Mayo woman launches monthly ‘siúlóid sióchána’ peace walk
This is the latest initiative of the Newport Woman following on from the Gala for Gaza fundraiser
Dr Melanie McGovern, the Newport woman behind the hugely successful Gala for Gaza fundraiser that raised over €100,000 for Palestinian charities, is now turning her attention to building a broader peace movement closer to home one step at a time.
McGovern, who organised the sold-out Gala for Gaza event in aid of Children Not Numbers and Gaza go Bragh CLG, has teamed up with Deirdre Curran, Donna Halligan, Pilgrims for Palestine and large groups of peace activists in Galway to announce a new monthly peace walk — Siúlóid Síochána / Steps for Peace — to take place on the first Sunday of every month.
The inaugural walk will set off this Sunday, June 7, at 11.30am from Claddagh Hall in Galway, finishing at the Blackrock Steps. "We hope to take some steps for peace the first Sunday of each month in a collective effort to prioritise peace within our communities," said Dr McGovern.
"We, a collective of peace activists, oppose all the violence, hatred, division and injustices that we continue to witness worldwide. We wish to advocate for peace and refuse to look the other way." The walk is open to everyone — children, dogs, and older community members are all warmly welcomed — and participants are invited to wear white or bring symbols of peace.
For those who cannot make it to Galway, Dr McGovern is encouraging people to walk in their own areas, believing that collective energy across communities can build real momentum.
The first walk promises to be a special occasion, with two notable contributors lending their time and talent.
Peace activist, poet and healer Laura Murphy — whose work bridges ancient Irish wisdom with contemporary movements for social justice and ecological renewal — will lead the walk and share reflections on the theme of Fierce Grace & the Gift of Peace / Ghrásta Dhian & Bua na Síochána at the Blackrock Steps.
Singer-songwriter Áine Tyrrell will also perform on the day. Known for deeply emotive music that resonates with audiences, Tyrrell has been described as "a force" and "an artist arriving at the precise moment we need."
Dr McGovern says the purpose of Steps for Peace extends beyond any single cause. "If you oppose war and injustice and you wish for peace, come along and share in a collective movement towards peace."
The walk begins at Claddagh Hall in Galway this Sunday at 11.30am.