ANTI-MASK and anti-vaccine protestors gathered in Cork today calling for an end to the “government tyranny” of face coverings and lockdown.
Well over 100 demonstrators convened on Grand Parade calling for an end to the restrictive pandemic policies put in place by the authorities.
A variety of speakers addressed those in attendance, with many of the speeches veering into well-worn and often extreme conspiracy theories linked to Covid-19.
According to Cork Beo, one individual spoke of the dangers of 5G phone masts, which they warned had the potential to cover the city with “military grade radiation”.
Another, meanwhile, declared at one point that the "Irish people would not let themselves be micro-chipped like dogs."
Several tricolour flags were present among the watching crowd along with a variety of homemade banners and signs commenting on everything from vaccines to mask use and mobile phones.
The protests drew criticism from some in Cork who were quick to take to social media to slam the demonstrations.
Saw some guys putting up posters advertising some anti-mask protest in cork, and decided I’d come back in a couple hours when they were gone and rip down the posters. When I got back a couple hours later someone had beat me to it hahaha
— leah ☻︎🗣 (@ni_loingsigh_) September 3, 2020
Anti mask, anti vaccine and anti 5G. It takes a special kind of absolute stupid to join the ‘Irish Freedom Party’. Above all else there nothing we need freedom from. Except maybe the shite they spew. Glad everyone seeing their Cork City protest sees them for the morons they are.
— Robert Sweetnam (@rgsweetnam) September 5, 2020
“Absolutely pathetic turnout for #antimask protest,” one opponent wrote.
“Glad to see the proportion of #COVIDIOTS in Cork is mercifully low.”
“Glad everyone seeing their Cork City protest sees them for the morons they are,” another said.
A small but well-organised counter-protest also took place in Cork city centre involving healthcare staff and supporters.
While significantly less noisy than the anti-mask, anti-vaccine opponents, the demonstration saw those involved urge the public to continue on with the use of masks, social distancing and other safety protocols in the fight against Covid-19.
