Border protests as Brexit comes to pass

People from Cavan were among those to assemble at six points along the Border last night in protest as Britain left the EU at 11pm last night.

Protests at Aghalane Bridge near Belturbet and in Blacklion were among six simultaneous demonstrations organised by Border Communities Against Brexit (BCAB) to highlight that Northern Ireland was being taken of the EU against the will of the majority of people who live there.

Last night at Aughalane Fr Joe McVeigh gave a rousing speech to the protestors assembled.

Meanwhile, in Blacklion, one local proclaimed sadly "Brexit day is here!” JJ O Hara in Blacklion was speaking to the Celt in advance of the BCAB demonstration yesterday evening. The demonstration is to highlight the belief that Brexit does not have the support of the people in the North of Ireland.

JJ feels that the campaign has been essential: “Where we are, in that we have no hard border, is important. That was our main focus of the campaign and we have achieved that.

“We see Brexit as only 30% over. What happens over the next 12 months with the trade deal will have huge implications. That is a 140,000 page document covering all sectors of industry, citizens rights and the movement of goods,” he says.

The group want the British Government to meet obligations under the Good Friday Agreement, including the continued incorporation into law of the European Convention on Human Rights.