Cork March for Choice a HUGE Success!

I think I speak for most members of CWRTC when I say we are still reeling from the amazing success of yesterday's march.

Grand Parade

Ailbhe Smyth - Action on X

We heard from Ailbhe Smyth of Action on X, Mary Favier of Doctor's for Choice, Laura FitzGerald of the Socialist Party and John Jeffries of the Worker's Party.  We were also blown away by the bravery and resolve of one young women who got up to tell her personal story and to appeal, among other things, for the importance of breaking the stifling stigma around abortions. Eye-opening words from all.

Top of Patrick St.

As for the march itself: if I'm honest, we had planned a couple of different routes to accommodate different turnout sizes - and we were not entirely sure what to expect. As people kept gathering at the fountain we scratched each 'small turnout' route off the list one by one.  Needless to say we were delighted when we had more than enough people (estimates are ranging from 200-300) to justify walking directly up Patrick St - not once, but twice!

Back down Patrick St.

Moreover it definitely seemed like the public reception was positive overall.  Despite rumours of a counter-demonstration there was none to speak of.  On the contrary we seemed to grow in numbers as we wandered down Patrick St.

There are a number of take home messages from the day.  For us at CWRTC it is that minds are changing.  The pro-choice movement and its support is growing - we WILL win this one.