What’re those tents doin’ in the square? – Occupy Galway

Slightly longer version of the article that originally appeared in the Connacht Sentinel, October 24 2011.

Over the past ten days, Galway pedestrians will have become familiar with the unusual sight of a slowly expanding gathering of tents, gazebos and colourful signs on the paved plaza at the top of Eyre Square.

The Galway branch of the global ‘Occupy’ protest movement now has around 25 protesters camping out in 16 tents on the square, numbers that have swollen considerably since the first tents pitched on October 15. And despite the almost constant rain, wind and fast-approaching winter, the protesters are adamant that they won’t be going anywhere soon.

Unemployed construction worker Michael Jones, who now acts as the camp’s medic, says that the reasons for his and others’ participation are simple. “The way that this country is using our money to pay of the debts of the banks is disgraceful and I’ve had enough. Camping out here in the rain sucks, but I’m doing it in solidarity with those who have lost their jobs.” Michael added that he felt that the presence of the protesters has actually made the square safer rather than acting as an inconvenience, explaining that some accident-prone late-night revellers have already made use of his first aid skills.

The protesters rely on donations of food and supplies from the public to keep their camp running and say that Galway businesses have so far been ‘very generous’ in their contributions of food. Toilet facilities have been made available by pubs and shops around the square. The number of protesters grows during the day and each weekend, when the camp holds public discussions and live music sessions beneath Browne’s doorway.

Throughout the day, a steady stream of curious onlookers passes through the camp, engaging with the protesters in debates on the economy and the state of the political system or simply to donate food (pizza, oranges, homemade soup), supplies (pallets, carpets, doors) and to see how the camp operates. The hub of the camp is focussed around a small canvas gazebo, which is equipped with limited cooking facilities (Gardaí have sanctioned the use of a smokeless charcoal brazier), dry seating and a camp ‘to-do’ list on a whiteboard. The protesters say that despite the large numbers of people who spill into  the square and streets surrounding their camp after the close of pubs and clubs each night, they haven’t attracted too much unwanted attention.”People might shout stuff, but we can live with that. The Guards have been very helpful,” said one protester. Alcohol in the camp itself is strictly forbidden.

The protest has attracted an eclectic mix of varying ages and personal situations. One unemployed protester, who gave his name only as Billy, explained that he became involved in the camp accidentally. “I came into town last Wednesday just to get groceries. When I stepped off the bus and saw all the tents and signs across the road I thought ‘thank God! It’s about time someone’s taking action.’ I went over and asked how I could help, and I’ve been here since.” He added that the tents had been pitched on top of pallets in an effort to avoid the constant rain, summing up that particular battle  with “rising water? More like rising fecking tide…”

“It’s hard to be right when the bankers are wrong”

Galway man Eamonn Stack said that he became involved after reading about the protest on the internet. “The most important thing that we provide here at the camp is a place for people to talk about what has happened to this country. A lot of ordinary people come over when they see the signs and we’ve had nothing but a positive reaction since we set up. It’s a good alternative to just ringing up Joe Duffy.” He spoke people who had visited the camp over the weekend saying that they would have gladly joined in the occupation, only for the fact that they were about to emigrate. “There’s not all that much else left for them to do,” Eamonn shrugged. Adrian Bannon, a young protester who had returned to Ireland from a promising life America rather than ending up as an illegal immigrant, echoed Eamonn’s sentiments. “While I’m able, I amn’t going to lie down,” he said. An older woman explained that while she was unable to camp out each night due to health problems, she is utilising her free travel pass to help transport necessities when she visits every day.

Watching proceedings from outside the camp were father and son Michael and Kevin Cody, who are visiting Galway from Philadelphia. “We have one of these protests back home and I agree with what they’re doing to a certain extent,” said Michael hesitantly. “What’s happened with the banks is terrible, but I just amn’t sure what sitting in a tent is going to do. I suppose it raises awareness, which is good.” Kevin agreed, but added that if his brother had been present, he would have offered an alternative argument. (“He’s in corporate. He doesn’t stand much for this kind of thing.”) Others took time to read the various protest signs on display (“IMF OUT”, “OUR DEMANDS DON’T FIT IN YOUR BALLOT BOX”, “WE CAN’T TRUST THEM – VOTE NO”) or at the very least stare over at the ever-growing band of cheerful demonstrators that now inhabit their city’s centrepiece.

Whatever their opinions, the Occupy Galway protesters are determined that their stand will not be seen as a passing fad. “It’s hard to be right when the bankers are wrong,” concluded Michael Jones. “But we’re in this for the long haul.”

 - occupygalway.org