Atheist Ireland Protest Walk

nozzferrahhtoo

As mentioned in this month’s Time Magazine Article:

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1979032,00.html

Atheist Ireland have announced that one of their members is planning on walking from Mizen Head to Malin Head in protest against the blasphemy law and to raise awareness of the plans for a referendum to remove the reference from the constitution.

Starting on May 5th Paul Gill will walk the route shown below and Atheist Ireland is sponsoring Paul and plan to host formal and social events along this route.

If you live on or near this route and/or want to help out in any way, help organise events in the relevant areas, or have any other ideas you wish to air on such events etc then you can contact Atheist Ireland or post on their free forum, on the following relevant thread here:

http://www.atheist.ie/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3477

The walker himself has started a twitter account to contact and be contacted by the rest of the world from the cold windy roads of Ireland:

http://twitter.com/AtheistWalker

I wish him the best of luck!!!

Route:

Mizen Head - Goleen - Durrus - Bantry - Kealkill - Inchigeelagh - Toons Bridge - Macroom - Coachford - Donoughmore Cross - Bweeng - Dromahane - Mallow - New Twopothouse - Buttevant - Charleville - Croom - Patrickswell - Dooradoyle - Limerick - Cratloe - Sixmilebridge - Kilkishen - Tulla - Nowhere - Gort - Kiltartan - Ardrahan - Kilcolgan - Clarinbridge - Oranmore - Galway - Cloonboo - Headford - Shrule - Claremorris - Knock - Kilkelly - Charlestown - Tubbercurry - Ballinacarrow - Collooney - Ballysadare - Sligo - Drumcliff - Grange - Bundoran - Ballyshannon - Ballintra - Laghy - Barnesmore Gap - Ballybofey - Lifford - Letterkenny - Newton Cunningham - Buncrana - Carndonagh - Malin - Malin Head.

PDN

Will he be muttering blasphemies as he walks through the land?

MrPudding

PDN wrote: »

Will he be muttering blasphemies as he walks through the land?

Only if it is raining I would expect.

MrP

Dades

It would be even more impressive if he carried a big wooden cross.

iUseVi

Dades wrote: »

It would be even more impressive if he carried a big wooden cross.

Yes, but no cheating with one of those wheeled ones you see, kinda flies in the face of the whole "hardship" thing:

Zillah

Dades wrote: »

It would be even more impressive if he carried a big wooden cross.

"Always look on the bright side of life, do do, do do do do do..."

ChocolateSauce

MrPudding wrote: »

Only if it is raining I would expect.

MrP

So yes then.

sonicthebadger*

There's a place called Nowhere?! That's almost as good as Bastardstown.

PDN

sonicthebadger* wrote: »

There's a place called Nowhere?! That's almost as good as Bastardstown.

I can see the headline: "Atheist Protest in the Middle of Nowhere"

Denerick

It really annoys me that atheists have highjacked the anti blasphemy bandwagon. From a PR perspective this is a disaster, because most atheists come across as smug and self righteous and irredeemably religious (Unlike atheists like me, who barely mention their lack of belief, these organised atheist groups remind me so much of organised religion)

I hope this succeeds and the law is repealed. But tactically, this is an unmitigated disaster.

Dades

sonicthebadger* wrote: »

There's a place called Nowhere?!

Haven't you heard of it?

It's where atheists go when they die. :pac:

Galvasean

Too far away for me. Pity as I enjoy a good ol' fashioned walk.

ShumanTheHuman

Pfff. Walk? If he ran I might be impressed. Might be.

nozzferrahhtoo

ShumanTheHuman wrote: »

Pfff. Walk? If he ran I might be impressed. Might be.

And just as soon as it is YOU he is aiming to impress I am sure he will consider it

Arcus Arrow

The more relevant thread on the subject is not the one in the OP it's this one:http://www.atheist.ie/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3464

Pope speaks, acolytes follow.

This is a walk to protest a law that the minister has already stated he plans to include in a referendum later in the year. It's a law that nobody has been charged under and most likely never will. What's going on here is just fake protest. It's a nice safe, chicken chested attempt to get publicity in a way that won't upset mammy, daddy or the local PP.

Walking the length of Ireland with a cartoon of Mo with a whip getting up on Jesus would be testing the blasphemy law. It might even have the effect of letting the rest of the four million people on the island know that there was such a law since so far they are blissfully unaware of it or just completely indifferent.

Religious believers are often accused of not being able to see the bigger picture and of not questioning their own religious organisations. It seems Irish atheists when organised are just as naive, short sighted and bereft of internal questioning.

Theres a slightly better article from the New York Times.
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/04/new-irish-blasphemy-law-broken/

What makes the Irish group’s attempt to break the law seem particularly tame is that it came on the same day last week that an axe-wielding man in Denmark tried to attack a cartoonist who offended millions of Muslims by publishing a drawing thought to show the Prophet Muhammad with a bomb in his turban.

If the Irish atheists had wanted to make sure that they were breaking Ireland’s new law, they could simply have republished those cartoons, as the blogger Andrew Sullivan did last week in response to the attack on the cartoonist.

Tune in next week: the Irish atheists club will be protesting the blasphemy law by holding coffee mornings all over Ireland..........but withoug using milk or sugar! Radical or wot!:D

nozzferrahhtoo

"The blasphemy man is hitting the road" says Paul Gills own Facebook page today. The BBC Covered the story of Paul Gills walk:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8659700.stm

The walk itself starts tomorrow, while a launch party in Cork is happening tonight at 19.30 in the Old Oak Pub.

The current expectations for the walk are as follows:

Thurs May 6th:- Mizen Head-Goleen-DURRAS
Fri May 7th:-Bantry-Kealkill-BALLINGEARY
Sat May 8th:-Inchigeelagh-Toons Bridge-MACROOM
Sun May 9th:-Coachford-DONOUGHMORE
Mon May 10th:-Bweeng-Drommahane-MALLOW
Tues May 11th:-Buttevant-CHARLEVILLE
Wed May 12th:-CROOM
Thurs May 13th:-Patrickswell-Dooradoyle-LIMERICK
Fri May 14th:-Cratloe-Sixmilebridge-KILKISHEN
Sat May 15th:-Tulla-GORT
Sun May 16th:-Kiltartan-Ardrahan-KILCOLGAN
Mon May17th:-Clarinbridge-Oranmore-GALWAY
Tues May 18th:-Cloonboo-HEADFORD
Wed May 19th:-Shrule-BALLINROBE
Thurs May 20th:-Hollymount-CLAREMORRIS
Fri May 21st:-Knock-KILKELLY
Sat May 22nd:-CHARLESTOWN
Sun May 23rd:-Tobbercurry-BALLINACARROW
Mon May 24th:-Collooney-Ballysadare-SLIGO
Tues May 25th:-Drumcliff-Grange-CLIFFONY
Wed May 26th:-Bundoran-BALLYSHANNON
Thur May 27th:-Ballintra-Laghy-DONEGAL TOWN
Fri May 28th:-Barnesmore Gap-BALLYBOFEY
Sat May 29th:-Drumkeen-LETTERKENNY
Sun May 30th:-Newton Cunningham-BUNRANA
Mon May 31st:-Carndonagh-Malin-MALIN HEAD!

nozzferrahhtoo

The walker himself, and some members of atheist Ireland are all interviewed in this video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llrHr92WNeo

5uspect

If he were a Militant Atheist wouldn't he be marching?

[-0-]

Fair play to him! I'll be driving to Galway this evening. Hopefully I pass him on his travels.

nozzferrahhtoo

Day 1 video is up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeDqae0yQzI

It does look a little lonely watching him set off at the start knowing the entire length of Ireland is ahead of him. He has been reading the comments on the videos though if you have anything to say to him. There is also an SMS number announced on www.atheist.ie to drop him a message.

Tim Robbins

5uspect wrote: »

If he were a Militant Atheist wouldn't he be marching?

Ha Ha! Brilliant.

Although the timing of this walk is all wrong. It should be in July to coincide with the Marching season!!!!

Now that would be hillarious :-)

Arcus Arrow

nozzferrahhtoo wrote: »

The walker himself, and some members of atheist Ireland are all interviewed in this video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llrHr92WNeo

Fair play to the guy for getting off his ass and doing something. Thats a long way to go with a backpack full of parasites! Does "sponsoring" him involve any money or is it just a cheap way of using his shoe leather for some free publicity?

nozzferrahhtoo

For those interested Paul Gill is arriving in Galway today and there is a meeting set up to welcome him.

Start Time:
Monday, 17 May 2010 at 20:00
Location:
Roisín Dubh, Galway

Arcus Arrow

That'll be the same Paul Gill who was not a member of Atheist Ireland when he decided to go on his walk. So hey presto he gets made a member. Now he's on an Atheist Ireland "sponsored" walk which consists of him doing what he was going to do while AI sucks some of the publicity generated by his efforts. If one of the members had come up with the idea they'd have had to go through the politburo first for approval. There’s nothing like red tape to strangle freethinking.:D

Atheist Ireland have announced that one of their members is planning on walking from Mizen Head to Malin Head in protest against the blasphemy law and to raise awareness of the plans for a referendum to remove the reference from the constitution.

A case of turning history the other way around.

Dolly Proctor has decided she will walk backwards from Dublin to Galway in protest against the blasphemy law..........

Update!

Dolly has just been made a member:

Atheist Ireland would like to announce that one of their members will walk backwards from Dublin to Galway in protest against the blasphemy law.........(Make sure we get mentioned in any media articles Dolly! Thanks)

King Mob

Arcus Arrow wrote: »

That'll be the same Paul Gill who was not a member of Atheist Ireland when he decided to go on his walk. So hey presto he gets made a member. Now he's on an Atheist Ireland "sponsored" walk which consists of him doing what he was going to do while AI sucks some of the publicity generated by his efforts. If one of the members had come up with the idea they'd have had to go through the politburo first for approval. There’s nothing like red tape to strangle freethinking.:D

Did Atheist Ireland kill your dog or something?
You seem to preoccupied with taking petty swipes at them.

Arcus Arrow

King Mob wrote: »

Did Atheist Ireland kill your dog or something?
You seem to preoccupied with taking petty swipes at them.

If you* criticise religion for twisting facts and distorting history but keep silent when an atheist organisation does the same then you're guilty of hypocrisy. Remember this is an organisation which claims to be campaigning for a more "ethical" society while engaging in the same practices the RCC is guilty of.

*Not you personally

King Mob

Arcus Arrow wrote: »

If you* criticise religion for twisting facts and distorting history but keep silent when an atheist organisation does the same then you're guilty of hypocrisy. Remember this is an organisation which claims to be campaigning for a more "ethical" society while engaging in the same practices the RCC is guilty of.

*Not you personally

Ah ok, so in the name of truth and ethics I should believe unsubstantiated rumours from some guy with a axe to grind?
Got ya.

Arcus Arrow

King Mob wrote: »

Ah ok, so in the name of truth and ethics I should believe unsubstantiated rumours from some guy with a axe to grind?
Got ya.

086 7325365
That's the number of the mobile phone he's carrying. You can ask him yourself. The number is on the net. You won't see anybody on here claiming he was a member before he decided to go on his walk because he was'nt.

Better again ask the OP a direct question.
He can only do one of 3 things.
1. Admit it.
2. Lie
3. Not answer.

King Mob

Arcus Arrow wrote: »

086 7325365
That's the number of the mobile phone he's carrying. You can ask him yourself. The number is on the net. You won't see anybody on here claiming he was a member before he decided to go on his walk because he was'nt.

Better again ask the OP a direct question.
He can only do one of 3 things.
1. Admit it.
2. Lie
3. Not answer.

And I wasn't saying that wasn't the case.
I'm referring to the claims you made about people's motivations.

I'd love to know how you know them for sure.
I bet it's based on actual stuff you can back up and not form the butthurt you have against AI for some reason.

Arcus Arrow

King Mob wrote: »

And I wasn't saying that wasn't the case.
I'm referring to the claims you made about people's motivations.

What specifically are you referring to? If you make reference to something quote it. He was not a member when he decided to go on the walk. Subsequentially making him member attached AI's name to his efforts. The decision to attach the organisation to the walk was made by the politburo without consulting the membership.
http://www.atheist.ie/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3464

Not very democratic this being the 21st century rather than the 19th.

He was not a member. He decides to walk the lenght of the country. He gets made a member and look who turns up all over the launch of his walkabout.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llrHr92WNeo

King Mob

Arcus Arrow wrote: »

What specifically are you referring to? If you make reference to something quote it.

When you said:

while AI sucks some of the publicity generated by his efforts. If one of the members had come up with the idea they'd have had to go through the politburo first for approval. There’s nothing like red tape to strangle freethinking.

Arcus Arrow wrote: »

He was not a member when he decided to go on the walk. Subsequentially making him member attached AI's name to his efforts. The decision to attach the organisation to the walk was made by the politburo without consulting the membership.
http://www.atheist.ie/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3464

Not very democratic this being the 21st century rather than the 19th.

1) When did they ever have to vote on letting a person join?
2) Why would his actions have to be put to a vote?

I fail to see anything wrong with any of the stuff you're bitching about.
It just looks like you're nit picking just because you want to complain about AI.
It's rather petty.

Arcus Arrow wrote: »

He was not a member. He decides to walk the lenght of the country. He gets made a member and look who turns up all over the launch of his walkabout.

So spokesperson of a advocacy group turns up to a promotion of an issue which the group is advocating and helps to promote it?
And?

robindch

Arcus Arrow wrote: »

That'll be the same Paul Gill who was not a member of Atheist Ireland when he decided to go on his walk. So hey presto he gets made a member. Now he's on an Atheist Ireland "sponsored" walk which consists of him doing what he was going to do while AI sucks some of the publicity generated by his efforts.

The only forum better than A+A for ranting about AI, is the AI website itself. This is at:

http://www.atheist.ie

So, please take your thoughts on AI there.

thanks.

- robin.

nozzferrahhtoo

Thanks all who showed up in the Roisin Dubh, especially members of the NUIG Skeptics Society. A good group should anyone in Galway be looking for something local to support.

Paul enjoyed the welcome and gave him a much needed morale boost.

A video of Paul on day 8, his arrival in Limerick, is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2PzPSzwUfY

Paul left Galway with a change of route towards Tuam, allowing the pilgrimage a fitting stop over in Knock. There was also some concern over the safety of the road out of Galway he had chosen so the route was altered.

An interview with the Galway Independent was also done, so anyone local be sure to get your copy.

nozzferrahhtoo

Another social meet up event for anyone in the area:

As a morale boost for Paul, members of Atheist Ireland are taking Paul to a night of comedy with Tommy Tiernan...

Tommy Tiernan - World Tour of Sligo, Leitrim & Roscommon '10
St. Bridgets Hall, Tubbercurry,
Wed 26 May 2010, 20:30

Four members, Paul included, have bought tickets for this show and Paul will be chauffeured from the end point of his walk on this day, to the show, and back again... to ensure his walk is unbroken and he is good and tired so he looks and feels his best the next morning setting off from the correct starting point (No one ever said we wanted to make this walk EASY for him hehehe).

If anyone is around, tickets for the show are available from www.ticketmaster.ie or if you are in or around Tubbercurry itself they are purchasable from Gillespie's Menswear.

We also hope that Tommy himself will meet with Paul briefly after the show to give him his personal congratulations on the undertaking of this walk. Tommy himself as part of one of his tours performed a 6 week 650 mile walk across Ireland and so there could be no better man to extend genuine congratulations and advice to Paul himself.

Lab_Mouse

PDN wrote: »

Will he be muttering blasphemies as he walks through the land?

Best laugh I had in a while and the post afterwards kept it going!!:D