IMPORTANT FOR RALLY PARTICIPANTS:

Long post, please read in full!

Hello everyone, a few pointers for tomorrow. We cannot wait to see you all. It’s going to be amazing!!!

We have a great event with fantastic speakers prepared for you.

Our intention is to uplift us all, spread hope and help us celebrate this historic moment of coming together in peace and standing up for what is right: proportionality of measures, transparency and evidence-based decision making by the government.

Here are some additional tips:

• Bring rain gear: It looks like we might get some showers, this will not deter us but let’s be prepared
• Bring your instrument: If you play the bodhran or similar please consider bringing it.
• Plan to arrive by 13.45 latest: We are starting our celebrations around 1.30, speeches will commence around 2.45. Arriving early will help us to make sure children are settled in and everyone is in the best spot to hear the speeches
• Park close by: Irish Life Car Park is very handy for the location and only 14 EUR for a full day. You can book tickets ahead
• Look after yourself: Pack drinks and snacks. It’s a long enough day and you might not get a chance to buy anything along the way. Keep yourself hydrated and your blood sugar up
• Be prepared: Consider printing the current legislation so you have it at hand should you need it
• Dress appropriately: Carry a back-up scarf or similar in case you need it.
• Remain peaceful: We are making our voices heard peacefully and respectfully. Keep this in mind at all times. Don't engage with any other energy on the day. Gardaí will be present on the day to handle anything else.

Don’t forget the most important thing is showing up.

Remember: we have a right to assemble peacefully. The current legislation prohibits the “organisation of events for cultural, entertainment, recreational, sporting, social, community or educational reasons” which is not the case for this protest.

None of this is legal advice, you do need to make your own judgements.

There is no direct provision against demonstrations, this is currently a recommendation “Spontaneous mass gatherings such as parties, gatherings, demonstrations and so on are not recommended at this time and may be dispersed by Gardaí.

”In a statement to TheJournal.ie, gardaí said they are not investigating breaches of public health regulations by those in attendance as social distancing, wearing of masks in a public area and other such guidelines are “non-penal regulations”.

“In supporting the Covid-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Síochána has and will continue to adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen gardaí engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce,” a garda spokesperson said.

“The Covid-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to demonstrate personal and social responsibility to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations in order to continue to save lives.”

And of course last but not least, to echo our government: “Our message is to Stay Safe - you are urged to use your own judgement and take personal responsibility for protecting yourself, your friends and your family.”

We will of course observe all relevant public health measures tomorrow. Please make sure you are familiar with the up to date guidelines.You can find all statutory instruments in relation to COVID here for your convenience: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/