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Go to More Recent News
The Cases of the Shannon Six - Public Meeting on Holocaust Memorial Day Apr 26 2003 (TUESDAY, APRIL 29TH) IRELAND'S ROLE IN THE INVASION OF IRAQ AND THE ASSAULT ON INTERNATIONAL LAW: THE CASE FOR THE PROSECUTION OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE DEFENSE OF MARY KELLY AND THE 5 CATHOLIC WORKERS A public meeting in Liberty Hall at 8pm on Tuesday April 29th, with: Nell McCafferty, journalist and author Prof Ivana Bacik, Professor of Law at Trinity College Dublin Nuria Mustafa, Iraqi anti-war activist Ed Horgan, Shannon Peace Alliance Roger Cole, chair of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PRANA) This meeting is being held on Holocaust Martyrs Remembrance Day. On this solemn day we will be discussing the lessons that were learnt from the slaughter of 50 million people in the Second World WAr and embodied in the Nuremberg Tribunal and the UN Charter. These include the responsibility of national governments to settle disputes by peaceful means and the duty of citizens to take action to prevent crimes against peace and crimes against humanity. The invasion of Iraq has been carried out, but legal actions relating to it are ongoing. The government is being taken to the High Court by Ed Horgan for allowing the use of Shannon Airport to the US military and to the International Criminal Court by PANA. At the same time Mary Kelly and the 5 Catholic Workers are facing serious charges for actions which sought to prevent crimes against peace and humanity. Who should face punishment - the government or Mary Kelly and the 5 Catholic Workers? Organised by Fairview Against the War (fairviewantiwar@eircom.net) Entry is 4 Euro. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Easter Update - Faith Based Resistance in U.S.A. Ciaron O'Reilly Apr 21 2003 Jonah House is a resistance community based in Baltimore. It was founded by Liz McAlister & the late Phil Berrigan in 1975 out of the expperiences of the draft board raid movement of the ant-Vietnam period. It pretty much gave rise to the plowshares movement in 1980 and has nourished many plowshares communities. Bill Frankel-Streit was arrested with me on the eve of the last Gulf War disarming a B-52 Bomber in upstate New York - it was put oout of action for the length of the Gulf War. We all received a year in prison. Bill is back in jail for resisting this war. The 3 Dominican nuns have recently been found guilty of sabotage for a weapons inspection and a disarmament action on an ICBM missile silo in Colarado. Every Easter Jonah House and Catholic Worker comunities gather in D.C. to carry out nonviolent resistance at the White House... Read Jonah House Update: Ireland Indymedia Karen Fallon out of prison -- well and spirited as ever Karen Fallon (and Deirdre) Apr 19 2003 Karen is here and we're drinking copious amounts of proper coffee and looking at greenery (both novelties after the Limerick prison experience). She came out of prison yesterday (Good Friday) and I thank her for her lengthy witness. I also thank Tim, Laurence, Conor, Katherine, Joe, who have done incredible prison support day-in-day-out, throughout our stay, and who remained steadfast to Karen in her continuing witness. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN! Have a great bithday and a great first full day of freedom. - Deirdre. freedom! well i am out now and kind of suffering from culture shock. i would really like to thank everyone for their amazing support and solidarity, i cannot begin to write all the names personally but i reckon you all know who you are! i sincerely hope that everyone who is banged up for peace and justice receives the same amazing response to their actions. every one of us who is incarcerated for the cause is an ambasador for peace, lighting the way for those who are inspired to follow the path of peace and justice. my deepest thank's once again...see you all sometime soon. Karen. Read Articles: Ireland Indymedia (2) Shannon Ploughshares Activist Released On Bail Trident Ploughshares Update Apr 18 2003 In the early hours of Monday 3 February 2003, five members of the pacifist Catholic Worker Movement cut their way into Shannon Airport, Ireland. One of them, Karen Fallon, is a Trident Ploughshares campaigner and a resident of Faslane Peace Camp... ...Karen, writing from prison, explained, "The same people who make the law, break the law and lie. They are also the people who believe that locking people up 22 hours a day and allowing them to be treated as "illiterate dregs" of society will rehabilitate them to the "programme". It does not work. The process of my incarceration reaffirms my beliefs and justifies my struggle for a more peaceful world and an end to war." Karen was the last of the five activists to be released on bail, and was freed on Good Friday. No trial date has yet been set. Read Articles: Trident Ploughshares Good Friday Prison Vigil Pics Dave - Catholic Worker Apr 19 2003  Vigil outside Limerick Prison in advance of the release of Karon Fallon. More Pictures: Ireland Indymedia Report from arrestee from Shannon Jenny Hannon Apr 19 2003 Subsequent to what Superintendant Kerin is saying, myself and Martin were airside for over 2 hours and we have the serial numbers of the planes to prove it! Self denial is an awful thing. Our reasons for this action were numerous, one of which was to encourage the IAWM, all the NGO's that oppose this war, all the opposition parties and all non-alligned anti-war activists to step up to the international obligation of civil disobedience and non violent direct action. I welcome all thoughts and comments.0872619938 I would like to thank everyone for their support and show of solidarity.We are up in court on May 8th in Shannon @ 11am, everyone welcome!!! In peace jenny hannon Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Jenny and Martin being held at Shannon Garda Station Ciaron O'Reilly Apr 18 2003 7:41 a.m. Jenny and Martin have been arrested and are presently being held at Shannon Garda Station from 8.30 a.m. onwards 061361212 5.37 a.m. They have finally been spotted after approx 2 hours on runway 5.17 a.m. not arrested, still undiscovered after 1 1/2 hours..give 'em a call 087 261 9938. 4.45 a.m. Jenny and Martin have been on the runway at Shannon for over an hour without being detected. Good Friday Resistance at Shannon Ciaron O'Reilly Apr 18 2003 ** RESISTANCE IS FERTILE ** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2003 CONTACTS: Ciaron: (087) 918 4552 Jenny Hannon (when released from custody) 087 261 9938 RESISTANCE CONTINUES, GOOD FRIDAY PEACE ACTIVISTS ENTER SHANNON AIRPORT 3am Libation completed at edge of runway in peace Two members of the radical anti-war Catholic Worker Movement (see www.catholicworker.org) were arrested inside Shannon Airport in the early hours of Good Friday. Jenny Hannon of Dublin and Martin McGowan of Sligo were detained by airport security and police after making their way into the airfield. They had constructed a shrine to the Iraqis slain in the recent U.S. military assault, conducted the Catholic Office of the Dead and planted a bed of potatoes. By 3.45am they were still airside, where they continued their libation at the edge of the runway in peace. Jenny Hannon stated, "We come to Shannon Airport on Good Friday to recognise the ongoing crucifixion of the people of Iraq. Our airports have been complicit in the decade-long enforcement of genocidal sanctions, and now the past month of intensified bombing in Iraqi towns and villages. "By allowing refueling of U.S. military flights at Shannon, Ireland is now co-operating with a huge armed robbery of Iraqi resources to be plundered. The entire infrastructure of Iraqi society - deliberately destroyed by U.S./U.K. bombs in the Gulf Wars - faces privatisation by U.S. corporations - water, roads, hospitals, etc. "We remember the dead and dying, and plant potatoes as a symbol of new life, returning the land occupied by Shannon Airport to a proper relationship with a God of Life and Love." (see www.refuelingpeace.org) Martin McGowan continued, "This is a continuation of the ploughshares prophesy unleashed at Shannon in February. The prophet Micah (Ch. 4:4) promises a vision of economic justice as the flipside to nonviolent disarmament - where "we shall sit under our vine and fig tree, next to our potato patch, in peace and unafraid. It is traditional in the west of Ireland to plant potatos on Good Friday. The spade is mightier than the sword!" In early February five other members of the Catholic Worker Movement were arrested after disarming a U.S. Navy warplane at Shannon Airport. Karen Fallon will accept bail later today, joining the other four bailed awaiting trial. (see www.ploughsharesireland.org) Read Articles: Ireland Indymedia (2) Pictures Pitstop Ploughshares Update Ciaron O'Reilly Apr 11 2003 1) New web address 2) Legal Update 3) Activist Update 4) Financial Update 5) Open Letter Demanding our Charges be Dropped 1) New web address thanx to Ruari for setting it up and financing it www.ploughsharesireland.org Thanx to Paul in Melbourne for tidying up the web site and keeping it updated [you're welcome - Paul] 2) Legal Update Karen Fallon remains in Limerick Prison (support letters c/- Limerick Prison, Limerick, Ireland) Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Damien Moran, Ciaron O'Reilly are all out on bail have to sign on at specific Garda Station every day, are banned from County Clare, all but Nuin are banned form within 1/2 mile of U.S. Embassy., 750 euro up front/3,000 euro surety should we fail to keep bail, get bsted/lose bail etc. Judge has ruled we will have a jury trial. State still hasn't come out with a disarmament estimate. We have been charged with two counts of "criminal damage" to the U.S. Navy war plane. We are awaiting the "Book of Evidence". Our next court appearance is May 2nd. Our trial is likely to be as early as July in Clare or as late as December elsewhere. 3) Activist Update Our main emphasis as a community since the U.S./U.K war on Iraq escalated with B-52 bombardment etc. has been to stay on the streets remaining visible and active in opposition to the war and supporting the nonviolent resistance of others. We have sustained a Mon - Fri 4 p.m. vigil outside the G.P.O. O'Connel St. Dublin. Nuin has organised two vigils outside the U.S. Embassy. Deirdre initiated a vigil outside the Dail. We were present at the blockade of the Dail. We marched on Hillsborough Castle where Bush and Blair were conspiring. We were present as the R.U.C. using batons attacked passive, sitting anti-war protestors on the streets outside Belfast City Hall. We have attended the various marches and initiatives of the anti-war movement. This week we are getting back into regular bible study and liturgy on Monday nights to balance thangs out....get the inhale/exhale, reflection/action cycle going again. 4) Financial Update Ciaron is working fulltime back at the homeless shelter. Damien remains on a small stipend as a seminarian. Deirdre is getting sporadic editing work. Nuin has no income and no legal status to get any. Karen has no income. Deirdre & Damien have permanent accomadation. Ciaron & Nuin recently evicted have temporary accomadation. Karen remains in prison. Small groups have initiated fundraising gigs eg. drinx for disarmament, a raffle at the local anarchist gig for political prisoners, London Catholic Worker sent us a wack as have other individuals.....but we remain pretty light on in terms of funding. If you'd like to financially support our activism against this war and survival until trial send cheques made out to "Peace and Reconciliation" c/- Ploughshares 134 Phibsborough Rd. Dublin 7 IRELAND 5) The following is an open letter demanding the Nuremburg Principles be recognised & charges against Pit Stop Ploughshares and Mary Kelly should be dropped click here for SUPPORT STATEMENT Karen Fallon Peace Prisoner Appears in Ennis Court Today Karen Remains in Limerick Prison since 3/2/03 disarmament Ciaron O'Reilly Apr 11 2003 Karen Fallon appears in Ennis Court, Co Clare this morning on a fortnightly bail appearance. Karen has refused bail conditions in resistance to Irish complicity in the ongoing Gulf Massacre. She has been held in Limerick Prison since her participation in the Feb. 3rd. "Pit Stop Ploughshares" disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Planes. 3 U.S. companies transporting combat troops (23,000 in a 6 week period leading up to the action) pulled out of Ireland following the action. **Support letters and cards can be sent to Karen Fallon c/- Limerick Prison, Limerick, IRELAND Karen joins other military and civilian resisters imprisoned in U.S., U. K and Israel. More info on them on the following sites www.peacenews.info www.nonviolence.org/nukeresister Read Article: Ireland Indymedia US Embassy Vigil Damien Moran Apr 11 2003 'The War is NOT Over' Apologies for late posting of an event which was spontaneously decided upon. Nuin Dunlop (Catholic Worker Pit-Stop Ploughshares) and her friend Jennifer from Dublin, who was active at the peace camp, are holding a vigil throughout Thurs. night/Fri. morning (April 10th/11th), at the US Embassy. If you are in the vicinity up to approximately 9 am tomorrow morning please drop by & show your solidarity. Both initiated the vigil as a sign of solidarity with the people of Iraq who continue to be maimed and murdered in an illegal/immoral war which is NOT over. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Kathy Kelly - Voices in the Wilderness - in Baghdad Ciaron Apr 13 2003 What follows is a recent report from Kathy Kelly, a founder of the sanctions busting "Voices in the Wilderness" movement. Kathy has been in Baghdad since mid-January. In mid-January, on the way through from Chicago, she stopped and spoke at the Afri St. Brgid's conference in Kildare. She has a long history working with the homeless in the Catholic Worker movement & nonviolent resistance/consequent jail time in the U.S. Hello Friends, April 10, 2003 Early this morning, Umm Zainab sat quietly in the Al Fanar lobby staring at the parade of tanks, APCs and Humvees that slowly rolled into position along Abu Nuwas Street. Tears streamed down her face. "I am very sad," she told me. "Never I thought this would happen to my country. Now, I think, my sadness will never go away..." Read Article: Ireland Indymedia 3 Nuns convicted of sabotage in the U.S. Ciaron Apr 9 2003 3 Dominican nuns in U.S. jails since their October plowshares disarmamanet action on an ICBM missile silo have been convicted of sabotage. The nuns have been denied a fair trial in which they could defend themselves under international law and the Nuremburg Principles. In previous cases U.S. plowshares activists have received 8 & 18 year sentences when convicted of sabotage. The nuns face a max of 30 years. Letters of support and solidarity can be sent to the sisters (individually) Ardeth Platte Carol Gilbert Jackie Hudson c/- Clear County Jail Box 518 Georgetown Co. 80444 U.S.A. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Conscientious Objection in the U.S. Ciaron Apr 9 2003 During the last Gulf War over 400 members of the U.S. military were courtmartialled for refusing to kill and received between 6 months and 6 years for their nonviolent resistance. Portrait in Courage: Conscientious Objector to Gulf War Turns Self In at San Jose Reserve Unit Marine Corps Reservist Stephen Funk will publicly declare his conscientious objection to war, before turning himself over to the U.S. military authorities on Tuesday morning, April 1, 2003 at 9 am. He will explain his decision to the media at the 1st Beach Terminal Operations, 4th Landing Support Battalion, located at 901 E. Mission Street in San Jose. Funk, who grew up in Seattle, is one of an unknown number of reservists and active duty service members to declare themselves Conscientious Objectors in current Iraqi conflict and any other war... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia 3 Nuns Facing 30 years for disarmament action Ciaron Apr 5 2003 The trial of 3 Dominican nuns imprisoned since their October plowshares action at an ICBM missilile silo in Colorado Springs Air Force Base, USA - has begun: Nuns attack US weapons of mass destruction By Keith Coffman Denver - A Catholic nun told a United States court on Thursday she was obeying President George Bush's call to dismantle weapons of mass destruction when she and two other sisters trespassed at an unmanned missile silo in northern Colorado... Read Article: Independent Online Ireland Indymedia Hammered by the Irish Karen Fallon Apr 3 2003 Belated posting of letter from Karen Fallon The Dublin Catholic Worker ploughshares action at Shannon Airport was necessary, as both the Irish and American governments thought to use a commercial airport in a neutral country to supply and wage war, or more correctly, genocide, upon the Iraqi people. This was actually happening without informing the public or even asking their permission. By allowing this, the Irish government forfeited its neutrality and made itself complicit in an illegal war against the Iraqi people. The constitution of Ireland, article 15, 6, 2: "No military or armed force, other than a military or armed force raised and maintained by the Oireachtas, shall be raised or maintained for any purpose whatsoever." At Shannon, the Irish government "maintained", by the act of refuelling US military aircraft and allowing US troops to disembark and shop "duty free" (even if this was with capitalist intentions), the U.S. military war machine. Article 28, 3, 1: "War shall not be declared and the state shall not participate in any war save with the assent of Dail Eireann". At the time of our action, the US did not have public or governmental permission to use Shannon Airport in its deployment of troops and munitions to Iraq. What did the Irish government think they were doing at Shannon? Buying souvenirs? Article 29, 1: "Ireland affirms its devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality." The Irish government was so devoted to the ideal of peace, that it demonstrated this by selling its people, its neutrality, its justice and its morality, to the US dollar. At Shannon, the Irish government not only contravened international law and its own constitution, it lied to its people. Even two previous actions taken by individuals at Shannon, failed to stop the Irish government's whorish behaviour! As a non-violent individual dedicated to a more peaceful existence, I find accusations that our action was violent and anti-American both ignorant and arrogant, to say the least. Whilst in prison, we have been accused of "destroying the Irish economy" and once again, being "anti-American". I find this ludicrous, as one of us is American, and if we could destroy capitalism we would all be delighted and the world would be a better place. Both the Irish government and the US government put civilians at risk at Shannon. The British government is now doing the same at Prestwick. The first casualty of war is innocence - THEY LIE WE DIE! Which part of the world PEACE don't they understand? Karen Fallon, 14/03/03. Due to practical issues (stuff being scattered around various parts of Limerick and Dublin after coming out of prison), I am only now, with apologies to Karen, posting this letter she wrote in March. It's timely, however, after the Gardai's display at last night's peaceful sit-down protest, to remember that there is someone still in prison for civil disobedience relating to Shannon, refusing to co-operate with bail conditions on the basis that she does not believe she committed a criminal act. Five TDs and one senator agree, and called for our charges to be dropped at a press conference yesterday, along with those of Mary Kelly. In light of Ed Horgan's case before the high court, Karen's reflections on sections of the Irish constitution are also relevant and timely. - Deirdre. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia The Nuremberg Demand Robin Hennessy Apr 3 2003 Fairview Against the War has launched an appeal to have the charges dropped against Mary Kelly, Damian Moran, Ciaron O'Reilly, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon and Deirdre Clancy . It was supported at a Press conference on April 2nd by TDs Finian McGrath, Joe Higgins and Tony Gregory, MEP Patricia McKenna, Senator David Norris and Councillor Bronwen Maher. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia The Appeal: Irish Antiwar Fairview Against the War email: fairviewantiwar@eircom.net War on trial, Ed Horgan's case open today Eoin Dubsky Apr 3 2003 A High Court challenge to the use of Shannon airport by Iraq-bound US military aircraft will open this morning. The action is being taken by retired army Commandant, Edward Horgan, from Castletroy in County Limerick. It is expected to last until the end of the present law term on 11 April and judgement is likely to be reserved. Edward Horgan is challenging the state's granting of landing rights at Shannon airport to US planes bound for Iraq. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Three British soldiers sent home after protesting at civilian deaths. Richard Norton-Taylor Mar 31 2003 The Guardian Three British soldiers in Iraq have been ordered home after objecting to the conduct of the war. It is understood they have been sent home for protesting that the war is killing innocent civilians. The three soldiers - including a private and a technician - are from 16 Air Assault Brigade which is deployed in southern Iraq. Its task has been to protect oilfields... Read Article: The Guardian 24-hour fast/vigil outside Dail tomorrow Deirdre Clancy Apr 1 2003 There will be a 24-hour fast and vigil outside the Dail from tomorrow, April 2nd to noon Thursday, April 3rd, involving three members of the "pitstop ploughshares" Shannon five - Deirdre, Damien and Nuin. The purpose of the fast and vigil is to protest the Irish government's complicity in the U.S./UK assault on the people of Iraq; to grieve for civilian Iraqi casualties; to highlight the travesty of our constitution that is Shannon Warport; and to show solidarity towards those affected world-wide by Western economic and military imperialism. We intend our vigil as a time for reflection on our country's part in this terrible slaughter. Those who wish to join us, even for an hour or so, during the 24 hours, are more than welcome to do so. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Antiwar damage to property necessary and reasonable Eoin Dubsky Mar 30 2003 Who wept in 1989 for the Berlin Wall when the people of East Germany reduced it to piles of rubble using their household hammers and garden tools? Was this flagrant display of property damage supported in Ireland because it was popular or because it was right? Some people have jumped from the term "property damage" to "criminal damage" without bothering to look up what the second term really means. Even the Irish statute books acknowledge that there are times when breaking stuff is okay (i.e. property damage != criminal damage), and I will be making this case again for my appeal in Ennis Circuit Court in May... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Sean Ardagh FF TD blockaded by Anti-War Protestors Damien Moran Mar 28 2003 After slipping the net from his Crumlin office, evading peace demonstrators, Sean Ardagh FF TD was eventually confronted with the truth of his, and his party colleagues complicity, in the barbaric slaughter of innocent men, women, and children in Iraq... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia
Shannon Peace House to close due to Garda harrassment 'proud' and 'honourable' cops target landlady Tim - Shannon Peace House Mar 27 2003 We in the peace house have had to put up with a lot. At first it was just unsocial hours outdoors planespotting, then the Airport police and a few Gardai questions. Establishment hacks and others trying to discredit us as liars, anti-american, or trouble makers. Local politicians eager to appear moral and responsible. We weathered it all. Lately we've become the target of a determined Garda campaign of harrassment and intimidation. It was not covert surveillance (and I'd know a fair bit about that topic) it was obvious, intended not only to harrass us, but to let out neighbours in Shannon see that we were being watched. But the brave guardians of order (not law, but the pecking order) decided to go one better. Not content with harassing anyone who visits the house, they started putting pressure on our landlady. I spoke to her over the phone, and seeing as she has kids to think of... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Ploughshare-activist Barbara Smedema courtcase fiebel Mar 27 2003 On Friday, the 28th of March, Barbara Smedema’s courtcase takes place. On Sunday morning, the nineth of February, Barbara Smedema knocked down three American communication-dishes. The action was a protest against the possible attack on Iraq. Barbara was arrested and is in prison since her action. The dishes were on top of an American-communication bunker. In the bunker the communication with the US about the nuclear bombs, that are stored on the militairy airbase Volkel, takes place. For thirty years the militairy base sercetly has been preparing for massdestruction... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia War Resister to Address Sligo Meeting F Walsh - Sligo Anti-War Movement Mar 26 2003 War Resister Ciaron O'Reilly, will be the guest speaker at a Public Meeting organised by the Sligo Anti-War Movement, in the Trades Club, Castle Street, Sligo., on this Friday evening the 28th March at 8.30.p.m. He will speak on the subject 'Resisting the war in Iraq, beating swords into ploughshares at Shannon'. More about Ciaron Read Article: Ireland Indymedia 24 Hour Vigil/Fast, US Embassy, Dublin, Thurs 8am - Fri 8am Nuin Dunlop Mar 27 2003 We shall gather in front of the US Embassy in a vigil of solidarity with Iraqi people injured and killed by American Weapons of Mass Destruction. We shall also express solidarity with three Dominican Sisters - Carol Gilbert, Ardeth Platte, and Jackie Hudson who are facing 30 years imprisonment for disarming a Colarado Nuclear facility. The three sisters saw through the hypocrisy of a nation intent on disarming Iraq while ignoring its' own Weapons of Mass Destruction. We shall gather to: * express grief and repentance for U.S. colonial wars (past and present), including the current attack on Iraq and its resulting US Military presence in Ireland. * Ask the U.S. to disarm it's Weapons of Mass Destruction while listening to the millions of people saying 'NO' to war. *Celebrate Resistance to the U.S. colonial war machine Nuin Dunlop (31) is an American of Irish-Scots-East Band Cherokee-Dutch descent. She has been working for several years in community service; in the Catholic Worker, hospital chaplaincy, and with the marginalised. She is a Catholic anarchist... More about Nuin Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Final update on Aviation Building occupation Ciaron O'Reilly Mar 24 2003
Photos: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Blockade of Top Oil tanker outside aviation building Deirdre Clancy Mar 24 2003
Occupation of Aviation Building on Burgh Quay Dublin Catholic Worker Mar 24 2003
Why we offer our blood Peter Murnane, Dominican friar Mar 24 2003 Today two Christians, a Dominican priest and a member of the Catholic Worker movement, made a cross with their own blood on the floor of the U.S. Consul's office, after reading to him the following statement. Statement To the US Consul, by Peter Murnane O.P., and Nicholas Drake, Catholic Worker. Mr. Berry, we thank you for your generosity in allowing us to meet with you today. We are here as Catholic Christians, to address you as Consul of the United States of America for our city, Auckland, New Zealand. We have family in Iraq: Dominican sisters and friars communicate with us regularly; but you too have family in Iraq. Every human being, of whatever race, is your brother or sister, as they are ours. We come to speak to you about your country's invasion of Iraq. We deplore it as an immoral and criminal act .The crimes attributable to your government against that country - 2 million Iraqi dead, the country's economy and infrastructure destroyed – dwarf the many and serious crimes of Saddam Hussein, the worst of which were supported by your government... Read Article: Aotearoa Indymedia Friday 21st Court Update Ciaron O'Reilly Mar 22 2003
Read Article with more Pictures: Ireland Indymedia (5th comment) Peace Activist begins Hunger Strike to protest Ireland's complicity in an immoral, illegal war. Caoimhe Butterly Mar 22 2003 ph: 087 7605762 Caoimhe Butterly, human rights activist, today began day three of a 10-day hunger strike to:- * protest at yesterday's Dail decision to allow for the continuation of the re-fuelling of U.S. military aircraft at Shannon and Baldonnell Airports. * Call upon the Irish government to be a voice of courage, sanity and conscience in condemning the present large-scale intensification of a war, that has been waged without respite on the Iraqi people for the past 12 years, in the form of genocidal sanctions. Butterly, as part of the water- only fast, will be vigiling daily outside the Dail from 10am to 5pm everyday with pictures of Iraqi women, men and children "to bear witness to the unspoken narratives, the faces of the victims of 12 years of a genocidal policy of continual sanctions and to those who in the coming weeks will die... Read Article: Campaign to End Iraq Sanctions Ireland Indymedia Nuin Dunlop Released From Limerick Prison Davo Mar 21 2003 Nuin Dunlop walked free from Limerick prison Friday after 6 week prison protest against the use of Shannon Airport by US military. Read Article with Pictures: Ireland Indymedia Prisons within prisons The reaffirmation process: conscience clarification. Karen Fallon Mar 20 2003 (written Mar 12) Limerick Prison By locking up your body they think to lock up your mind and dampen that "passion" which so offended by having the audacity to take a stand and say "NO" to their lies. Well the de-humanising process does not work. The same people who make the law, break the law and lie. They are also the people who believe that locking people up 22 hours a day and allowing them to be treated as "illiterate dregs" of society will rehabilitate them to the "program". It does not work. The process of my incarceration reaffirms my beliefs and justifies my struggle for a more peaceful world and an end to war. To be held as a "criminal" by a Neutral Government which knowingly opted to be complicit in an illegal war whilst breaking its own laws/Constitution should cause more damage and embarrassment to them than I ever could... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Civil Disobedience at Lansing, NY. Military Recruitment Office Mary Anne Grady Flores Mar 17 2003 At 3:30pm, four people from the Ithaca Catholic Worker Community poured blood in and outside the military recruitment center in Cayuga Mall, in Ithaca, NY (near TJ Max), declaring that the slaughter of the innocent of Iraq is wrong. Peter DeMott, Daniel Burns, Teresa and Clare Grady all entered the office with jars filled with human blood which they poured up on the walls, door and bay window, on the flag, on the stand-up cut-outs of smiling military recruits, and over a body bag which they had brought representing the American soldiers who may die in this next onslaught on Iraq. Peter and Daniel stayed kneeling inside while Clare and Teresa went outside with the body bag in front of the door to kneel and pray. They stayed for a while praying the rosary, read from their statement and from a statement requesting our Brothers and Sisters in the Military: "Refuse to Fight! Refuse to kill!". Both statements are below. At the same time another Catholic Worker group of 30 protesters in downtown Ithaca... Read Article: Ithaca News Palestine Chronicle Dispelling the Government's myths about Shannon Airport Eoin Dubsky - Refueling Peace Mar 20 2003 Reported on RTE News yesterday, Bertie Ahern, defended the Irish government's decision to allow US military flights still overfly and refuel here. I want to briefly dispell some of the myths he is relying on to win support from the parliament (Dail Eireann) later today. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Friday Appearances Ciaron Mar 19 2003 5 Catholic Workers (2 still in Limerick Prison) and Mary Kelly are due to appear in Ennis on Friday. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia (3rd comment) Shannon court appearances tommorow Thursday 11am shapeshifter Mar 19 2003 10 people in shannon district court tommorow 11am for offences relating to october protest. solidarity welcome and needed. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia 24 Hour Vigil and Fast outside Dail Eireann: Wed.(March 19th) @6.30 p.m. Damien Moran Mar 19 2003 War is about to be waged totally. All are invited to join a 24 Hour vigil outside Dail Eireann, Kildare Street, commencing Wednesday evening @ 6.30 p.m. The Dail is expected to reconvene @ 10.30 a.m. on Thursday morning for an emergency 6 hour debate to decide whether US warplanes will be allowed to continue using Shannon's facilities and Irish airspace, etc. A vote is expected @ 4.30 p.m. The fast shall be held in the spirit of non-violence and in solidarity with the ordinary people of Iraq, people in jail throughout the world for non-violent resistance {especially Karen and Nuin in Limerick prison}, and Dublin man Michael Bermingham currently in Baghdad with 'Voices in the Wilderness'. Those who are willing to stay overnight/throughout the 24 hours are advised to bring warm clothing, raingear, and a sleeping bag, etc. (Better to be looking at them rather than for them). Be innovative.... Hope to see you there;-))) In peaceful solidarity, Damien Moran Read Article: Ireland Indymedia St Patrick's Day, Dublin - Anti-War photos redJaDe Mar 17 2003
Baghdad Testimonies: The Tragic Truth of War! Kathy Kelly and Ramzi Kysia - Voices in the Wilderness Mar 17 2003 I spent this morning coloring with eight year old Sohab, a patient in the cancer ward at the Al Mansour hospital. She is too weak to uncap the markers, but delights in choosing colors and carefully making bright colored pictures in a children's coloring book. War seemed light years away from warfare during the calm quiet morning with this radiantly beautiful child. I remember the broken glass and shattered windows that lined the roadway in front of this same hospital, in December 1998, when Desert Fox bombing destroyed a decrepit "old ministry of defense building" across from the hospital. I hope we can help comfort Sohab, if she's still hospitalized when bombing comes. Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Voices in the Wilderness Criminal Complaint Against Bertie Tim Hourigan - Citizen of Ireland Mar 16 2003 The following is a sample complaint which I have drafted which you might find useful if you belive the FF/PD complicity in Bush's war is criminal. I'm not a lawyer... It is based on a complaint I submitted last December which is 'still with the DPP'... Feel free to suggest extra pieces... add in any personal experience you have of witnessing these acts... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Earlier Draft Invitation to join daily Anti-War Vigil across from G.P.O. Damien Moran Mar 16 2003 Recent rhetoric from An Taoiseach indicates that Shannon shall continue being used to facilitate the US War Machine. From Tuesday, March 18th, the Dublin Catholic Worker 'Pit-Stop Ploughshares' group will hold a daily vigil from 4-5 p.m.{flexible}, commencing Tuesday March 18th, across from the G.P.O (near the Spire}. On the eve of war, and the Thursday March 19th Dail Debate on the Shannon issue, we invite all to participate in this peaceful witness. Feel free to bring banners, placards, etc. "But Abraham refused: then killed his son; And the seed of Europe fell one by one" {Wilfred Owen} Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Words from a Jail Nuin Dunlop Mar 14 2003 Limerick Prison We're here in support of Iraqi people who face the threat of war. We also express support for three Dominican Sisters, Carol Gilbert, Ardeth Platte and Jackie Hudson who are currently imprisoned in the US. On 6 October 2002 the three Sisters, wearing chemical weapons suits and carrying clipboards inspected a Colorado nuclear site for American weapons of mass destruction. The sisters proceeded to disarm part of a US nuclear weapons facility. The three saw through the hypocrisy of a nation intent on disarming Iraq, while ignoring its own weapons of mass destruction... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Thirty B52 Support Vehicles Disabled at RAF Fairford Eoin Dubsky - Refueling Peace Mar 14 2003 Last night, Thursday 13th March, at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire two Trident Ploughshares activists disabled no less than thirty vehicles which provide essential support to the US B52 bombers stationed there. Freelance writer Margaret Jones (53), from Bristol, and Quaker activist Paul Milling (58), from Birmingham... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Shannon Critical Mass Ernie Lynch Mar 14 2003 Ennis Court 7/03/03 The surreal experience that is Ennis district courtroom continued apace last Friday 7th March with 3 separate cases of resistance to US military use of Shannon Warport being heard. Set in a 1970's GAA clubhouse/drinking den, the court surroundings brought a whole new meaning to 'being brought to the bar' as most of us sat propped against it, reading papers. Read Article with pictures: Ireland Indymedia Acting US ambasssador admits direct action at Shannon works Joe Mar 13 2003 According to the Irish Voice "The acting head of the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Jane Fort, has blamed the "threatening" behavior of protestors for their decision to leave. "The combination of two back-to-back incidents of real destruction would prompt any company to ask... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Damien and Deirdre Out Mar 12 2003 Damien Moran and Deirdre Clancy were released on bail from Limerick Prison today. They have been in custody since their participation in the Feb 3rd. "Pit Stop Ploughshares" disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport. They join Ciaron O'Reilly on the outside. Drinks to welcome them out will be at Brogans, Dame St. Dublin City Centre 7.30 p.m. Friday night (14th.) More info 087 918 4552 Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Karen and Nuin In Mar 12 2003 Karen Fallon and Nuin Dunlop remain in Limerick Prison since their participation in the Feb 3rd "Pit Stop Ploughshares" disarmament of a U.S. Navy War Plane at Shannon Airport, County Clare Ireland. Letters of support can be written c/- Ploughshares 210 Le Fanu Rd. Ballyfermot Dublin 10 Ireland (they will be redirected should they be released or transferred etc.) [new address: 24 The Spinnaker, Alverno, Castle Ave. Clontarf, Dublin 3, IRELAND] Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Deirdre and Damien got out this morning Tim Hourigan Mar 12 2003 Looking good in the sunshine, Deirdre Clancy and Damien Moran walked out of Prison and onto Mulgrave street in Limerick this morning, with Damien strumming on his guitar. Both are in good spirits and thankful for all the support they have recieved. They are now en route to Dublin. and a grand day for the trip it is too... Read Article: Ireland Indymedia Ulla Roder Confirms Leuchars Tornado "Out of Action" Trident Ploughshares Mar 12 2003 Today Trident Ploughshares activist Ulla Roder confirmed that the Tornado jet which she damaged yesterday at Leuchars airbase is unlikely to fly again. Ulla (48), from Odense in Denmark, but currently living in Scotland, described how she went into a hangar at the Fife airbase and discovered the plane completely unguarded. She said: "I took my hammer to the nose-cone, the cockpit, the fuselage, the wings, the tail plane andother parts of the plane which it was safe to damage. I don't see it flying again. I then sat down and waited for the security people to arrive. When the police came everything was calm and relaxed." She is in good spirits and pleased that this particular aircraft will not be dropping bombs on innocent people in Iraq. Read Article: UK Indymedia Ireland Indymedia Earlier Report: UK Indymedia Letter from Prison Damien Moran Mar 10 2003 Limerick Prison During the initial 6 weeks of this year, over 23,000 U.S. troops have passed through Shannon Airport en route to military bases in Kuwait and Qatar. How many of these troops will be directly engaged in forthcoming genocide? By allowing munitions to pass through we are already complicit in the deaths of the innocent civillians they kill... Read article: Ireland Indymedia Karen Fallon Status Ciaron O'Reilly Mar 10 2003 Karen does not need 3000, she has been offered no cash bail up front, 3,000 surety on all of us, banned from Clare, sign on at cop shop daily...so far she has rejected this self policing remaining in prison in resistance to this war...she doesn't want sympathy or admiration just company... Read article: Ireland Indymedia A chronology of arrests etc at Shannon warport Joe - GNAW Mar 10 2003 The Irish people don't want war planes refuelled at Shannon but these latest charges bring to 44 or so the number who are being victimised for trying to stop refuelling. Bail conditions/convictions have excluded most of these people from the entire of county Clare. By my count the following have been arrested, charged or convicted for taking direct action at Shannon. If you are aware of further arrests... Read article: Ireland Indymedia Pitstop Ploughshares Court Report Ciaron O'Reilly Mar 7 2003 Well I left the shelter in Dublin at 6.30 a.m. this morning and ran to the station for the 7a.m. train to Limerick, then the 9.30 bus to Ennis, County Clare (birthplace of my great great grandmother Mary Lynch...how can they ban me from Clare?)...and walked up to the GAA Club serving as the court. Damien, Deirdre, Karen and Nuin, were brought in cuffs from Limerick Prison. Also in attendance were the 10 good folks from the "Grassroots Network" busted doing nonviolent resistance at Shannon Airport last Saturday. Mary Kelly who carried out the earlier solo disarmament action on the same U.S. Navy war plane as us was also in court... Read article: article Six charged over plane damage in court RTE News Mar 7 2003 Mary Kelly, who gave her address as The Peace Camp at Shannon, is charged with causing €500,000 worth of damage to a US naval plane on 29 January. She was remanded on continuing bail to 21 March. Ciaron O'Reilly, Damian Moran, Karen Fallon, Deirdre Clancy and Nuin Dunlop who were also charged with causing criminal damage to the same US naval plane at Shannon on 3 February, were also further remanded until 21 March. They have also been ordered to stay out of Co Clare and not to go within a half a mile of the US embassy in Dublin. Ciaron O'Reilly is the only one of the five who has taken up the bail option Read Article: RTE News Companies Stop Using Shannon Airport for Military Transports Global Indymedia Mar 7 2003 The Irish airport Shannon was one of the major bases for the US to fly soldiers and material to the Middle East. Now three of the four US companies that undertake those flights, have stopped all traffic (de) through Shannon for safety reasons. On three occasions in the last weeks, activists got on the airport and into the hangars, and demolished planes with hammers and colour, making them unfit to fly. Flights will now continue via Frankfurt Aiport in Germany. On 1 March, about 1000 peace protestors attempted a mass trespass, but the grounds are now protected by a newly-erected razorwire fence Read article: Global Indymedia Feature Pitstop Ploughshares in Court March 7 Ciaron O'Reilly Mar 6 2003 Hey Folks, We're back in Ennis, Co.Clare, court tomorrow (my birthday..March 7th).... Nuin, Karen, Deirdre and Damien will be brought from jail. We will also be joined by 10 good folks who were busted at Shannon last Saturday. Bill Frankel Streit from the Anzus Plowshares is in court in D.C. for a blood pouring at the Pentagon. Ash Wednesday Action - Dublin Ciaron O'Reilly Mar 5 2000
More photos: Ireland Indymedia (2) (3) (4) (5) Military Targets An interview with Moana Cole Leith McLean - Indymedia Mar 5 2003 On the third of February, five members of the pacifist Catholic Worker movement sabotaged British warplanes at Shannon Airport in Ireland. Among them was veteran activist Ciaron O'Reilly, who visited Christchurch last year. Last week, an Indymedia interviewer caught up with an old associate of his: Moana Cole. Read article: Aotearoa Indymedia Ireland Indymedia Anarchist prisoner support gig this weekend in Dublin Joe Mar 5 2003 The time has come, another ten arrests at the weekend, one at the anti-war march in Dublin, five Catholic Workers in jail, Mary Kelly onbail etc. Now is the time to support political prisoners, or should wewait until we are all locked up. Read article: Ireland Indymedia Letter From Limerick Prison Nuin Dunlop Mar 4 2003 Limerick Prison I am one of the five Catholic Workers on remand at Limerick Prison afteran alleged citizen disarmament of a U.S. military plane at Shannon Airport (3/2/03). According to Tanaiste Mary Harney, I am one of those extreme left types "infecting" the "centre ground" with anti-American ideas... Read article: Ireland Indymedia Deirdre Clancy speaks from prison Deirdre Clancy Mar 4 2003 Limerick Prison ...lookup the term “violence” in the dictionary. Machinery that is on its way to aid and abet the killing of innocents is already damaged goods: its transformation into something less effective in this regard is thedirect opposite of violence... Read article: Ireland Indymedia Ash Wednesday Protest in Dublin Ciaron O'Reilly Mar 4 2003 On Ash Wednesday (5/3/03) , many folks will be acting against the war in a spirit of nonviolent resistance. Folks will be marking the M.O.D. H.Q. in London with ash, the Brisbane military recruitment centre will be blockaded and folks will return to the White House in D.C. In Dublin, Ciaron O'Reilly will burn his high court injunction served on him recently by Air Rianta as part of the crackdown on dissidents opposing U.S. military aircraft using Shannon Airport. Some US$ will also be thrown in to the mix to provide the symbol of ash. Read article: Ireland Indymedia Minimum Security Ciaron O'Reilly Mar 1 2003 After four weeks in Limerick prison I find myself back on the streets...or "minimum security" as Phil Berrigan called our lives of self-regulated accommodation with the high crimes of state and corporations. This can't be freedom - there must be much more to it than this! Read article: London Catholic Worker Ireland Indymedia Melbourne Indymedia Remanded RTE News Feb 28 2003 At Ennis District Court today, three people accused of causing criminal damage to a US Naval plane at Shannon on 3 February last were remanded in custody with consent to bail. Read article: RTE News More US carriers quit Shannon over security RTE News Feb 26 2003 Two more US airlines have decided to end stopovers at Shannon while carrying US troops. North American Airlines and Miami Air are both charter troop carriers for the US military. They confirmed last night to TG4 that they have stopped using Shannon Airport. Both said that security at the airport was of concern to them. Read article: RTE News Resistance To Ireland's Support For War A Voice From The Anti-War Movement Eoin Dubsky Feb 25 2003 Four days before I took my case to the High Court I spray-painted a US Air Force "Hercules" warplane at Shannon Airport in a symbolic act of disarmament... small cheese compared to [Mary Kelly's] disarmament action with an axe on a US Navy aircraft in January). Five members of the anarchist-pacifist Catholic Worker movement in Ireland ( Deirdre Clancy, Karen Fallon, Damien Moran, Nuin Dunlop and Ciaron O'Reilly) are currently on remand in prison following their faith-based "ploughshares" disarmament action at Shannon Airport on 03 February. Read article: ZNet Caoimhe Butterly Anthony McIntyre Feb 23 2003 I have heard many speakers over the years, most of them instantly forgettable. Their long winded assertions invariably peppered with self-serving bollix and falsehoods never fails to inspire me to run away from them. Caoimhe Butterly is something else. She holds you in your chair. Read article: The Blanket Ireland Indymedia From Protest to Resistance Ciaron O'Reilly Feb 18 2003 Limerick Prison Two weeks out from this major military escalation we must directly resist U.S. troop and munition movements through Ireland. We should be doing this or offering proactive, practical solidarity to those who step forward to resist... Read article: Ireland Indymedia Melbourne Indymedia Peace Campers Move House Mairead Carey Feb 12 2003 Irish Voice ...In the early hours of that morning, five anti-war activists from the Catholic Worker Movement took wire cutters to the perimeter fence and hid in long grass until the coast was clear. Shortly before 4 a.m. they emerged. After pouring human blood on the runway, they set up a shrine to the children of Iraq and prayed for peace, before daubing "pit stop of death" on the hangar's roller doors. Once inside, they overpowered a member of the local police [they did not overpower anyone - as the Gardia (police) confirmed shortly afterwards] and then attacked the engine of the U.S. Navy plane. Just days before, veteran peace campaigner, Mary Kelly attacked the same plane with a hatchet causing over EURO500,000 worth of damage. She issued a statement following her arrest saying "What I did, I did with lawful excuse." Read article: Irish Voice The Action was Beautiful Ciaron O'Reilly Feb 10 2003 Limerick Prison Its a week since the 'Pit Stop Ploughshares' disarmament of a U.S navy plane at Shannon airport, Co. Clare Ireland. Shannon has become a major pitstop for U.S troop and munition movement into Kuwait and Qatar. The witness once again reveals the twin reality that the weapons are not secure ! / the weapons don't secure us ! Read article: Ireland Indymedia Melbourne Indymedia Two Shannon protestors remanded RTE News Feb 7 2003 ... all five...said they were lead by the Holy Spirit in an act of disarmament. They looked forward to answering the charges in court and said when they had an opportunity to explain their actions they would be acquitted... Read article: RTENews World Airways to cut back flights through Shannon RTE News Feb 4 2003 It has been confirmed that one of the largest carriers of US troops through Shannon airport is to cut back its flights severely. World Airways is to cut back on its flights following the latest security breaches. It is known that the civilian carriers used by the US military have been dismayed by the spotlight recent events have thrown on their operations. Read article: RTE News Five Shannon protestors remanded in custody RTE News Feb 3 2003 Five people appeared at Tulla District Court tonight in connection with an incident at Shannon Airport this morning in which a US Navy plane was damaged. All five were remanded into custody until Friday next. Read article: RTE News Another 5 go airside in Ploughshares action at Shannon Airport Indymedia Feb 3 2003 In the early hours of Monday 3 February, five members of the pacifist Catholic Worker Movement ( 2 ) cut their way into Shannon Airport ( 2 ). The peace activists poured human blood on the runway that has been servicing U.S. military flights , troop and munition deployments to U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Qatar. They constructed a shrine on the runway to Iraqi children killed and threatened byU.S./British bombardment and sanctions. The shrine consisted of copies of the Bible and Quran, rosary and muslim prayer beads, flowers, photographs of Iraqi children and Brigid's crosses. They then began to take up the runway, working on its edge with a mallet. Read articles: Ireland Indymedia Feature Ireland Indymedia Article Melbourne Indymedia Adelaide Indymedia Global Indymedia Feature Global Indymedia Article "Pitstop" Ploughshares Statement of Faith Pitstop Ploughshares Feb 3 2003 Shannon Airport, Ireland We come to Shannon Airport around the Feast of St. Brigid, to disarm and disable the war machine. We hope to begin to take up the runway and ground military aircraft. We hope to be joined in this act of disarmament by those who encounter us. Citizens, police and soldiers wielding hammers brought down the Berlin Wall; we hope all will pitch into take up this runway and ground planes servicing the war machine. We find this easier to envision than the further slaughter of Iraqi children that U.S. British and Irish governments wish us to consider. ... Read article: Dublin Catholic Worker Dublin Catholic Worker "Pitstop" Ploughshares Action Pitstop Ploughshares Feb 3 2003 Shannon Airport, Ireland In the early hours of Monday 3 February 2003, five members of the pacifist Catholic Worker Movement cut their way into Shannon Airport, Ireland... Read article: Dublin Catholic Worker |
Chronology
Ongoing: Weekly Anti-War Vigil May 8: Vigil for Martin and Jenny in court May 5: Reclaim the Streets May 2: Court Apr 29: Public Meeting Apr 19: Karen out Apr 19: Good Friday Resistance at Shannon Apr 11: Karen in Court Apr 10-11: Vigil US Embassy Apr 2: 24hr Vigil/Fast Dail Mar 27: 24hr Vigil/Fast US Embassy Mar 24: Aviation Building Occupation Mar 21: Court Nuin out Mar 19: 24hr Vigil and Fast Mar 17: St Patrick's Day Mar 12: Damien and Deirdre Out Mar 7: Court Mar 5: Ash Wednesday Action Mar 1: Ciaron out Feb 25: 2 more US carriers quit Ireland Feb 7: Remanded Feb 4: World Airways leave Ireland Feb 3: Pitstop Ploughshares Action  |
