President Catherine Connolly quietly attended the inaugural Siúlóid Sióchána – Steps for Peace initiative which aims to gather like-minded people on the first Sunday of each month, at 11.30, to walk from Nimmo’s Pier to Blackrock, in Salthill, via South Park and The Prom.
Many participants carried white flags as a non-partisan demonstration of peacefulness, and a desire to initiate dialogue over conflict.
This monthly, visible gathering of men, women, children and canine participants is the brain child of a committee of peace activists, Deirdre Curran and Donna Halligan, spearheaded by Salthill-based Mel McGovern, who last October raised more than €100,000 for Palestinian charities at the Gala for Gaza, held in the Ardilaun Hotel.
On reaching Blackrock, Dr McGovern made a brief address on the importance of solidarity to the assembled walkers on a blustery afternoon.
Michelle Ní Chléirigh, coordinator of the Tonn ne Clé movement which organised a vote left campaign securing almost 32 per cent of first preference votes at the recent Galway West by-election, also spoke briefly, followed by poet Laura Murphy, and singer Áine Tyrell.
Dr McGovern said the objective of the monthly walk in Galway city was to “gather a community of peacemakers and take an hour each month to prioritise peace”. She said a chance for an occasional cúpla focal, a tune or two, and even a cupán tae on the steps near Blackrock was organisers’ initial, modest ambition “and to show our children too”.
For those who cannot make it to Galway city, Dr McGovern is encouraging people to walk in their own areas. The psychotherapist says demonstrating a collective energy across communities has the capacity to build momentum for peace “through mindfulness, especially in nature,” and act as a rallying point for other advocacy groups and activists.
The next Steps for Peace will be Sunday, July 5, meeting at Claddagh Hall at 11.30. The indefatigable, 92-year-old peace activist, Leila Doolan, has been invited to lead the walk.
Organisers are working on communication channels at present, but details are available on Instagram. Search @Steps4Peace
