Clonakilty meeting pledges support to Shannon arrestees

by Ciaron O'Reilly - Dublin Catholic Worker Thu May 29, 2003 23:00

The previous night we were in Limerick, meeting folks and organising around the Peace Walk to our trial. We had to drive back to Dublin getting in at 3 a.m. as I had to sign on at the cop shop before getting the train to Cork. I got in at 4.30 and had a contact for 5.30 organising a ride to Clonakilty, came out of e-shop at about 5.30...thought got to ask directions as I started jogging in the general direction.

I thought I'll ask the first person. The guy coming the other way was in a suit,so I said
"Excuse me, do you know thwe way tp the Capital Theatre?"
Suit "Yes Ciaron I do!"
Me "Have we met before?"
Suit " Yes Ciaron we have"
Me "Where?"
Suit "In Ennis"
Me "Oh, in what capacity?"
Suit "A legal capacity?"
Me "Were you friend or foe?"
Suit Smile
"I kept you in jail for a while!"
It was my first judge after the ploughshares action that denied me bail on the basis of "being too passioinate"!
Me " Wow God has a sense of humour uhh?"
Suuit "The theatre is that way"
Me "Thanx!"

It's either a small world or a small movement!
A great night in Clon, solid folks abound.

by Dominic Carroll - Clonakilty Against the War Thu May 29, 2003 23:41 clonakiltyagainstthewar at eircom dot net

Thanks to Ciaron for making the long trip to Clon last night. We had a good discussion and all were very interested in what he had to say. I would admit to not having put myself out for the Ploughshares people, and regret it. Listening to Ciaron was enlightening, especially with regard to the Ploughshares movement.

Their action at Shannon was commendable, effective and – yes, this does matter – courageous. The anti-war camp owes it to them to rally around as their trial approaches. More than that, the Ploughshares action – along with the Shannon Peace Camp, Mary Kelly and assorted trespassers – can be considered pretty much the cutting edge of the movement. The only other things we had going for us were the marches, various protests and propaganda efforts. Have I overlooked anything? We wanted strikes but didn’t get them. We wanted mass direct action but didn’t get it. We wanted a wave of civil disobedience but it didn’t happen. Without the Shannon actions, the whole thing might have been a damp Squibb.

The ploughshares action came in for criticism for a diversity of reasons. And people are entitled to question anything and everything, but surely it must be rooted in a sense of solidarity with those engaged in genuine, anti-war, militant activity. And solidarity is key in this and any struggle.

The Ploughshares people are facing a serious trial that might result in prison sentences. They are seeking support in the weeks leading up to the trial. It’s important to generate interest and momentum, and it’s incumbent on the anti-war movement – organisationally and individually – to make an effort. It’s not just about lending support – important though this is; it’s also about pitstop Shannon and the campaign to make it out of bounds to uniformed killers. The forthcoming trials of the Ploughshares people and Mary Kelly are surely a priority for us in this and every regard.