Organisers cancel rally for Nally

A planned rally in support of jailed Mayo farmer Padraig Nally this weekend has reportedly been called off amid growing controversy surrounding the event.

The demonstration was due to take place in Athlone on Sunday, but reports this morning said the organisers had postponed it following a three-hour meeting last night.

In a statement, James Waldron, a neighbour of Mr Nally, said public safety and the perception that the rally was anti-Traveller were among the reasons for the cancellation.

Mr Waldron is also vice-chairman of Mayo County GAA Board, which was forced to deny this week that it was involved in organising the demonstration.

Mr Nally was jailed for six years earlier this month for shooting dead a Traveller who, he said, was trying to break into his farmhouse in October 2004.