Cork marches in solidarity with victims of the Nice terror attack

Maud Geraud, Bridge Street, Syvain Pasquinelly, Lower Glanmire Road and Marie Gvyonvarch, Hardwick Street, taking part in the silent march through Cork City, in support of the victims of the recent atrocity in Nice.
Picture: David Keane.

Sixty people, some draped in French flags and some carrying lighted candles, walked in sombre silence from Bishop Lucey Park to City Hall.

Lord Mayor Des Cahill opened the book of condolences outside City Hall.

“We want to make sure that Cork City can show its solidarity with the French people,” Mr Cahill said.

French and Irish flags stood tall above the table, as people queued patiently to sign their names in the book as a mark of solidarity with France, and in defiance of those who seek to impose terror.

Lord Mayor Cllr Des Cahill taking part in the silent march through Cork. Also included are Patricia Mallon; Hon French Consul for Cork, Cllr Henry Cremin, Senator Jerry Buttimer and Josselin Le Gall.
Picture: David Keane.

Honorary French consul in Cork, Patricia Mallon, who organised the march, said that the French people would share this dignified defiance against attacks on their values.

“These attacks are appalling, but the French people will respond with courage, resilience, pride and dignity, all of which they have shown before. The people of Cork will stand shoulder to shoulder with the French today. We have deep roots with the French community and affection and respect for the people,” Ms Mallon said.

Josselin Le Gall, president of the Breton Society in Ireland, said that he was deeply saddened by the news.

“I’m tired of seeing what’s happening in France and all over the world. There has been so much pain. But it is encouraging to see the people of Cork standing up for human rights. The Lord Mayor, and the gardaí, have been very supportive in allowing us to hold this march in solidarity with France and the victims in Nice,” he said.

A section of the crowd on South Mall during the silent march through Cork City, in support of the victims of the recent atrocity in Nice.
Picture: David Keane.

The Lord Mayor said that atrocities, all over the world, were unacceptably frequent and needed to be stopped.

“The whole world needs to take a deep breath together and stop the violence — recent attacks in Afghanistan, the US, Turkey, and France prove that the world is a precarious place,” he said.

A silent vigil will be held tonight, at 6pm, at the National Monument, Grand Parade, in solidarity with the people of France. Alliance Française de Cork have organised the vigil, to which all are welcome, and they will open a Book of Condolences today, from 11am. It will remain open until July 29.