Group to protest at Greens' conference

Meath will be strongly represented at a major pro-hunting demonstration outside the Green Party national convention in Waterford City this Saturday, 27th March. The RISE! (Rural Ireland Says Enough!) campaign is organising the demo in support of traditional rural sports currently under threat of legal banning by the Green Party. Ward Union huntsman, Pat Coyle, and two of his colleagues, together with three other riders from the local Woodstown Harriers, will lead the demo along The Quay in Waterford to the Tower Hotel, where the convention is taking place. At least two coachloads of Ward Union members and supporters are planning to travel to Waterford to take part in the protest and they are expected to be joined by members of other hunts in County Meath. RISE! has called for amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill, currently before the Seanad, to make it a truly anti-puppy farming piece of legislation. The campaign is opposed to John Gormley's proposal to ban the Ward Union Stag hunt and is concerned about the implications for farmers and sports people of the proposed Animal Health and Welfare Bill. The march will assemble at 11am in the public car park opposite Dooley's Hotel on The Quay and will go from there at 12 noon to the Tower Hotel, on The Mall, where there will be a platform, musical entertainment and a number of short speeches. The demonstration is expected to end around 2pm. RISE! is encouraging supporters to travel in groups by coach or minibus or to avail of public transport. Parking will be available at a number of locations, including locations Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium, the Regional Sports Centre on the Cork Road, and Ballinamona Equestrian Centre on the Old Tramore Road. A spokesperson for RISE! said: "The focus is on a regional demo for the south-east - Waterford, Wexford, south Kilkenny, south Tipperary and east Cork - but it is expected supporters may travel from further afield." RISE! was formed jointly last January by the Hunting Association of Ireland and FACE Ireland to promote and defend traditional rural sports from the imminent Green legislative threats. Between them, the 16 supporting organisations represent an estimated 300,000 enthusiasts of traditional rural field sports. Since its foundation, RISE! has been lobbying TD, senators and councillors in support of its aims. The campaign has received strong support from jockeys, trainers, and bookies because of the severe implications the proposed legislation will have on horse racing and greyhound racing. The campaign has also been raising a national petition to underline the widespread support for its aims and it is expected that, by the time the Waterford protest takes place, almost 50,000 people will have signed it.