Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Some protesters gathered outside the Fine Gael conference - and a journalist was asked to leave

Around 170 people have turned up outside the Royal Theatre in Castlebar.

Protest The protest outside the Royal Theatre in Castlebar. Hugh O'Connell / TheJournal.ie Hugh O'Connell / TheJournal.ie / TheJournal.ie

AROUND 170 PROTESTERS have gathered outside the Fine Gael national conference in Castlebar this afternoon to protest against water charges.

The protesters assembled in Market Square in the centre of the Mayo town before making their way up to the Royal Theatre where a number of people addressed the demonstrators.

The protest appeared to be organised by the People Before Profit movement with several people wearing luminous PBP branded bibs and councillor Brid Smith among those present.

There were numerous banners and a Sinn Féin flag was also flown by one protester.

Several of those present addressed the crowd including Smith, who accused the government of trying to prevent peaceful protest.
https://vine.co/v/OQAXrXM9rTw

As a number of journalists came out from the conference to cover the protest, Newstalk’s political correspondent Paraic Gallagher was asked to leave:

Follow @oconnellhugh and @TJ_Politics for coverage of the Fine Gael national conference in Castlebar this weekend. 

Read: Gerry Adams described as ‘that great economic guru from West Belfast’ at Fine Gael conference

Read: We spotted this quite bizarre Enda Kenny poster in Castlebar last night

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
42 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Linton
    Favourite Mary Linton
    Report
    Apr 3rd 2025, 6:01 PM

    A lovely read ( eulogy) there Paul. The 1st word comes to my mind about Mick is ” LEGEND “. May he R.I.P.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergus O'Donnell
    Favourite Fergus O'Donnell
    Report
    Apr 4th 2025, 1:23 AM

    Well written.
    He was a great man. RIP

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Regular John
    Favourite Regular John
    Report
    Apr 5th 2025, 2:42 AM

    Rest in peace Mick.

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.