Tallyman

In light of the rumors surrounding a Cóir demonstration at this years Dublin Pride parade which is scheduled to take place I spoke with Oisín O Reilly, chairperson of the Dublin Pride Committee 2010.

The rumors have been circulating for over a week and Susie at Maman Poulet first blogged about it. The Dublin Pride Committee have received two independent tips that Cóir are planning a demonsteration at this years parade.  As Susie points out – there are often very small indivdual protests and one group who blesses the route of the parade after it finishes but Cóir have never demonstrated against it before.

Independent from this I have also heard that the Campaign for Conscience is also planning its own protest.

Oisín O Reilly gave me a short interview and had this to say:

There are unconfirmed reports that there might be a counter demonstration or protest at this years Pride Parade.

As part of the normal planning process for each Pride Festival we continually liaise with the Gardaí and other agencies and we shall raise the matter with them in the course of normal planning.

We are disappointed that anyone would protest at our celebration of equality, diversity and our commemoration of the Stonewall Riots, however, we respect everyones right to have an opinion and protest.

I understand at this point no additional training has been given to volunteers as the size of any protest has not been substantiated.

Image: The Irish Times