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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Limerick woman in group marching across the Sinai desert to Gaza to demand an end to the slaughter
Ms MacNamara is joining roughly 2,500 international participants from more than 60 countries calling for immediate humanitarian access to the besieged region and an end to the 19-month onslaught on Gaza. The march, which officially begins on June 13, is expected to take two to three days, covering ground from a town in the Sinai Desert to the Rafah border crossing, the only entry point between Egypt and Gaza. Ms MacNamara says the group hopes to arrive by June 15, marching primarily in the cooler hours of early morning and evening to avoid the extreme desert heat. While they acknowledge they cannot physically break the blockade on Gaza, the group's aim is to call for the permanent opening of the Rafah crossing for true humanitarian aid, an end to military occupation of Gaza, reconstruction efforts and a stop to the colonisation. 'It's symbolic, yes, but it's also urgent. The goal is to pressure for the opening of humanitarian corridors, for real international oversight, and ultimately for an end to the occupation,' Ms MacNamara told the Irish Independent via phone from Cairo. Ms MacNamara, who grew up in Limerick city, says she travelled to Egypt alone, but quickly found community with the diverse group of marchers. 'A lot of the people here aren't seasoned activists,' she stated. 'They're regular people who just couldn't stay silent any longer. There's an incredible number of women involved, one participant is 70-years-old and ready to walk across the desert for Palestine.' The march to Gaza is just one of several large-scale international actions unfolding this week. Ms MacNamara also referenced a second convoy currently making its way from Tunisia across North Africa, believed to include up to 4,000 participants. Asked if she was nervous about potential risks at the heavily restricted Rafah crossing, Ms MacNamara was unequivocal: 'No. Nothing we face can compare to what people in Gaza are living through daily. ADVERTISEMENT 'Children are starving, injured without anaesthetic, and hospitals are in ruins. This is a war on children and someone has to act.' Though she has engaged in activism at home on local issues, this marks her first international effort of this scale. Follow Independent Limerick on Facebook 'It's the most serious cause I've ever joined,' she reveals. 'It feels like the Holocaust in real-time and no one can say they didn't know. We're all watching it happen.' The march is being coordinated with the help of NGOs and local organisers, though for security reasons, specific logistics are being kept confidential. Ms MacNamara confirmed the group, made up of people from Tyrone, Wicklow, Dublin, Galway, Westmeath, Limerick, Cork, Donegal, Clare, Mayo, Laois, Offaly, Antrim, Down, Derry, Armagh and Tipperary, are traveling light, with nothing but mere backpacks to keep them sustained. When asked what message she'd share with those supporting Zionist policies, MacNamara was clear: 'There is no excuse left. If you still call yourself a Zionist after witnessing this, then you should be ashamed. I wouldn't even engage with you.' 'We want the people of Palestine to know they're not forgotten. They are and must remain at the centre of this,' she added.
Irish Independent
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Limerick: here is what's on around the county
With so much on, there is no reason to not find something of interest in the county. Here are just some of the events taking place: Visit Limerick's famous Milk Market on Friday, Saturday and Sunday As it does every weekend, Limerick's milk market will be running over the Bank Holiday weekend and is sure to be bustling with crowds enjoying all that will be on offer. Friday and Sunday will see crafts, antiques and vintage put on display, will live music played by local artists will provide a fine atmosphere. Of course, there will be plenty of nourishment on offer too. Saturday will be all about the food, with a wide range of fresh produce and street food set to be available. The farmer's market will boast goods including cheeses, chutneys, just-caught fish and artisan meats. The Milk Market should provide plenty to see and taste for those of all ages this Bank Holiday weekend. Irish Acro Festival 2025 at Irish Aerial Creation Centre from Friday to Tuesday The second edition of the Acro Festival will be of interest to acrobats of all varieties. The five day festival promises plenty of fun and is set to welcome participants from all over the world. More than 20 local and international teachers are each set to share their unique skills and passion for Acroyoga through classes while traditional dance workshops will also be held. The festival is open to all level of participants and a family fun day, with special events for kids, will be held on Saturday. A range of tickets at various prices are available at Swiftees and fans of popular music will have a ball at this Taylor Swift-themed night. The hours-long event will feature all the best tunes of the pop queen, while deep cuts and extended mixes of Taylor's tunes are also promised. The show is perfect for serious Swiftees as well as those who are looking to dance into the early hours of Saturday morning. Tickets for this fan created Taylor Swift-themed club night cost €12 each. The event is strictly for those over the age of 18. Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh at Croom on Saturday and Sunday Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh returns to the town of Croom this Bank Holiday, and it promises an unforgettable weekend of Irish music, song, dance and craic. The fleadh, based in the town's school, will see young musicians compete in a variety of categories based on the instruments they play for a chance to compete at the Munster fleadh. The weekend-long event will be perfect for all who enjoy Irish music and culture or who wish to delve into it. There will be plenty surrounding the festival too, such as a craft market and a tractor run. Follow Independent Limerick on Facebook For more information visit the Limerick Comhaltas page on Facebook. First Annual Model Railway and Hobbies Exhibition at the Castletroy Park Hotel on Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm Train enthusiasts of all ages will be delighted by Mid-West Model Railway Club's inaugural annual exhibition over the Bank Holiday weekend. The event will feature impressive layouts from prize-winning designers, engineering experts, skilled craftspeople and artistic wizards from all over the island of Ireland. The creations on show will include Rathmichael, which depicts a rural halt in the south-east, and Under the Swan Rock, a layout displaying a scene set in the Bavarian mountains. The special exhibition will be held on the exact 199th anniversary of the signing into law, on May 31, 1826, of the legislation that provided for the steam-train connection between the mid-west and the rest of Ireland. Tickets for this special event are priced at €5 for Adults and €3 for those aged between five and 18. Here's a chronological list of Limerick activities over the June Bank Holiday weekend: Friday, May 30 Start your day with the Run061 Friday Morning Run & Lattes at 7am from Chill The Beans on Ennis Road. At 9:30am, Art, Alchemy and Dreams takes place at LSAD, exploring the connection between art and psyche. The Castletroy Farmers Market runs from 10am to 2pm with fresh produce, baked goods, and more. Bring little ones to the Parent & Toddler Morning at Watch House Cross Library at 10:30am. From 12pm, the Hunt Museum hosts a ceramics-themed event, Tea Time & Chit Chat, with artist talks and tea. The Eat Street Food Court at Wickham Way is open from 1pm to 9pm. Wrap up your evening at Singles Bingo Night in the Wickham from 7:30pm, a fun social event for over thirties. Saturday, May 31 Visit the Milk Market from 8am to 3pm and Wickham Way Market & Food Court from 10am to 3pm. The Art4Limerick Popup continues at 19 Nicholas Street, 10:30am–5:30pm, showcasing local artists. Crafty Saturday runs from 11am to 4pm at Watch House Cross Library, with creative play for kids. At 11:30am, day two of the Tea Time & Chit Chat ceramics event takes place at the Hunt Museum, including a ceramics talk and visit to the LSAD Degree Show. Teens aged 12 to 18 can take part in the Wonder Walls Graffiti Workshop at the Belltable from 4pm to 6pm. Sunday, June 1 Begin with the Run061 Long Run at 9:30am from UL Sports Arena or the Croissant Run Club at 9:45am from Arthurs Quay Park. Families can also enjoy Junior Parkrun at 9:30am in Shelbourne Park. The Art4Limerick Popup continues from 10:30am to 5:30pm, and the Milk Market Outdoor Café is open 11am to 3pm. Don't miss the Croom Craft Market from 12pm to 3pm during the Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh weekend, followed by Music on the Maigue from 1pm to 4pm in Croom Town Park. In the evening, enjoy the official Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh Concert in St Mary's Church, Croom at 8pm. Monday, June 2 Wrap up the weekend with The Big Limerick Seisiún, featuring traditional music and dance at the Locke Bar (5pm & 9pm).
