Author Topic: Hundreds turn out to support Turf Cutters in Loughrea (Read 3499 times)

John Grace · « **on:** March 06, 2013, 04:47:57 PM »

Fantastic day in Loughrea. The turf cutters resisting the EU have been mentioned on other threads but deserving of a new thread.

http://thoughtactioneire.blogspot.ie/2013/03/hundreds-of-people-gathered-in-support.html

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Hundreds of people gathered in support of the Four Turf Cutters in Loughrea!
This report is dedicated to the late Fr John Fahy (1893-1969).

It was a great honour to be in Loughrea earlier as over 800 people turned up in solidarity with the four turf cutters, who are standing up for what is right and oppose what is wrong. Many turf cutters attended as well as people showing solidarity with the four men and upholding the right to cut turf on private property. Many travelled long distances to attend. Well done in particular to the group from Kerry.

Thought and Action wishes to thank the four men. Before court they were calm and composed. These four men are no criminals and an example to us all. They are standing up for the right thing. In the days ahead may they stay strong and as demonstrated today their morale is strong and people support them.

After the court case everybody marched through the streets of Loughrea. A bodhrán player lead the march and there was some song on the march. There was fantastic support from people. People waved and cheered from the doorways of shops and car horns were in use. School children waved from buses that passed by.

The case has been adjourned to the Galway Circuit Court on 10th April.

A cheer went up as the men left the court and were met with applause as they drove away. A sincere word of thanks to the organisers of today’s very successful solidarity protest. Do continue to support the four men and the turf cutters.

John Grace · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2013, 04:52:23 PM »

Some photographs.

John Grace · « **Reply #2 on:** March 06, 2013, 04:54:31 PM »

Some more pictures

John Grace · « **Reply #3 on:** March 06, 2013, 04:59:41 PM »

The men surrounded by supporters and friends shortly after the court hearing.

John Grace · « **Reply #4 on:** March 06, 2013, 05:03:40 PM »

A section of the crowd on the march through the streets of the town.

John Grace · « **Reply #5 on:** April 06, 2013, 11:03:54 AM »

Hundreds are expected to attend the next solidarity gathering on Wednesday.

Solidarity Gathering for the Turf Cutters in Loughrea

Thursday · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2013, 05:50:47 PM »

What's the deal? You can't cut turf anymore?

I went out to the bog with my uncles when I was a boy to cut turf. I didn't do much work but I had a great time. Last time I was in Ireland everyone from the little village in Donegal stilled used turf. That was in 1998.

s2srea · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2013, 06:13:15 PM »

Whats a 'turf cutter'?

Thursday · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2013, 06:26:49 PM »

Quote from: s2srea

Whats a 'turf cutter'?

turf cutting video

Cutting turf is basically cutting big chungs of earth out of the groud and saving it to burn in a big stove.

s2srea · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2013, 08:04:09 PM »

Quote from: Thursday

Quote from: s2srea
Whats a 'turf cutter'?

turf cutting video

Cutting turf is basically cutting big chungs of earth out of the groud and saving it to burn in a big stove.

Wow- thank you so much- so very interesting!!!

John Grace · « **Reply #10 on:** April 09, 2013, 12:26:56 PM »

Quote from: Thursday

What's the deal? You can't cut turf anymore?

I went out to the bog with my uncles when I was a boy to cut turf. I didn't do much work but I had a great time. Last time I was in Ireland everyone from the little village in Donegal stilled used turf. That was in 1998.

Basically, a European Union Directive has stated turf can't be cut on certain bogs. They are legally owned and are private property.

The area in question effects 900 families, who cut turf to heat their homes and cook their meals.

John Grace · « **Reply #11 on:** April 09, 2013, 12:30:33 PM »

Bord na Móna, a semi-state company in Ireland has destroyed bog land yet has never been prosecuted.

John Grace · « **Reply #12 on:** April 09, 2013, 12:34:34 PM »

See also:

Clergy back turf-cutters as court date looms for contractors
http://www.cathinfo.com/catholic.php?a=topic&t=23286&min=0&num=5

John Grace · « **Reply #13 on:** April 09, 2013, 01:27:58 PM »

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All roads lead to Loughrea tomorrow Wednesday 10th April 2013. People from all over Ireland are coming to "THE TOWN" to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the 4 turf cutters. The assembly point is the NPWS office at Westbridge, Loughrea at 10.30am. This will be a dignified gathering of support for the accused men. PEOPLE ATTENDING ARE ASKED TO STAY A SUITABLE DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE COURTHOUSE AND NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE DISTRICT COURT PROCEEDINGS. We thank those who have shown support to us so far and those who have organised busses. STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT AND OPPOSE WHAT IS WRONG.

John Grace · « **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2013, 02:51:07 PM »

Fantastic day in Loughrea. Already a demonstration is being arranged for the 28th May.

http://www.galwaynews.ie/31043-turfcutters-be-tried-galway-circuit-court-may

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TURFCUTTERS TO BE TRIED AT GALWAY CIRCUIT COURT IN MAY
April 10, 2013 - 4:29pm
TURFCUTTERS TO BE TRIED AT GALWAY CIRCUIT COURT IN MAY
Up to 250 turfcutters have marched through the streets of Loughrea in solidarity with four men who've been sent forward for trial to Galway Circuit Court.

Books of evidence were served today at Loughrea District Court on the men who are charged in relation to illegal turfcutting on a bog near Portumna, designated as an SAC

The summonses relate to three separate incidents in May and August last year contrary to section 35 and section 67 of the European Communities Birds and Nautural Habitats regulations 2011

Pat McDonagh from Killeen, Ballyshrule; Michael D'Arcy of Ballycahill, Killimor; Padraic Byrne also of Killimor; and Anthony Porter of Bauntia, Woodford were released on bail of 100 euro each to appear before the Circuit Court on May 28th.