ANTI-genocide activists visited Clare this week to scribe a 350-foot wide message in the Doonbeg sand saying ‘Free Palestine’.
A trio of men led by environmental artist Sean Corcoran, from Waterford, wrote the temporary sand art message at Doughmore Strand in front of Trump’s golf course in Doonbeg in response to the atrocities being carried out by Israel on Gaza and the Palestinian people.
The message measured 350 foot wide (106 metres) and the letters were 40 foot tall (12 metres).
In a statement, Sean said, “I couldn’t just stand by while these atrocities are being carried out. Like so many of us I’ve felt helpless for the last few months. I’d like to be on the right side of history. I don’t want to look back in 10 years and feel like I did nothing.
“But what can I do? What difference can I make? Well I guess we can all make a difference, whether it’s boycotting Israeli goods, supporting NGO’s on the ground or attending a peaceful protest. Speak up. Talk to your politicians. We need to be more informed and more vocal.”
Sean, who was assisted by James Corcoran Hodgins and Caoláin Power, chose the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg as a poignant location for the installation. “I thought I would use the privilege I am afforded in this democracy, to voice my opinion right next to Donald Trump’s lavish golf course in Ireland.”
He continued, “Israel’s actions are being made possible by the USA and other countries who continue to supply them military equipment. The USA is the largest supplier of military equipment to Israel, accounting for about 69% of their major conventional arms. This makes the USA fully complicit in this genocide. Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal. An arrest warrant has been issued for him by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity and war crimes.”
Sean concluded, “I believe a turning point has been reached and politicians will need to start responding to growing public outrage. The USA and other countries need to stop supporting Israel. We all need to insist on a Ceasefire. Do the right thing Donald Trump.”