Pic by Vicci Dempsey of Kilkenny Voice Newspaper.
Tuesday evening came and we stood up as promised to support the International Day of action against poverty and to support the Millenium anti-poverty goals. Dáil candidate Cllr. Michael O' Brien was there at my suggestion, and joined Mayor Martin Brett, Cllr. John Coonan of Fianna Fáil, and organisers Cllr. Malcolm Noonan and Rev. Elaine Murray of St. Canice's Cathedral. More importantly we were joined by a great bunch of young students from Kilkenny College, Kilkenny CBS, and the bould Fionn from Coláiste Pobal Osrai.
Also present was 'mo scáthán', my shadow Caoilfhionn who goes most places with me. She had her head stuck in a book I picked up by a great Antrim writer Malachy Doyle who did a reading for the Library Service for National Book week. If anybody wants a book for their ten year old, then pick up 'Amadáns' or 'Amadán's Alert'. I asked Caoilfhionn to tell the Mayor that it was about Fine Gaeler's, but she wasn't falling for that one. Martin did promise her a prize if she produces a review of the book when she finishes.
Anyway back to the action, we collected signatures at the City Hall, before proceeding to the statue of St. Canice, patron saint of all the people of Kilkenny. We gave Canice a cool white headband to mark the day, although we did remove it in case it was misunderstood as a stag party gimmick.
Back in Carrigan's for refrreshments we were treated to Fair Trade tea and coffee which the Langton group who own the pub supported since myself, Malcolm and others began the campaign to make us a Fair Trade city. It was great to see the vivacious and energetic Sophia Westwick, an adopted Scottish daughter of Kilkenny, and the first Chairperson of our Fair Trade campaign there and full of enthusiasm as ever.
Well done to Elaine also who thanked everybody for taking part on the day, and encouraged us all to keep up the good work to highlight the International campaign agianst third world poverty and debt.
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