Pictures: Crowds brave the rain for rally in support of Cork city library workers 

MORE than 100 people braved the rain this afternoon to take part in a rally to show their support and solidarity with Cork city library workers.

The event, which took place this lunchtime at the Cork City Library on Grand Parade, was organised by anti-racism group Cork Says No to Racism. 

It was also supported by Cork Rebels for Peace, a coalition of like-minded groups and individuals. 

Organisers said that the rally was organised to show support of library workers, and to display solidarity with them after enduring a campaign of what has been described as “intense harassment by far-right individuals”.

They said the event also aimed to celebrate "the best of what Cork has to offer in diversity, inclusion, culture, free access to information, and above all, every citizen's right to live peacefully and safely in Cork city, a safe harbour."

Joe Moore of Cork Says No To Racism said that despite the inclement weather conditions, as Christy Moore once sang "the craic was ninety on the Isle of Man.’

Among those in attendance was Labour councillor for Cork City North East Ward John Maher who said he believes it is important to show solidarity with the workers. 

“We must never become complacent. We saw the libraries being stormed, and I think that is unacceptable,” he said.

Sinn Féin Cllr for Cork North West Mick Nugent said the stand-alone rally is incredibly important while  Green Party Local Area Representative for Cork City North West Louise Jordan added: “There’s enough of us that feel so strongly about it that feel for the library workers and it is unacceptable that a small minority of people would actually upset these people who are doing such a wonderful job for us.”