Jobstown protest defendants Campaign for Liberty reaches a crescendo.

Just over 5 years ago, the 24th of March 2012, was a day I will never forget.

For it was on this day that 3,000 people from all over the country attended the massive Anti Household Tax rally in The National Stadium.
The buzz about the place, and determination from those present meant it was a day that has lived long in the memory.

For much the same reasons, today is another that I won't forget in a hurry.
As somebody from the Tallaght area, who also has a  keen eye for judicial matters be they court cases, or proposed new laws/changes to existing ones, I couldn't  but head along to Liberty Hall.

For what was taking place was a rally i support of those people currently before the courts as a result of actions they took at a protest against the presence of the then Tanáiste Joan Burton, in Jobstown in West Tallaght.

The first person to speak from the stage was Andy Leeson, a key member of the Republican group Éirígí.
He gave some background into the case, and his own personal observations as to what he thought the whole thing was about:

The next person up to speak was ex Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins, who spoke about the wider consequences should the defendants before the courts be found guilty:

Next after Joe's speech was Singer and Senator Frances Black who spoke the importance of protesting and how she believed this right is fundamental to our democracy:

After Frances gave her speech, a number of other people then spoke, such as Vincent McGrath of the Rossport 5, and Gail o' Rourke who was acquitted of charges of assisting the suicide of a friend.

I always thought the law of kidnap was for the likes of Dessie o' Hare for his actions during te brutal kidnapping of the dentist Dessie o' Hare. or the people who kidnapped the businessman Don Tidey, and in the process fatally wounded Garda trainee Gary Sheehan, and Army Private Patrick Kelly,

While one can argue till kingdom come as to whether the protest in Jobstown was entirely peaceful, do the people up before the courts as a result of the protest, really warrant the charge of kidnap.
I say that because I can remember many a person featured in the Tallaght Echo and Evening Herald court pages who (to my mind) did worse, yet were given a suspended sentence and/or a €200 fine.

 The biggest and most prolonged applause and cheering from those assembled, not surprisingly was reserved for one of those wrongly convicted and jailed for the Birmingham bombings - Paddy Hill.
Whilst anyone who knows me, knows how much I abhor bad language, I am making an exception in this case.
Yes there is bad language in this video clip, but I feel this fiery and passionate speech, given (in my opinion) by one of the most famous men in history, should be put out there for people to see, and make up their minds one way or the other as to whether or not they agree with him:

ALL VIDEOS COPYRIGHT SEÁN HEFFERNAN.