TIMETOSAY STOPONSTEPS OFSTPETER’S
Mayor Paul Bell organises peace rally for this Saturday in wake of horrifc violence in the town
THE population of Drogheda is invited to take to the main street of the town on Saturday next, January 25th, at 2pm, in protest at the ongoing feud, which has reached new depths in the last 10 days.
A rally will ll begin with a march from the Bridge e of Peace to o St Peters s Church West t Street.
Assembly is between 1.30pm and 2pm at the bottom of Grove Hil. It will then make its way to the centre of the town.
The murder der of Keane Mulready-Woods (17) and the shooting of innocent taxi driver John Myles has left the town shocked and Mayor Paul Bell feels it is now time for the people to have their say.
‘In response to the increased level of violence by drug feuding gangs in Drogheda since the start of the New Year resulting in the hideous murder of Keane Mulready Woods and the shooting and wounding of an innocent taximan John Myles, we are holding a “Standing Together” rally which will take place on Saturday next,’ the mayor stated.
“The mood of the citizens of Drogheda is travelling through the normal journey following on from what can only be described as a community trauma. Responding to the death of Keane Mulready Woods and the barbaric treatment of his body has given rise to a feeling of revulsion, despair and in the last number of days anger.
“In response to the determination of the citizens of Drogheda to take back our town from those involved in organised crime which is centred on the selling of drugs, I have organised the “Stand Together” rally which will take place on Saturday 25th January. I call on all citizens and community organisations to attend and show our determination to take back control of our great town” said the Mayor
The rally is organised by the Mayor with the support of all elected members of the Drogheda Borough Council and is not a political rally.
“I wish to invite all citizens to the rally from Drogheda and beyond. This is a citizens rally and while public representatives and candidates in the forthcoming General are encouraged and welcome to attend none will be permitted to be on the platform or speaking list. For public representatives and election candidates it’s an opportunity to show support by being present and listening to the needs of our citizens.
‘ There may be one exception to this position and that is if our Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in a position to accept my invitation to attend the rally having last week indicated that he may be available to attend if invited. I can confirm an invitation has been issued to An Taoiseach to attend the rally and address the rally” said the Mayor.
Mayor Bell confirmed that a speakers list will be published on Tuesday or Wednesday which will consist of citizens/ organisations working in the area of crime and drug addiction services.