Ronan's Story: "that was the only show in town"

We all knew what was coming after the awful event of last Monday, and when it happened, I felt horror, anger, heartbreak and helplessness after the co-ordinated pogrom took place.

We came together as a community in Glór na Móna to find somewhere to direct those feelings into action.

At that meeting, we heard of the heroics and the heartbreak of those selfless and inspirational people who, on Tuesday evening, whilst many of us were safe in our homes, had already thrown themselves into where they were needed most and who gave shelter, compassion and love to those who had nowhere else to turn. We now had somewhere to direct our energy.

It was clear that the people from PPR, CATU and the Anaka Women’s Collective had done the work and had the trust of those who were directly affected, but also of those who were now living in fear, and for me, that was the only show in town for those manic few days.

After being added to what seemed like 20 whatsapp groups, I initially responded to one request.

When I arrived at what can only be described as the people’s workshop of solidarity, I had never been so happy to have been bossed about for the next number of hours, as the well-oiled machine of volunteers was in full flow.

What at first appeared slightly chaotic was, in fact, an organised band of mostly women of all colours and ages making phone calls, cradling babies, cooking food, hugging people, booking hotels, dancing with children and doing every other thing you could imagine that was needed at that minute in time to support our brothers and sisters who had been attacked and who were living in fear.

Getting to meet those who were directly affected was a very emotional experience for me.

Seeing the heartache and fear in the eyes of some of the people we helped after seeing the aftermath of their homes as they collected items of clothing to bring with them, and knowing that they wouldn’t stay another night there is something that will never leave me.

In equal measure, seeing the love, compassion and solidarity that were shown by those women when they needed it most was one of the most inspirational things I have ever witnessed. It was solidarity and love in action.

I know that none of them would be looking for praise, but if ever a bualadh bos was deserved, it is for those amazing women who stood up and who led from the front.