Hundreds of Black Balloons to be Released During Royal Visit

Hundreds of Black Balloons to be Released During Royal Visit

Cork Sinn Féin will release hundreds of black balloons in the city centre during Friday’s visit by the English queen.

The balloons are to symbolise the centuries of colonial oppression visited on Ireland by the British monarchy. They will be released as part of the “Rebel Cork, Not Royal Cork” event being planned by the party for Friday.

Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent said tonight:

“As a counter-event to the arrival of the English queen, Sinn Féin will hold a “People’s Rally against the Royal Visit” outside the old FÁS office at Sullivans Quay from 12.30-2.30pm. We will be celebrating all those men and women who fought for freedom and the democratic right of the Irish people to decide their own future.”

“There will be music, readings from the writings of Terence Mac Swiney and James Connolly, and balloons and face-painting for kids. Speakers will include a representative from the families of victims of the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings, whose anniversary will take place during the queen’s visit.”

“At the close of the event, hundreds of black balloons will be released to mark the centuries of oppression visited on this country by the monarchy which Elizabeth Windsor represents.”

“Cork’s democratic and republican traditions are far more worthy of celebration than the arrival in our city of a foreign monarch. We would invite people to join us on Friday in a peaceful and dignified celebration of republicanism and rebel Cork.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793