A coalition of Irish workers in the construction trades today organized a New York convoy in solidarity with Irish farmers, truckers, and others struggling in the midst of the Irish fuel crisis — and to signal their collective disappointment with what they perceive as a lack of appropriate government action to alleviate the issue.
The group of contractors and workers banded together in a team called “The Irish Construction Convoy NYC” marshalled 37 vehicles bedecked in Tricolors and signs reading “We Support Irish Truckers, Farmers, and the People of Ireland” and caravanned down 5th Ave in Manhattan from E 86th St. to E 23rd St.
The New York demonstrators said they wanted to show that the sons and daughters of the diaspora living in New York and its environs understood the pain being felt by the people of Ireland as they struggle with the impact of soaring fuel prices.
Aidan Conlon, from Mayo, of Acon Construction, said the coalition was “supporting the people at home. It is scandalous what the government is doing.” His message to those at home is, “Fair play to them and don’t move until they (the government) do something about it.”
Paul Hogan, owner and founder of Boru Interiors, sounded a similar tone as he said the coalition stood “in solidarity with those at home fallen prey to the expenses that are totally unnecessary.” He stated the convoy was “trying to understand why the government won’t stand in and help out instead of making money off the backs of the people who are already struggling. Injustice becomes rule when good men stand back and do nothing.”
The very warm and cloudless day saw throngs of people strolling on the avenue, many expressing interest and cheering the convoy as it passed St. Patrick’s Cathedral and indeed all along the route. CONVOY SOLIDARITY: Getting the message across
Pat Keogh of Dublin said, “We’re demonstrating in New York today to support all the people at home who are suffering due to the fuel crisis, the farmers, truck drivers and the people themselves.”
He hopes that “this protest will shine a light for the people at home that we are supporting them from New York.”
Micheál Cunningham feels that the convoy was “here to support the people of Ireland. Fuel, Housing, Medical, it’s an absolute disgrace.”
Sophie Colgan, well known community advocate, whose husband Brian Glynn alos participated in the convoy as founder of the Glynn Group echoed the views of her fellow-protestors: “I’m here on Fifth Avenue today in support of the Irish construction convoy and the people at home who are bravely protesting the rising cost of fuel. It’s vital we keep the pressure on. As part of the Irish diaspora, we have a responsibility to show up, speak out, and support those demanding better standards and real accountability from the Irish government.”
The Construction Trades workers say they envisage similar solidarity convoys across the New York region in coming days.
