helpful donation from the IFC for the Christmas holidays.  As one family said soon afterwards, "Thank you for your very kind donation, we are grateful for all your help and support throughout the years...We hope everyone in the Irish Freedom Committee has a very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!"

Please remember the POWs and their families this Christmas, and throughout 2007.  For more ways you can help the families please contact us at info-at-irishfreedomcommittee.net

click photo thumbnails for larger image

IFC supporters sign Christmas cards for Irish Republican POWs

Door staff, Merchandise table, and a view of the room

Entertainer Steve "Jigmaster" Fitzgerald performs and assists with the bodhron raffle

Announcement

Irish Freedom Committee/Cumann na Saoirse
November 12, 2006

Christmas is a lonely and difficult time for the families of nearly 100 Irish Republican prisoners of conscience currently serving political sentences in jails in Britain and Ireland. Many of these prisoners are charged on flimsy or circumstantial evidence, doctored forensics, mere allegations, or the word of a “secret”, masked witness. All are sentenced in “Special” three-judge, juryless courts – some for 20 and more years – while their children, families and loved ones struggle to survive on the outside.

Please help the Irish Freedom Committee brighten the holidays for the families of the Political Prisoners! Join us for an afternoon of holiday cheer, song and dance for our 
“2006 Holiday Drive for Families of Irish Republican Political Prisoners”.

Sunday December 10, 2006
Noon – 3:00 PM
The Abbey Pub – Main Stage 
3420 W. Grace, Chicago

MUSICAL GUEST: "JIGMASTER" STEVE FITZGERALD

Please come SIGN CHRISTMAS CARDS for Irish Republican POWs; LEARN ABOUT THE STRUGGLE for Irish national self-determination; and participate in a RAFFLE DRAWING for beautiful, one-of-a-kind POW-made prison crafts. Irish Republican books, apparel and memorabilia available for sale. Come meet old friends -- and make new ones!

$10 DONATION 
includes one Raffle ticket
Cash Bar and full Abbey Kitchen available
For more information call 312-560-9311 or visit us on the web at
www.irishfreedomcommittee.net

The Irish Freedom Committee sponsors the families of Irish Republican Political Prisoners under our Áire Cláinne Direct Support Program©. No funds raised by our efforts go to any banned or proscribed organization.
100% of donations go direct to the families of Irish Republican Political Prisoners.

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