Complete with a coffin, pallbearers and their own funeral director, the latest Fermoy & Surrounding Areas Against Water Charges march was a striking silent protest against the semi-state company. Led by the Thomas Kent Pipe Band, the dignified march weaved its way down town from Emmett Street to Tom Barry’s constituency office on Lower Patrick Street last Saturday.

Here, as before, the marchers heard speeches from organisers Pat Conroy and William Hughes, who also welcomed guest speaker, Independent Cobh-based county councillor Claire Cullinane, to address the crowd.

“Water is the essence of everyone of us, 72% of your body is made up of water – are you going to sell your soul?” Cllr Cullinane asked the 60-strong crowd assembled. “There is nothing about us that says we don’t pay or don’t want to pay. The fact is we are already paying so why would anybody pay twice?”

Focusing on the role of the government and its elected politicians in her address, she added: “The preamble to the constitution says, and says clearly, that our government works for the people of this country. Has this government worked for you, have they spoken your voice, have they said your words, and have they followed through with the actions you have asked for? They haven’t done it in the four years they have been in office and they won't do it with Irish Water.

“Our job as politicians, all of us, our job is to be your voice on local government, not to have a voice of our own and not to go into bed with the very people who are causing the problem.” She called on all present to attend a Cork Says No protest march scheduled to take place in the city, beginning on Grand Parade, on Saturday, January 31 at 3pm.

Co-organiser Pat Conroy, continuing with the funeral removal metaphor, described Irish Water and its charges as a 'water monster – whose funeral would take place on April 1, when billing will commence'.

“It was conceived by Labour and Fine Gael, it turned out to be a very difficult and expensive birth, causing great labour pains and like any family with a new baby, the water monster gave Enda Kenny and Joan Burton many a sleepless night.

“The people of this country have stated in vast numbers that they do not want to feed any water monsters. Remember not alone should you not pay; you have a moral and civic duty not to do so.”

Mr Conroy added: “Have I anything good to say about this water monster? Yes, I have. It has awakened and brought the people of this country together as never seen before. It has opened the people’s eyes to a corrupt government that will do or sell anything to stay in power.

“If a law is unjust, a man has not only a right to disobey – he is obliged to do so, all politicians should stand by that principle.”

In his speech, the stand-in funeral director William Huges, thanked the following for their co-operation and support in the smooth running of the latest protest march: The Thomas Kent Pipe Band, Bridget Boyce, Paddy Bryne, Martin Neligan, Vincent Crotty, Howard Marshall, the staff of the Mostly Just €2 store, the local Gardaí and all those who once again supported the Fermoy & Surrounding Areas Against Water Charges cause.

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