Away on hols and see that things have really kicked off in #Coolock. I passed through the protesting the first night (everybody was nice to me) and have stopped to chat to people at it 5 or 6 times since as I wanted to get a feel for the characters at it, where they were from, what they think and why.
There was never any aggro even when I'd disagree with people. Met locals, guys who'd come up from Carlow (that was a surprise). A guy who rides a motorcycle with a trump flag on it (didn't expect that either!) Local mums, young guys, aul' lads... Two times I saw the security guards walk through the camp to arrive or go home (black guys) who were given a friendly 'see ya' by the folks there, which doesn't fit with the idea that the protestor are fuelled on race hate.
Everybody was cordial. The only time it got a bit tense was when one guy clocked me as being in the media at times, the MSM distrust is strong in them, but when I said I pass here daily to and from work and wanted to stop and see what they were at it was fine after that.
For almost 4 months there was no madness, it was flag waving and a community asking to be heard. Then it goes bonkers, and I can see why, in particular when Garda get heavy handed as a means of managing the situation.
Anybody who wants to name call the people in #Coolock or take the usual elitist stance of moral superiority - chances are you haven't ever gone and talked to any of them, so chances are you're also clueless.
Try talking to them, or other people who are in community based protests near you (unlike the big party politicians who just seem to bad mouth them), it's almost all regular people - and probably not any of the things the press label it as.
I remember being in studio when Christy Dignam and the @rte_co recorded this stunning cover of 'Nothing Rhymed' for 'Big Music Week'. I was moved then listening to it, and still am today. My thoughts are with him and his family as he receives end-of-life care. ❤️