Clonakilty meeting pledges support to Shannon arrestees

Thursday May 29, 2003 10:54

by Sean - Cork Anti War Campaign

Ciaron O'Reilly speaking at Clonakilty last night

A meeting in Clonakilty, Co. Cork last night pledged support and solidarity to those who have been arrested and charged in relation to non-violent direct action protests at Shannon Airport in opposition to Ireland's involvement in the war on Iraq.

The meeting, organised by Clonakilty Against War, was addressed by Ciaran O'Reilly of the Catholic Worker movement who, along with several colleagues and other protesters, is facing serious charges following their arrest at a hangar in the airport earlier this year.

A documentary entitled "Seeds of Hope" was shown which shows a previous successful trial in which people who had damaged a Hawk military aircraft were acquitted by a jury in Liverpool.

Ciaron O'Reilly told the meeting about his 25 years as a non-violent war resister in Australia, the United States and Britain and gave details of the forthcoming trial which opens at Kilrush Court House next month.

Also discussed was a forthcoming demonstration at Shannon Airport on June 21st and other related events of which details will be posted shortly.

save preference

Comments (2 of 2)

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to Clonakilty

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.

Shoulders to the wheel, everyone

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.

Upcoming Events

New Events

Other Press

User Preferences

Feeds

Blog Feeds

Anti-Empire

The Saker

Lockdown Skeptics

Voltaire Network

Clonakilty meeting pledges support to Shannon arrestees

Comments (2 of 2)