Lock-in protest reaches 100th day

There will be no cake or candles but a rich helping of determination at the gate of Seamus Sherlock today when he and supporters mark the 100th day of his barricade.

Bank of Scotland had a court order against the Co Limerick farmer over a €430,000 mortgage, and Mr Sherlock was faced with losing his home and 50-acre farm.

But he decided to stand his ground and placed tonnes of silage bales at the entrance to his property to prevent any move to evict him.

Mr Sherlock has emphasised that his campaign was not seeking debt forgiveness but rather more time from the bank to repay the outstanding loan.

He said the bank has not taken up his offer, although a sum of money has been lodged with his solicitor.

Forty bales of silage weighing about 15 tonnes have been piled at the farm’s main entrance.

But a more intransigent obstacle is likely to present itself in the form of a human shield, which supporters of the farmer have pledged in the event of a move on the property.

Since his protest began, hundreds of people have called to wish him well and a regular group now form a round-the-clock vigil to keep watch for any move by bailiffs.

Since the start of the campaign in August, developments include a campsite for supporters.

A hut structure and equipment such as heaters have been supplied for free and people in the locality ensure that those on “sentry duty” are well fortified with hot drinks, cooked meals, and sandwiches. Among those who have called to support Mr Sherlock are singer Jim Corr and former MEP Kathy Sinnott.

Mr Sherlock said yesterday: “We’re still here and we’re still getting terrific support from the local people. I hoped after 100 days we’d have some good news, but there’s been nothing.”

He has been angered by being labelled a “serial defaulter” in some reports.

Mr Sherlock said that while he has not had any direct contact from the Bank of Scotland, discussions between his solicitor and the bank are continuing. “No agreement is in place yet,” he said.

To mark the 100 days, Mr Sherlock plans to launch a leaflet on how other can cope with the kind of situation he finds himself in.

“A supporter in Waterford has printed 5,000 copies free,” said Mr Sherlock. “It’s just basic stuff, telling people how to cope and how important it is to stay in your home. A couple of years ago, I started up this group that was just about helping people who might be in debt.”