'Old Head of Kinsale' Protest

Monday 2nd July 2001

Direct action was the big winner in yesterday's protest at the Old Head of Kinsale in Kinsale, Co. Cork.

A long time public amenity used by walkers and ramblers, access to the Old Head was stopped over a year ago when 'the new owners' of the headland, an exclusive golfing concern, deemed the area to be private property. Although the public's right of access to the Old Head has been the subject of ongoing legal action - now in the Supreme Court - yesterday was the first real attempt to reclaim the Old Head area for the public. It was a huge success!

About 150 people turned up outside the scenic main entrance for the protest picnic, and after plenty of eating and singing discussion began on 'what to do'. Despite the fact that the golf course and the access to the walking area was protected by a high rampart wall and razor wire, protesters overran the security heavies and carrying flags (including the RED and BLACK) and banners. In all nearly 60 people scaled the fences and marched along the traditional route of the 'Old Head walk'. Avoiding confrontation and harassment from Golf Course security, the group held a protest meeting at the Old Head Lighthouse and then returned to the picnic area.

On the golf course

[A Personal report from a Workers Solidarity Movement member, these reports are posted to the Ainriail list when first written] Note: Pictures are ultra compressed a week or so after they are uploaded to this site to save space on the server.

Although a huge success, there was nevertheless some real issues for concern:

In the first wave over the fence one protester was assaulted by security and had his shoulder dislocated.
Throughout the protest, the security heavies were accompanied (and advised) by two plain clothes police men. The presence of these Branch officers has not been explained.
It also emerged during the protest that the Old Head Golf Course has a greater than usual obsession with security. It transpires that the Golf links has been investigated by Gardai for having a cache of illegally held firearms in the clubhouse. The only explanation, to date, for this appears to be the fact the golf course, which charges very high Green Fees, has been the destination for some very high profile business and political figures.

Near the clubhouse

Quote of the Protest: "Are we not rich enough to walk on the grass" (A young protester in response to Golf Security ordering her away from one of the immaculate putting greens.)

Aren't We Rich Enough To Walk

A provisional date for the next protest at the Old Head has been set for the last Sunday of July - Same Time, Same Venue. PASS ON THE WORD!!!

____________________________________________________
Inf. and local news provided by Workers Solidarity Movement - Cork Write: PO Box 31, Cork Email: cork_wsm@yahoo.com Visit our web site at http://struggle.ws/wsm/cork.html

At the security gates

Using these pictures: If you want to use these pictures for the web or other publications then please credit them as follows : Workers Solidarity Movement, http://struggle.ws/wsm.html.

If you normally pay for pictures through an agency or freelance photographer then we request the same fee (which will go to our international solidarity fund) as we don't want to do anyone out of a job! The versions on the web are compressed versions of the originals, if you are using them for printed publication you should email us with the picture titles so we can email you the higher quality versions.

To the News of Irish struggles Index