91-Year-Old Peace Activist Completes 220km Trek to Protest US Military Flights at Shannon Airport
Lelia Doolan, a 91-year-old peace activist, has concluded a remarkable two-week, 220-kilometer walk across Ireland, arriving at the gates of parliament in Dublin on Wednesday. Accompanied by enthusiastic crowds of supporters, Doolan delivered a petition urging the government to halt US military flights from using Shannon Airport, which she argues breaches Irish neutrality.
A Journey for Peace and Neutrality
The film producer and activist embarked on this arduous trek, starting from Shannon Airport on March 31st and traversing through towns such as Limerick, Nenagh, Roscrea, Portlaoise, Newbridge, and Naas. While she covered most of the distance on foot, the journey symbolized a powerful protest against the long-standing agreement that permits US military aircraft to refuel at the civilian airport in County Clare.
"US military planes are landing without anybody ever agreeing in government to search them or see what's in them," Doolan asserted. "Shannon is a civilian airport. It's not a military airport." She emphasized that the practice of allowing US personnel with sidearms to pass through Shannon violates Ireland's neutral stance and that people have been misled into believing it must continue. "It doesn't have to continue," she declared.
Growing Controversy and Support
This protest comes amid renewed activism fueled by the conflict in the Middle East, including a recent incident where a man was arrested for allegedly damaging a US Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft at Shannon. The issue has sparked debate across Europe, with Italy recently denying the use of an airbase in Sicily for similar purposes.
Doolan, who turns 92 next month, was joined by supporters throughout her "walk with Lelia" campaign, which also honored her late friend and fellow campaigner Margaretta D'Arcy. The journey featured traditional music sessions and culminated in a heartfelt reception at Leinster House, where she was greeted with hugs, cheers, Palestinian flags, and opposition politicians.
Political Reactions and Calls for Change
In the Dáil, Ivana Bacik, leader of the Labour Party, praised Doolan's efforts and called on the government to cease allowing US military planes at Shannon. Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed respect for Doolan and indicated he would attempt to meet with her, but defended the airport's role, stating it has no involvement in the Middle East conflict and cautioning against mischaracterization that could harm Shannon Airport.
Doolan, known for celebrating her 90th birthday with a skydive, reflected on the kindness and engagement of the Irish people she encountered. She read a poem titled "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye and joined supporters in a peace song, underscoring her message of activism and neutrality. "If you only knew how wonderful the people of Ireland are," she said, urging others to take action: "It's very simple. Just do it."
