A Civil Rights march takes place in Strabane, County Tyrone.
Organised by the Strabane Civil Rights Committee the march which has been postponed twice since the beginning of the year, is a peaceful one.
There was a strong police presence at the march, but no incidents were reported. It is estimated that between 300 and 500 people have volunteered as stewards to marshal the crowds.
Over 3000 people assembled to walk the two and a half mile route to draw attention to unemployment in Strabane. Representatives from the thirty one Civil Rights branches across Northern Ireland attended.
Among a range of speakers at the gathering is Doctor Conor Cruise O’Brien TD, who reminds all present of the bonds of solidarity between communities north and south, who are dealing with issues of human freedom at present,
We have to carry on a parallel struggle.
Other speakers included Bernadette Devlin MP, Eamonn McCann, Derry Unemployed Action Committee, Vinnie McDowell, Aidan Corrigan and Edwina Stewart from the Civil Rights Association, Seamus Rogers from Donegal County Council, Paul Shuttleworth from the National Association for Irish Justice in America, and Finbar O’Doherty from Derry Citizens’ Action Committee.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 June 1969.
