Fergus Finlay: Magnificent march a first step to counter attempt at Irish apartheid

They may not often achieve their demands, but marches are important to create the sense that people, together, are on the move.

People take part in a demonstration in support of migration and diversity in Dublin City centre. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

It’s a little over half a century since I first took part in a protest against apartheid. I never thought it might be necessary to walk in a march against people who effectively want to introduce apartheid in Ireland.

I think it was 1970. Everyone who got involved in any kind of protest back then was regarded as dangerous. Even (maybe especially!) a tiny group of students who had got on a bus from Cork to Limerick to stand against the Springboks outside Thomond Park.