Protests in solidarity with Natasha O’Brien after her attacker Cathal Crotty received a suspended sentence are taking place across Ireland today. 

There will be a rally at Grand Parade, Co Cork, at 12pm while in Dublin, the protest will begin at the Spire at 1pm. 

There will also be a protest in Limerick at 3pm at Bedford Row. 

Socialist feminist group ROSA has organised the demonstration in solidarity with Natasha O'Brien. 

Ms O’Brien was attacked on O'Connell Street in Limerick on May 29th, 2022 by serving soldier Cathal Crotty – who received a suspended sentence this week. 

ROSA member and former TD Ruth Coppinger said the ruling left “many people questioning the value that's put on violence against women in this country”. 

“We have to demand something is done about the epidemic of gender-based violence,” she said. 

“We need a massive overhaul of the legal system to make it possible for women, for LGBT, plus people, to get justice in this country. 

“The only way that that's going to happen is by people coming out onto the street and putting pressure on the political establishment.” 

Attack on Natasha O'Brien

The court heard this week it appeared Mr Crotty had lashed out at Ms O'Brien after she and a friend of hers had "politely" asked him to stop shouting a slur. 

Hours after the attack, Mr Crotty messaged friends on Snapchat with the words, "Two to put her down, two to put her out." 

Ms O'Brien sustained a broken nose, bruising, nightmares and panic attacks afterwards. 

Judge Tom O'Donnell said Mr Crotty's actions were "utterly appalling", but said he had "no doubt" if he imposed an immediate jail sentence on Crotty his Army "career is over". 

The Judge imposed a three-year sentence which he suspended in its entirety and ordered Mr Crotty to pay €3,000 compensation to Ms O'Brien. 

Speaking afterwards Ms O'Brien criticised the sentence, saying she felt "there was no true regard given for the seriousness of his violent crimes, nor the lifelong trauma I am now forced to suffer".