Protest due to be held in Dundalk in solidarity with assault victim Natasha O'Brien this afternoon


People are encouraged to gather at Market Square on Saturday at 3pm
A protest will take place in Dundalk this this afternoon in solidarity with Natasha O'Brien.
The gathering of "reflection and motivation" will take place on Saturday, 29th June, at Market Square, Dundalk, outside the courthouse at 3pm
Ms O'Brien, aged 24, was beaten unconscious by soldier Cathal Crotty, aged 22, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha on Limerick's O'Connell Street in 2022.
Hours later Mr Crotty boasted on Snapchat, "Two to out her down, two to put her out". He walked free from Limerick Circuit Court after receiving a fully suspended jail sentence.
One of the organisers of the protest said it is taking place “to register our disgust and horror at the leniency of the sentence that Cathal Crotty received in relation to the savage assault on Natasha O`Brien.
“Violence against women, men and children cannot and should not be tolerated”, he continued.
“The people of Dundalk are urged to come out on the day to show solidarity with Natasha and those who are affected by violence either domestically or in public.”
There will be a number of speakers in attendance and people are encouraged to wear purple and bring their own candles and banners along to the event.