Sinn Féin councillor Thérèse Ruane is calling on the people of Castlebar to get out in support of the Ballyhea Bondholder Bailout Protest Group who will be marching in Castlebar on Saturday next. Since March 2011, this group have marched every Sunday without fail in Ballyhea, a small rural Cork village, to show their opposition and outrage at the indebting of the Irish people following the bank bailout.
Cllr Ruane, who will be joining the protest on Saturday, said: “I'm delighted that the Ballyhea Protest Group will be coming to Castlebar. I have admired their conviction and tenacity in organising their weekly dignified protest after Mass in their village for almost two years. It's great to see people power, ordinary citizens taking to the streets in a dignified way but sending a very strong message of opposition to the outrageous sell out of the Irish people.
“They've taken their protest to Brussels and now on their 87th consecutive week of protest, they're taking to the streets and towns of the west of Ireland. I hope that the people of Castlebar will show their support and march with them on Saturday. It goes to show what a small group of people can really make a difference; the Ballyhea Protest Group have featured on national and international press including television stations from throughout the world including China, Australia, France and Britain.”
Anyone who wants to take part in the protest on Saturday next can meet at 12.45pm at Barrack Bridge, beside the entrance to the Military Barracks. The group will then march up the Main Street, around the town, finishing at the Welcome Inn Hotel.
“I'm appealing to people to support and give a hearty welcome to the Ballyhea Bondholder Bailout Protest Group in Castlebar on Saturday. Show your opposition to the bank bailout and the outrageous sell out of our economic sovereignty,” Cllr Ruane concluded.
