Manorhamilton Rallies Against Lenient Sentence in Support of Natasha O'Brien

Attendees of the protest at Market Square, Manorhamilton

placeholder image — Attendees of the protest at Market Square, Manorhamilton

Hundreds gathered in Manorhamilton to demand justice and support domestic violence victims

The outrage felt throughout the country at the suspended sentence handed down to Cathal Crotty following his attack on Natasha O'Brien was echoed in Manorhamilton with a show of solidarity for Natasha on Tuesday last.

Approximately 235 people assembled at the Market Square to show their support. One of the organisers, Máire Eames-McGowan, said: "People were feeling very angry and frustrated following the lenient sentence for the perpetrator of this horrendous attack. We felt as a community, we should join together and say this is not good enough."

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The organisers were delighted to have Marian Harkin TD and Aisling Kerrigan from the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (DVAS) attend. Aisling spoke about the bravery of Natasha O'Brien. She remarked that through her bravery in speaking out, she has done a great service to women and victims of abuse and has given them a voice.

L-R Marie Eames McGowan and Ger Kelly, event organisers, Aisling Kerrigan (DVAS), Ellie McGowan, organiser and MC and Marian Harkin TD

Aisling also spoke about the power of people and the importance of having these conversations about domestic violence and violence in general. Aisling appealed to the newly elected councillors in attendance to use their power to ensure violence in this country will not be tolerated.

Manorhamilton Election Area councillors; L-R Cllr Eddie Mitchell, Cllr Felim Gurn, Cllr Mary Bohan, Cllr Padraig Fallon and Cllr James Gilmartin.

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Marian Harkin, addressing a placard that read "Is his career worth more than his life?", emphasised the importance of justice for victims.