Shannon 24 hour Peace Camp- the resistance continues

Between Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of January over 60 women, children and men gathered just outside the grounds of Shannon Airport for a 24-hour peace camp.

Between Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of January over 60 women, children and men gathered just outside the grounds of Shannon Airport for a 24-hour peace camp.

The peace camp, which was made up of people from Shannon to Donegal, Dublin and Cork, was held to protest the continued use of Shannon civilian airport by the US military as well as to commemorate the original women's Peace Camp which drew attention to the airport’s part in the war in 2003.

After a morning of putting up the marquis and preparation the peace camp officially opened at 4pm on Saturday afternoon. Events kicked off with a welcome circle and address from members of na Cosantoiri Siochana.

On Saturday evening a cherry blossom tree was planted in memory of Emma Carroll, a participant in the original women's Peace Camp. After words and reflections the camp held a minuet of silence for Emma.

Later on in the evening anti-war films were shown in the marquis including Big plane, small axe directed by Margaretta D’Arcy about Mary Kelly’s disarming of an US warplane. A film on the Pit Stop Ploughshares was also shown.

Delicious vegetarian dinner and breakfast was supplied by the Bitchin’ Kitchen cooking collective.

Music and fireside songs carried on late as campers braved the frosty January night.

The camp disbanded late on Sunday afternoon