Galway mobilises for the amBUSH

galway | anti-war / imperialism | news report

Monday June 21, 2004 15:00

by Photos: Tommy, Text: Terry - Galway Grassroots

galwaygrassroots at yahoo dot com

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Anti-war tour of Galway, plus details of Galway buses to Shannon, and other stuff happening...

Theatrical display...

Over one hundred anti-warriors careered through the streets of Galway on Saturday part of a national weekend of action, a warm up for next weekend’s Bush visit.

The vanguard of the parade was made by a party of painted drummers, pounding out a barbarian beat on bodhrans.

Following this a spectacular theatrical float, pulled forward by casualties and prisoners, pushed forward by soldiers, with oil drums, coffins and Bush atop.

An energy injection came from a mob of tree wielding young ‘uns, each tree representing an Iraqi child slain by U.S. forces.

The gigantic Galway grassroots Boycott Top Oil banner and killer sound system in a shopping trolley forms the centre piece, emitting a sonic roar across the streets. The orange Global Women’s Strike made up the rear with the message “invest in caring not killing”.

On Shop Street Michael of Galway Grassroots Network briefly addresses the crowd, and on-lookers, hammering out the come to Shannon call.

On Prospect Hill gathering outside the Fianna Fail offices Maggie of the Global Women’s Strike speaks about the Mary Kelly case and their work in calling for Gardai not to protect Aer Rianta’s facilitation of war crimes.

Finally the procession made it’s protest outside the Forster street offices of the Galway oil company. These are local distributors for Top Oil, the company which re-fuels the American military at Shannon. At this juncture Terry from the Galway Grassroots Network speaks of the other demonstrations taking place – nationwide – in Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Kildare and Kerry.

Galway Grassroots Network are running two buses to the demonstrations in Shannon next weekend. For the Anti-War Ireland demo at Shannon Town Centre at 7pm Friday June 25th (supported by Ambush 2004!).

For the Ambush 2004! march from Shannon to Bunratty at 12 midday Saturday June 26th (supported by Anti-War Ireland).

You MUST phone to book a place on either of the buses, ASAP.

The Friday bus leaves from the quad (old gothic building) in NUIG at 3pm sharp.
To book a place call 086 078 90 50. The return trip costs 10 euro.

The Saturday bus leaves from the quad in NUIG at 9am sharp. To book a place call 085 736 45 36. The return trip costs 10 euro.

It is possible to go for the whole weekend and stay at the Shannon Peace Camp, but you must book a place for both buses, i.e. a weekend return.
Some Galwegians are heading down today to help with the establishment of the peace camp see:

Others will be heading down on Thursday:
http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=65523

Much colour was added to Saturday’s demo by people from the colours theatre group whose next event is Macbeth: http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=65620

Media Contacts:
Terry Clancy: 086 1682416
Donagh Davis 085 724 38 32
[email protected]