Saturday, February 25, 2006
Rioting on O'Connell Street
The planned "Love Ulster" unionist march in Dublin today was the scene of violent clashes as republican demonstrators attempted to block the route on O'Connell Street. Riot police separating marchers from demonstrators were bombarded with missiles and the street was the scene of pitched battles as Gardaí attempted to move the protesters down the street. An hour and a half after the march was scheduled to start there was still no movement from the starting point on Parnell Square and efforts by the Gardaí to approach demonstrators from the rear were met with more violence.
With the march due to start at half twelve, the northern end of O'Connell street was blocked by republican demonstrators. Many had their faces concealed with green scarves. Riot police fanned out across the top of the street, separating the two crowds. Demonstrators capitalised on the current regeneration works on the street, hurling loose paving stones and planks of wood at the Gardaí. Fireworks and glass bottles were also being thrown. Metal fencing surrounding roadworks was pulled away and used by demonstrators to block the street. At ten to one, riot police began advancing down the street, leading to a further barrage of missiles and panicked scenes as demonstrators and observers ran to avoid the oncoming police.
By half one, demonstrators had been pushed backed to the Spire, but continued hurling stones at police. Several Garda vans approached the demonstrators from the rear, but were forced to reverse at high speed as they were bombarded with bricks and bottles. At this stage I witnessed several bloodied people being led away from the scene.
By the time I left the street at two o'clock Gardaí had yet to succeed in quelling the riot, but were succeeding in what I presume was the main objective of separating the two sides.
Demonstrators concentrated in the top corner of the street were hurling paving stones at riot police.
Fencing from roadworks was removed to block the street.
An ambulance arrives on the scene.
Demonstrators begin to retreat as Gardaí advance down the street.
A Garda van attempts to approach demonstrators from the rear.
Gardaí seal off the top of Henry Street.
A Garda van reverses at high speed down O'Connell Street after it is bombarded with bottles and bricks.
UPDATE:
The Dossing Times has a great round up of news reports from today, along with stills from Dublin traffic cameras which caught some of the disturbances.
Kevin Breathnach was also on the scene.
There's also plenty of discussion over at Slugger O'Toole.
Ireland.com: Reports of a fire near the Spire earlier. Several people taken to hospital including at least four Gardaí.
Ireland.com: The riot moved south across the river. Cars ablaze near Kildare Street. Stampede near the bottom of Grafton Street. Gardaí come under a hail of bottles on Aston Quay.
RTE: The march is effectively called off with a large number leaving Parnell Square. A total of 37 people arrested now. 12 people, including four gardaí, seven civilians and a journalist injured. Gardaí advising people not to go to city centre.
RTE: Taoiseach condemns the "disgraceful scenes".
Indymedia has photos of cars ablaze on Nassau Street.
MORE:
Check out the Flickr Dublin photo stream for more photos.
Credit: Voss
Categories: Ireland, Dublin, Riot, Love Ulster
posted by Dick O'Brien at 2:07 PM | link |
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