Warm and heartfelt tributes were paid to Sligo’s Dr Margaret Connolly at the June meeting of Sligo County Council with unanimous support for a motion calling for the Council to, “Acknowledge her brave activism.” The motion tabled by Cllrs Ann Higgins, Gino O’Boyle, Thomas Healy and Arthur Gibbons stated, “That this Council acknowledges the brave activism demonstrated by Dr Margaret Connolly and her colleagues in taking part in the recent Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to the starving people of Gaza.
Despite experiencing brutal treatment at the hands of the Israeli forces, Dr Connolly and her colleagues have drawn global attention to both the continuing plight of the people of Gaza and the deplorable actions of the Israeli regime.” In introducing this joint motion, Cllr Higgins noted that, “This motion is to acknowledge Dr Connolly’s brave activism and that of her colleagues and to let her know that the people of Sligo are sincerely proud of her.” Cllr Higgins continued, “Dr Margaret Connolly is a long-serving
Sligo-based GP with over 30 years running her own practice where she is known for a patient centre approach. While always an activist for social justice, her recent involvement in the Global Sumud Flotilla put her at the centre of a global diplomatic and humanitarian story. Cllr Higgins added, “Dr Connolly exemplifies the best of us, her ongoing compassion and dedication to the people of Gaza, her bravery in knowingly putting herself in harms way for a greater good, her ability to articulate with real
and raw emotion her first-hand experience of the brutal treatment of the IDF who kidnapped her and her fellow activists in international water and her unwavering commitment to continue to speak out against this brutal regime, and the continued slaughter in Gaza. “Knowing that not only is she a person of the highest integrity with a strong moral compass, I also know that she is extremely humble and would not intentionally seek the limelight. However, I defy anyone to listen to her recent interviews and
not be stopped in their tracks as she recalled what she and her fellow activists endured. ‘We were not human to them’ sums up her traumatic experience.” Referring to the global impact of Dr Connolly and her colleagues, Cllr Higgins said, “In shining a spotlight on the brutal treatment she and her fellow activists endured at the hands of the Israel Defence Forces, she has actually got European and Global Governments to stop and take notice which has resulted in a hardening of views to
towards the continuing illegal actions of Israel. Indeed, Dr Connolly’s account, which was further validated by recent video demonstrating in vivid details the despicable treatment she and her fellow activists faced, has led to some Governments across the world grappling with the difficult question – ‘If the IDF and the Israeli government behave like this towards captured European and Global activists knowing they are being filmed, what are they doing to the people of Palestine when no-one is watching? Cllr Higgins highlighted the ongoing devastation
in Gaza saying, “Not content with slaughtering over 72,000 innocents during the illegal invasion of Gaza, the murder continues daily during the so called peacefire , which has seen a further 603 killed, the latest a seven-month-old baby. We need to continue to shine a light on these atrocities until they stop completely, and Dr Connolly’s actions and that of her colleagues has ensured that people see the truth behind the facade. Cllr Higgins concluded by saying, “As for Dr Connolly, she is a force
for good, a woman of courage and compassion and Sligo is very fortunate to have her in our community. For me, she personifies the following quote: ‘A strong woman stands up for herself, a stronger woman stands up for everyone else.’ “I wish her well in her recovery from such a traumatic ordeal in the loving surrounds of her husband and family and offer a sincere mile, mile buichois as a misneach agus a comhbhá.” Cllr Gino O’Boyle also gave his backing to the motion
saying, “Surely we can all agree children should not be starved,” adding, “Dr Connolly and her colleagues chose not to remain silent.” He added, “Ordinary citizens like Dr Connolly have shown more courage than many in Government.” Speaking on behalf of the Sinn Fein party, Cllr Arthur Gibbons said, “I am proud to support this motion acknowledging the courage and commitment shown by Dr Margaret Connolly and her colleagues through their participation in the recent Global Sumud Flotilla. “Their actions were motivated by a desire
to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, where the humanitarian situation continues to cause profound concern across the international community. In undertaking this mission, they accepted significant personal risk in order to draw attention to the suffering of civilians and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. “Whatever views individuals may hold on the wider political issues surrounding the conflict, it is important to recognise the principle that civilians should have access to food, medical care, and humanitarian relief. Dr Connolly and her colleagues
sought to highlight these needs and to encourage greater international attention to the humanitarian crisis. “This motion acknowledges their activism and the awareness it has generated regarding conditions in Gaza. It also reflects concern about actions taken during the interception of the flotilla and the broader impact of the conflict on innocent civilians. “By supporting this motion, we recognise the value of peaceful humanitarian action and reaffirm our commitment to human dignity, human rights, and the protection of civilian life.” Cllr Michael Clarke also offered
his support for the motion referring to Dr Connolly’s ordeal as, “An immense personal challenge, an endurance test.” He added, “What’s happening in Gaza needs to be highlighted.” Those sentiments were echoed by Cllr Edel McSharry who spoke on behalf of the Fianna Fáil elected members saying it is an issue, “We all feel really strongly about. We are seeing media from the USA and Israel itself where there is a move towards an anti-war campaign. I would like to commend the Taoiseach for barring
travel of two Ministers (Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich) for their actions which were war crimes in my view.” Cllr McSharry also called for EU sanctions to be imposed on Israel saying, “That’s where it hits.” Cllr McSharry concluded by paying tribute to Dr Connolly saying, “I am wonderfully proud of Dr Connolly. I do know, no matter how strong a resilient you are, it is trauma. She will need some time to get over that.” Speaking on behalf of the Fine Gael contingent, Cllr
Fergal Nealon commended Dr Connolly’s activism saying, “It worked, they got a lot of media exposure internationally. Ireland is seen internationally as leading the way. Let’s not score political points over war.” Cllr Donal Gilroy also gave his backing to the motion saying, “The one thing that pleases me is that all the people who took part are home with their loved ones.” The final speaker on the motion was Dr Connolly’s husband, Cllr Declan Bree who thanked his fellow Councillors for the sentiments expressed.
“I wish to acknowledge the sentiments expressed in the motion and to thank the members of the Council for their expression of solidarity and support for all those who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla. “Unfortunately, the flotilla was not successful in its primary operational goal of delivering aid to Gaza, because the Israeli military intercepted and stopped the vessels in international waters, employing drones, communications jamming, and armed raiding parties. “However, the convoy, the largest civilian-led maritime initiative in history, certainly achieved its goal
of raising international awareness. The unlawful interceptions, and the abduction of flotilla participants broadcast live on social media, drew massive international attention and kept the plight of Palestine and the genocide in Gaza in the spotlight.” Speaking of the treatment endured by Dr Connolly and all who took part in the flotilla, Cllr Bree said, “Following their abduction in international waters, the hundreds of international activists aboard the flotilla were subjected to systematic physical and psychological abuse by the Israeli military. They were bound with
zip-ties, forced into agonizing stress positions for hours, and transferred to overcrowded prison ships. While in detention in Israel, many were beaten with batons, tasered, denied water and food, and subjected to severe humiliation. “While detained in the Negev desert prison, participants, including my wife, were handcuffed, shackled in leg irons, and systematically deprived of sleep under the constant watch of heavily armed Israeli soldiers and guard dogs.” “The fact that Israeli armed forces crossed hundreds of miles of open sea just to intercept civilian
boats carrying food, baby formula, and medical supplies reveals the lengths the Israeli regime is prepared to go to maintain its cruel and unlawful 19-year blockade of the Gaza Strip.” “While the abuse endured by Margaret and her fellow activists was appalling, it offers only a small, fleeting glimpse into the daily reality of the Palestinian people. For decades, Palestinians have faced this same systemic violence, displacement, and cruelty without the protection of an international passport. And in this context it is important that we
continue to express our solidarity with the people of Palestine and Gaza, whose resilience in the face of ongoing genocide inspires us all.” Cllr Bree concluded by thanking his fellow elected representatives for their words and also extended Dr Connolly’s gratitude for the many messages and tokens of support she received. “I wish to take this opportunity to thank you, Cathaoirleach, the other councillors, the members of staff, and the many people from this community who contacted me while Margaret was on the Flotilla to
convey their concern, support, and solidarity. It was much appreciated. “I would also wish to express Margaret’s gratitude to all those who contacted her, wrote to her, or sent mass bouquets, flowers, and good wishes since her return home. “I am extremely proud of her and of all those who sailed on the Flotilla.” Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Sligo County Council, Margaret Connolly, Global Sumud Flotilla, Gaza, humanitarian aid, IDF, Negev desert prison, EU sanctions, Declan Bree