Irish Times: 1,000 picket outside Shell stations: “Over 1,000 people staged a nationwide protest last night to support the five north Mayo residents jailed for refusing to obey a court order prohibiting them from impeding the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline. The protesters picketed outside Shell garages across the country as the row over the jailing of the men deepened.”: Saturday 9 July 2005

Lorna Siggins

Irish Times; Jul 09, 2005

Over 1,000 people staged a nationwide protest last night to support the five north Mayo residents jailed for refusing to obey a court order prohibiting them from impeding the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline.

The protesters picketed outside Shell garages across the country as the row over the jailing of the men deepened.

Meanwhile, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) has pledged support for a rally in Belmullet at 2pm today. The rally is being organised by Mayo TD Dr Jerry Cowley.

GardaI are expected to monitor the event, which may attract hundreds of protesters.

Last weekend over 1,500 people attended the first rally in support of the men in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

Malcolm Thompson, president of the ICSA, said yesterday he would "articulate the support of farmers throughout the country for their right to stand up for their land and private ownership of property.

"Since their imprisonment 10 days ago, farmers have shown solidarity with the Mayo men incarcerated in Clover Hill, and there is no sign that their supporters will give up.

"Farmers from as far north as Donegal and as far south as Cork will attend today's rally."

The ICSA represents 9,000 commercial cattle, sheep and suckler farmers

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