Walkers doing Famine Way for Gaza ask for local support
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Some of the protesters who took part in a Bridgil (Vigil of a Bridge) in Boyle, County Roscommon in April to display their support for the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. Photo by Brian FArrellImage 2 of 2
Chris O’Dowd and Dawn O’Porter joined the Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group’s weekly demonstration. O’Dowd returned to his native Boyle to officially open the Boyle Arts Festival and the couple took the opportunity to show their support for the local campaign attempting to highlight the suffering of the people in Gaza. Photo Brian Farrell Photo by Brian FArrellA group of walkers will be passing through County Westmeath along the Royal Canal from Monday, August 4 to Thursday, August 7 as part of a journey retracing the National Famine Way in solidarity with the people of Palestine, and they are encouraging residents to walk with them or show support as they pass through.
The group set off from Strokestown Park House in Roscommon on Saturday, August 2, and will walk 165km over eight days to arrive at the Famine Memorial in Dublin on August 9.
Their route commemorates the original 1,490 men, women and children who were forced to walk to Dublin in 1847 during the Great Hunger.
As they pass through Ballynacargy, Mullingar, and the Hill of Down, they are inviting the people of Westmeath and Meath to join them for a mile, a few steps, or just to show up and show solidarity.
“We are walking to honour our shared history of famine and forced displacement, and to stand with the people of Palestine, who are living through famine, siege, and unimaginable suffering today,” said a spokesperson for the group.
Local Schedule – Join or Support Along the Route:
Monday August 4: Arrive in Ballynacargy
Tuesday August 5 at 10am: Depart Ballynacargy for Mullingar
Wednesday August 6 at 10am: Depart Mullingar for the Hill of Down
Thursday August 7 at 10am: Depart Hill of Down en route to Enfield
The walkers are especially calling on musicians, singers, walkers, community groups, and well-wishers to come out and meet them along the way to walk with them, wave them on, or offer encouragement.
“This is a peaceful act of solidarity, rooted in Irish memory and compassion,” they said. “We’d be deeply grateful for any local support — even a small gesture makes a big impact.”
Fundraising
The walk is also raising funds for humanitarian organisations working directly in Palestine, including: TEA Collective, Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and The Sameer Project.
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