(Author F.M: Photos courtesy of John Ayres Photography)
The launch of the County Meath branch of the National Land
league of Ireland took place on Tuesday the 16th of December 2014.
This followed the successful launch of the Mayo branch only two weeks before.
The Meath launch took place in the “Big Hall”, Trim Castle at 8pm and was well attended with up to one hundred people coming out on a wet and windy night to
show support.
Few had arrived by 7.45pm and organisers were initially concerned
that a low attendance and the large capacity of the big hall may make the
evening an anti-climax, but thankfully this was far from the case by 8pm with
most seats occupied. There was a nice mix of those already involved in the
League and those who came for the first time to hear what the League is about.
Paul Scannel was MC for the evening and speakers included: Neil
Armstrong of The Hub Ireland; Dr. Finbar Markey of the Louth Land League and
one of numerous national organisers; well known economic justice campaigner Mr.
Ben Gilroy; Sharon Murphy of the League and founder of the national toy appeal;
Gerry O’Boyle of Land League West; well known litigant Mr. Tom Darcy; and
Francis Murray Kelly of the Meath and Louth Land League.
Dr. Finbar Markey opened the event by outlining the current
eviction crisis, before presenting the aims and objectives of the League as
well as the national strategy. Finbar highlighted a two-prong approach,
neutralising the courts system through homeowners putting up defences in court,
whilst the League campaigns outside of the courts for change.
Neil Armstrong of the Hub Ireland spoke of their work
assisting lay-litigants in defending their homes from the banks. Neil referred
to the special relationship between the Hub Ireland and the Land League and how
skills, knowledge and aims are shared between the two organisations.
Mr. Ben Gilroy talked about his work over the last number of
years and the potential for the Land League to make real change into the
future. He described a number of court situations and successes, including a
recent win in which the powers of the receiver to sell properties was
successfully challenged.
Sharon Murphy spoke about her work over the last two years
collecting toys for children living in poverty in Ireland, and she highlighted
how this work often brings her into contact with families who face eviction.
Sharon also announced contributions she had recently received of large
quantities of turf for families in need as well as upcoming Land League plans
to use land donated to the League to grow healthy food for families facing
severe financial distress.
Gerry O’Boyle, recently voted chairperson of the Mayo Land
League Committee, spoke of the diversity of actions and work being carried out
throughout the West of Ireland, including assistance in the courts, the stoppage
of evictions and auctions, and peaceful but persistent agitation. It is clear
from Gerry’s speech that the assertiveness of the Land League in the nineteenth
century is alive and well.
Mr. Tom Darcy outlined a number of legal discoveries and developments
over the last few years. In particular he focussed on his upcoming challenge to
the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act as amended in 2013 and the very real likelihood
all those in the lesser courts will be able to use the case to seek significant
adjournments. Mr. Darcy explained that, when filed, the Constitutional
challenge will be the greatest legal obstacle to the banks since the “crisis”
began in 2008. Tom also took the opportunity to propose a Provisional constitution
for the Land League. There were a number of concerns voiced regarding the
manner of proposal and the contents of the proposed constitution. Tom read the document to attendees and
on the suggestion of Eddie Brennan from Land League West that it only be voted
on in principle, a vote was taken and the constitution was adopted in
principle. Attendees agreed it was healthy to see debate and democracy in
action.
Frances Murray Kelly of the Meath and Louth Land League
spoke of how she became involved in the League and how it has given her a
different perspective on defending her home. She described her work in the
League clinics in Louth and how she looks forward to setting up clinics,
workshops and regular meetings throughout Meath over the coming two months.
Paul Scannell, in closing the Launch, made a call for those
interested in forming a local County Committee to put their names down on paper
before leaving, and sixteen names were collected. On talking to supporters and
attendees after the event there was a real sense of excitement at how the
League is spreading throughout the country. The next County League branch
launches are in Louth, Westmeath and Monaghan over January 2015. Watch this
blog for further announcements.
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