TD accosted at anti-racism vigil in Roscrea by counter-protester
This was the second time the man approached the group
Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill was accosted at a peace vigil in Roscrea on Saturday by a counter-protestor.
He was speaking at the event organised by the newly formed Tipperary Anti-Racism Network.
As the Deputy said he did not agree with the protests at the Racket Hall, and while standing on a bench, an individual walked up behind him shouting and pointing a camera phone.
Protestors began shouting back and moved toward the man and raised their signs in support of the TD.
After the individual left, Mr Cahill told the crowd:
“If you wanted an endorsement of this event, that interruption was it.”
He went on to say that there is a minority who want to “shove their opinions down our throats”. And he said he would not “apologise for welcoming people to Tipperary”.
The Deputy’s speech was met with a round of applause from those gathered.
NOT THE FIRST TIME
That same individual approached the organisers of the vigil as they were setting up. He confronted the small group, demanding to know where they were from before becoming aggressive.
He told the group to “go f**ck themselves and said:
“They will never be welcome here.”
The counter-protestor then said there were more people on their way to protest the peace vigil.
He then stood on the other side of the road with a small group of people watching the proceedings. This was the only interruption to the vigil. Mike Edwards from the Roscrea Community Hub ended the vigil congratulating the crowd for standing up for themselves.
“Despite the interruption, you stood your ground. Happy days,” said Mr Edwards.