Pat O'Donnell - "Hero and Friend" not "Bully and Thug"

This weekend saw the first UK gathering of Shell to Sea activists and supporters. Many aspects of the campaign were discussed, but a dominant theme of the gathering was one of support for Pat O'Donnell, now serving 7 months in Castlerea Prison, and for his family. Pat has consistently spoken out against the Corrib Gas Project and the collusion between Royal Dutch Shell and the Irish Government and has refused to be silenced by violent attacks on him and his boat, and by numerous arrests.

People at the gathering spoke out against the travesty of justice that saw "The Chief" sentenced to the maximum sentences for minor offences, and at a judge and press that labelled this kind and honourable man a "Bully and Thug". Instead Pat was hailed as a "Hero and Friend", a Hero for risking his own life to rescue Gardai and civilians in a sea rescue in 1997, and a Friend, because for all those who had met him, that's how they saw him.

The Gathering sent messages of support to Pat in Castlerea Prison, and to his wife and family, and intends to continue to support them throughout his sentence.

The campaign against Shell, the Corrib Gas Project, and the Irish Government's support for it, continues to grow in determination and strength.