Neutrality campaigner (91) in Nenagh
Local groups support ‘Walk with Lelia’
Lelia Doolan successfully completed her 220km walk from Shannon Airport to the Dáil last week.
This was a remarkable achievement for the 91-year-old, whose walk was a peaceful protest against the use of Shannon Airport by the US military.
On Good Friday, Lelia was greeted in Birdhill by a large contingent from the Tipperary Neutrality Network, Nenagh Friends of Palestine, and IPSC North Tipperary, as she embarked on the fourth day of her walk. Many locals joined her on her way to Nenagh, serving as accompaniment on the walk and as support drivers.
Despite the apocalyptic weather forecasts, the rain stayed away, allowing for an enjoyable morning, where volunteers from many counties were able to chat as they walked in comfort. For the first stop, Pat Sheehy showed his customary generosity by making The Round Hill available for shelter and a hugely appreciated cup of tea.
The walkers continued on until a short stop at Ballywilliam Creamery, where the Arrabawn staff made them very welcome. A contingent of supporters greeted the group at the edge of Nenagh and joined in for the last mile of the day’s march.
The following morning, another large group gathered in Banba Square to escort Lelia to Moneygall on the old N7 via Toomevara. Again the actual weather defied the forecast and the group reached Hayes’ Bar in Moneygall just as the heavens opened.
Easter Sunday brought the walkers to Roscrea where Lelia took a well-deserved rest day. Again, a strong crowd partnered with Lelia to see her through our county on her journey. The Premier County wished her all the very best on the remainder of her remarkable journey.
Each night, the community of Nenagh provided accommodation for those walkers who required it.
‘ABSOLUTE HONOUR’
“It was an absolute honour to host Lelia and her companions while they were with us in Nenagh. We fully support her message of peace and thank her for the opportunity to express the frustration, shame and anger felt by many, many Irish people at the government's clear disregard for our neutrality – and our sovereignty – through the illegal use of our airports and airspace by the US military,” said Fergal McDonnell, one of the locals supporting the ‘Walk with Lelia’ event.
Lelia, a Cork-born film producer and activist, set out on her journey on March 31 and reached Leinster House on April 15. Her feat was raised in the Dáil that afternoon, though An Taoiseach Micheál Martin maintained that Shannon Airport is not a US military base and had no role in the war in Gaza or in Iran.
Speaking to RTÉ, Lelia Doolan, who celebrated her 90th birthday with a skydive, said her ‘Walk With Lelia’ campaign was the most peaceful way she could raise the issue of Irish neutrality.