Catalonia solidarity demonstrations takes place in Cork

Mon, 02 Oct, 2017 - 22:49

Grainne McGuinness

A crowd of more than 100 people gathered at City Hall yesterday evening, in a show of solidarity with the people of Catalonia.

The Spanish region held a referendum on independence over the weekend, despite the vote declared illegal by the government of Spain. The police force in the country has been criticised for heavy-handed tactics in trying to prevent voters accessing the polls, with videos and images of violent clashes being shared online.

There were a number of Catalans in attendance at the Cork protest, both students and people now living and working in this city. Many attendees carried the striped flag of Catalonia.

Maria Parull, Catalonia, Miguel Valero, Basque Country, Ani Ruiz, Albacete and Dani Casemajor and Joana Jimenez, both Catalonia, supporting the demonstration outside Cork City Hall in solidarity with voters in Catalonia. Picture: David Keane.

The event was organised by Sinn Féin, and councillors from the Green Party and Solidarity were also in attendance.

"After looking at everything that happened, we felt compelled to organise a rally in solidarity," Councillor Mick Nugent said.

"Some of the Catalans were quite emotional, one young woman had flown home at the weekend to vote and flown back this morning."

The Sinn Féin councillor criticised the response of the Irish Government.

"It was disappointing that the Government took so long to comment, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cork's Simon Coveney. They were very quiet over the weekend.

CIT student Jordi Pina with Tom Flynn and Stephen Murphy, both Farranree and Noel Harrington, Kinsale, at the demonstration outside Cork City Hall in solidarity with voters in Catalonia. Picture: David Keane.

"At times political leaders have to show courage and at least express their alarm at the heavy-handed nature of what went on. I think it shows a lack of courage from our political leaders."