Thousands In Limerick March Against Crime
Updated : May 11, 2009
Up to 5,000 people have marched through the streets of Limerick calling for an end to gangland violence in the city yesterday.
The event was organised by the father of murdered businessman Roy Collins, who was gunned down at Roxboro Shopping Centre last month.
Demonstrators, many wearing the red jerseys of Munster or Manchester United, made their way from Perry Square at 3pm to City Hall.
There, a rally was held and a minute’s silence was observed for all those killed in gang-related violence.
Steve Collins, father murdered businessman Roy Collins, said he hoped the demonstration would pressure the government into pushing through tough new anti-gangland laws.
“People are sick of this,†he said, of the city’s spiralling gun violence. “They haven’t had a chance to stand up and be counted before.â€
Defence Minister Willie O’Dea, Limerick city Mayor John Gilligan and Bishop of Limerick Donal Murray were among the marchers.
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern is expected to bring proposals before the Cabinet on Tuesday which would create new offences of directing and involvement in gangland violence.
The measures would allow for gangland suspects to be tried in the non-jury Special Criminal Court and see more stringent penalties for witness intimidation.
VeryHappyPig donned red garments in support of the cause today!
