AT this time of year many of us are busy getting prepared for Christmas -- buying gifts for loved ones, planning the dinner menu, baking cookies, looking forward to being with our families and friends, etc.

At present there are nearly 100 Irish Republican political prisoners being held in British and Irish prisons on both sides of Britain's border in Ireland and in England. They cannot share any of these Christmas joys with their families.

There are no dinners at home feasting on favorite home-cooked holiday dishes. There’s no family midnight Mass or opening presents Christmas mornings.



These prisoners have spouses, children, parents and siblings from whom they are separated at Christmas. Their families need the support of others who care about the sacrifices these young men have made for their country.

That is why I support the annual Cabhair Christmas Swim, which will again be held this year on Christmas morning at the Grand Canal in Inchicore, Dublin.

Cabhair supports dependants and family members of Republican political prisoners. For more information please see www.irishfreedom.net.

Every single dollar will help brighten someone’s Christmas.



Jane Enright

Woodside, New York