Far-right group arrive in Limerick via boat before protesting at library over LGBTQ+ books

PROTESTORS linked to far-right groups were back on the streets of Limerick for a second day this Friday to protest against LGBTQ+ reading material which they deem to be unsuitable for children. 

Led by activist and “Irish journalist” Andrew (Andy) Heasman, the group were seen cruising down the River Shannon on their motor boat before making their way to Limerick City Library, where they entered the premises. 

The protestors asked if the book “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson, was on the shelves, referring to “pornographic material” and the book being “deemed inappropriate for children.”

A staff member told them the book was part of their collection. They were asked by library staff to stop filming inside the premises, but the group didn’t stop recording saying it was for “their own safety.”

Counter-protestors showed up to the library with a colourful pride flag. They responded, saying that the far-right protestors have previously contradicted “what they are saying about protecting children.” 

Before leaving the premises, Mr Heasman told staff  “you’ve been served” and tried to hand them an envelope. 

After the scene at the Limerick City library, counter-protestors made their way to O’Mahony’s bookshop on O’Connell Street, as they were worried the group might head there. 

Managing Director of O’Mahony’s Booksellers, Frank O’Mahony, said: “Anyone has the right to protest. But I’m not having any disruption inside the shop. They can protest in the ordinary channels. They can walk up and down the street as long as it's allowed by guards, that sort of thing. But we don't allow protests inside in the shop as I have a staff to look after. They shouldn't be protesting inside libraries. They're threatening staff, and they're doing a lot of things that just aren't acceptable. So that's why we're going to close the doors as soon as they arrive and not deal with them.”

He added: “They want to protest. Let them do it out in the street like anybody else. End of story.”

On Thursday, the far-right group stopped on Bedford Row, not too far from O’Mahony’s bookshop, where they held a banner that read ‘There are only two genders, male & female’.

Later on, they walked down to Limerick City Library where gardai were waiting for their arrival, before quickly leaving the scene. 

After this Friday’s events, the men were seen getting back onto their motorboat to head to the next stop on their “Sovereign Voyage to protect childhood on the Shannon river.”