Limerick library and bookshops targeted by group of far-right protestors
Vigorous debate boiled over into heated exchanges on the streets of Limerick city when a group of far-right protestors demonstrated their anger at the availability of LGBTQ+ reading materials for children in local libraries and bookstores.
They deem the material to be explicit and unsuitable for children.
The far-right demonstrators were met by counter-protestors, many from the group Limerick Against Fascism, who showed up with colourful pride flags.
Heated exchanges took place as the agitators - who claim they are on a “Sovereign Voyage to protect childhood on the Shannon river”- held up a large banner on the centre of O'Connell Street that read “There are only two genders, male & female”.
After holding recent protests in Dublin, Cork and Galway, the group made their way to Limerick. Wearing green sweatshirts branded “Education not indoctrination,” the far-right protestors first stopped on Bedford Row, not too far from O’Mahony’s bookshop, with their banner.
Later on, they went to Limerick City Library, where gardai were waiting for their arrival. In a bit to prevent them from entering the library, a group of counter-protestors held hands to make a chain.
After quickly leaving the scene, the protestors made their way to Eason on O’Connell Street, where they entered the premises to search for the books they want to see banned.
Later on, they walked to bars, where staff refused to serve them, as they were concerned about the safety of their customers.
At the head of the far-right group is Andrew (Andy) Heasman, an activist from Dublin, who calls himself an “Irish journalist” on social media. He has been complaining that a book written by author Juno Dawson (among others books) is “pornographic” and should not be displayed for children.
On Friday, their second day in the city, the far-right group were seen cruising down the River Shannon on their motor boat before making their way to Limerick City Library, where they entered the premises.
The protestors asked if the book “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson, was on the shelves referring to “pornographic material” and the book being “deemed inappropriate for children.”
A staff member told them the book was part of their collection. They were asked by library staff to stop filming inside the premises, but the group didn’t stop recording saying it was for “their own safety.”
Counter-protestors showed up to the library with a colourful pride flag. They responded, saying that the far-right protestors have previously contradicted “what they are saying about protecting children.”
Before leaving the premises, Mr Heasman told staff “you’ve been served” and tried to hand them an envelope.
After the scene at Limerick City Library, counter-protestors made their way to O’Mahony’s bookshop on O’Connell Street, as they were worried the group might head there.
According to the managing director of O’Mahony’s Booksellers, Frank O’Mahony, anyone has the right to protest but Mr O'Mahony didn't want any disruption inside the bookshop.
“They can protest in the ordinary channels. They can walk up and down the street as long as it's allowed by guards, that sort of thing. But we don't allow protests inside in the shop as I have a staff to look after. They shouldn't be protesting inside libraries.
"They're doing a lot of things that just aren't acceptable. So that's why we're going to close the doors as soon as they arrive and not deal with them. They want to protest. Let them do it out in the street like anybody else. End of story.”
After failing to ban books in Limerick, the men were seen getting back onto their motorboat to head for the next stop on their voyage.