20/10/2026
STRABANE — ‘UK’ TOWN OF CULTURE BID
A STATEMENT FROM THE JOSEPH PLUNKETT 1916 SOCIETY
The Joseph Plunkett 1916 Society is launching a public campaign opposing Strabane's participation in the UK Town of Culture competition.
For us, the objection begins with the very title itself. We see this competition as an attempt to celebrate and promote a UK national cultural identity, which directly conflicts with our republican principles and beliefs.
Strabane and the surrounding communities of West Tyrone have a long and proud tradition of Irish republicanism. Generations of men and women from these communities dedicated themselves to the cause of Irish freedom, national sovereignty and the right of the Irish people to determine their own future.
Those principles did not disappear with the passage of time.
As republicans, we remain committed to the ideals of the 1916 Proclamation and the objective of a sovereign, independent, 32-county socialist republic.
It is from that position that we oppose Strabane being promoted under a UK national cultural designation.
We are not opposed to cultural investment, regeneration or opportunities for the people of Strabane and the surrounding areas. But we draw a clear distinction between celebrating our Irish culture and accepting a designation that, from our republican perspective, reinforces and legitimises the very system of British rule and partition that has, for generations, subjected the people of Strabane and communities across the six counties to injustice, discrimination, hardship, suffering and deprivation.
OUR POSITION IS CLEAR: WE ARE CALLING FOR STRABANE'S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UK TOWN OF CULTURE COMPETITION.
We also recognise that as a Society we are not alone in holding this position.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM THOSE WHO SHARE OUR OPPOSITION.
As the first step in this campaign, we invite individuals, community representatives and organisations who oppose the designation to make their views known publicly in the comments below, explaining their position in their own words.
Our republican beliefs are not confined to the pages of history. They continue to inform our position on the political and cultural future of our communities today.
Joseph Plunkett 1916 Societies
