Iraq vigil at Shannon this weekend
An evening vigil will take place at Shannon airport this weekend in memory of the thousands of people killed in the war in Iraq.
The event has been organised by Na Cosantoiri Siochana who also plan to show show the Shannon premier of a drama documenting the trials of Mary Kelly, who attacked a US cargo plane in the airfield at Shannon on Feburuary 3, 2003.
A tree planting ceremony in remembrance of Emma O'Carroll, one of the founding members of the Shannon Peace Campers who passed away last month, is also planned for the vigil which is due to begin at 4pm on Saturday next at the approach road to the airport.
Three years ago, as war loomed in Iraq, a group of peace activists spent the month of January camped on the doorstep of Shannon Airport to highlight the amount of US troops and cargo trafficking through Irelands second international Airport to Middle East.
Thousands of people from all over the country visited the camp which soon attracted media attention from across the globe.
Many visitors to the camp brought food and equipment to make life easier for the campers.
According to a spokesman for Na Cosantori Siochana, this weekend's evening vigil is open to all.
The group has also called on the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to put an end to the use of Shannon airport by the US military.
"After three years of campaigning, the situation at Shannon Airport seems to be worse as 2005 has become a record year for US troop movements on their way to theatres of war in Iraq and Afghanistan," said the spokesman.
"We of Na Cosantoiri Siochana demand that Bertie Ahern realise the expectations of the 150,000 people who marched for peace on the February 15, 2003 by stopping the US Military and CIA use of Shannon Airport in their war crimes."
