24 hour vigil to Save the Trees in Eyre Square

national | miscellaneous | news report Monday January 20, 2003 19:19 by Niall O Brolchain - Galway Environmental Alliance niallob at esatclear dot ie 83 Ros Ard, Cappagh Road, Galway 091 596680

On Saturday February 1st (Lá Fhéile Bhríde) a 24 hour vigil is taking place in Eyre Square starting at noon and ending at noon the next day. The purpose of the vigil is to highlight the plight of the 90 mature trees in the heart of Galway City centre that are due to be chopped down.

On Saturday February 1st (Lá Fhéile Bhríde) a 24 hour vigil is taking place in Eyre Square starting at noon and ending at noon the next day. The purpose of the vigil is to highlight the plight of the 90 mature trees in the heart of Galway City centre that are due to be chopped down.
The focus of the day is a protest rally and march starting and ending in Eyre Square. Events are planned throughout the day.
There will be tree walks and music. For children there will be an art competition, a treasure hunt and many other activities. People will be invited to make Bridget crosses and attach them to the trees. A flame (candle) will be kept alight for the full 24 hours.
In the evening there will be an open-air traditional music session by candlelight, which should last until the next morning. Finally there will be a multi denominational ceremony to bless the trees and protect them from institutional vandalism.