‘An invitation to pluck up courage’: 91-year-old on 220km walk to protest Shannon military use
91 year old Lelia Doolan, with supporters behind, setting off on her walk from Shannon to Dail Eireann, Dublin in protest over the US military use of Shannon Airport. Photograph by John Kelly
By Rosa Boran
Two days after setting off from Shannon Airport on 31 March, film maker and activist Lelia Doolan is continuing her walk to Leinster House in protest over the US military’s use of the airport as a transit point.
The 91-year-old plans to walk around 15km a day, a journey that is expected to take 16 days. She is due to arrive at Leinster House on 15 April.
Shannon airport has been used for decades by US military aircraft as a refuelling and transit stop, a practice that has long been criticised by peace groups who argue that it undermines Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
Talking about the purpose of the walk, Doolan said that the group’s aim is not confrontation but accountability.
“We are not a threat to anyone. We are an invitation to the government to pluck up its courage and close Shannon to US Military planes.”
Community groups, peace activists, and members of the public have been joining her along the way, and others are encouraged to walk sections with her as she continues towards Dublin.
Campaigners have repeatedly called for greater transparency around the nature of the flights and the cargo that they carry.
The walk is also in memory of Doolan’s friend Margaretta D’Arcy, who passed away in November last year. A writer and peace activist, she frequently took part in demonstrations at Shannon Airport.
Doolan, who was born in Cork but now lives in Galway, was the first female artistic director of the Abbey Theatre and later a founder of the Galway Film Fleadh. A long-time activist, she has been active on peace and social justice issues for decades.
Speaking about her first couple of days on the road, Doolan said:
“It’s most enjoyable. You’re meeting all kinds of people with all sorts of stories. And people knew what we were doing — they’d occasionally beep as they went past. Things are going as beautifully as I expected”
You can follow along with her progress on Instagram at @walkwithlelia
