Almost 30,000 people attended the EU–Mercosur trade deal protest in Athlone on Saturday, organisers have said. Organised by Independent Ireland, the protest was supported by a range of farming organisations, community groups and political representatives. While Garda sources placed attendance at around 27,000, stewards on the ground estimated the total number of participants to be closer to 30,000, Independent Ireland said. Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice described the day as a turning point. Rural Ireland stood shoulder to shoulder in Athlone.” Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the protest marked the start of a wider campaign to block the deal in the European Parliament.

Source: The Herald January 12, 2026 14:34 UTC