Thousands attend Stand4Truth protest to stand in solidarity with those hurt by clerical abuse

Today, thousands of people came together at the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square, Dublin, to stand in solidarity with those hurt and affected by clerical abuse.

The #Stand4Truth event included a moving speech from Colm O'Gorman plus Hozier performing as well as thousands of people marching to the sites of previous laundries in Dublin city centre. Many stopped for a moment of silence outside the Sean McDermott St Magdalene Laundry, which was the last laundry to close, in 1996.

Gathered at the Sean McDermott St Magdalene Laundry, which was the last laundry to close, in 1996. It is the last laundry in State ownership. The State must turn this into a public archive of its records and create a commemorative and educational centre #stand4truth pic.twitter.com/PxUAz8wnNC

— Womenscouncilireland (@NWCI) August 26, 2018

Taking time to remember what was happening behind those net curtains, as recently as 1996 #TruthJusticeLove#Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/V99PiOkMcI

— Will Derham (@w_derham) August 26, 2018

Very somber, solemn here, powerful #MagdaleneLaundries #Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/SJZgcJo0Yh

— Sinéad (@nasinead) August 26, 2018

Hozier performed his track "Take Me To Church" a song which expresses his resentment towards the church and what he believes their role is today in modern society.

Take Me To Church @Hozier #Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/33sc3RFFjL

— Kim Buckley (@KiiimBuckley) August 26, 2018

The #Stand4Truth event took place today at the same time as the Papal mass in Phoneix Park where over 500,000 people were expected in attendance. Many who attended today's event described it as "powerful", "chilling" and "emotional".

Here are some tweets from #Stand4Truth today...

Colm O’Gorman: “This week I’ve been asked by journalists all over the world, ‘how has Ireland changed?’. This, is how Ireland has changed.” #Stand4Truth #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/od02xSMQaU

— Nicky Ryan (@NickyRyan_) August 26, 2018

Truth matters #Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/Tuz3WGxnYm

— Sarah Clancy (@sarahmaintains) August 26, 2018

On LUAS to Dublin to stand in solidarity with those hurt by clerical abuse, to call for transparency, for justice, for truth. Archives and records held in the Vatican and also locally MUST be released to the civic authorities; otherwise apologies are meaningless#Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/7HhgDLtNkl

— Gaye Edwards ??? (@BrennanGaye) August 26, 2018

Thousands march in silence to the site of the last laundry. Haunting and powerful #Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/vq1jL1d0G8

— Lady Bramwell (@20thcenturyboyy) August 26, 2018

Hundreds also peacefully marched to the Tuam Babies site in Tuam, Co Galway today. "Holding the names of lives the church abandoned" one person said in describing the march, many too turned out to stand and walk in solidarity.

HAPPENING RIGHT NOW: Hundreds are peacefully marching to the #TuamBabies site here in Tuam, Co. Galway. We must never forget as we #Stand4Truth. The #PopeInIreand must listen. #PapalVisit #neveragain pic.twitter.com/lTYoiVfkve

— John Carmody?️‍? (@Johncarmodyirl) August 26, 2018

Unbelievable crowds #Tuam #TuamBabies #Stand4Truth #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/DhqFp9rK2Z

— Brian Hughes (@b_m_hughes) August 26, 2018

Tuam today #Stand4Truth pic.twitter.com/yYigB6Yyi7

— @Aoifs123 (@Aoifs123) August 26, 2018