An estimated 1,500 people attended today's anti war march and rally at Shannon airport to protest at the use of the airport by US military aircraft and troops.
Anti war groups claim facilitating the US army in this way makes Ireland complicit in any war against Iraq, and could make the airport a target for terrorists.
The march was attend by a number of TDs, Senators and MEPs. The rally was addressed by Labours Michael D Higgins, and MEP Patricia McKenna, who said the Irish Government was breaking its own laws by allowing the US to use Shannon airport to refuel their military aircraft and to allow US troops to land there.
But supporters of the Government said the protesters were sending the wrong message and could undermine the legitimacy of Ireland's peace efforts at the UN.
There was a strong garda and airport secuity presence at the airport. Gardaí accompanied marchers as far as the airport terminal building, but only passengers and staff were allowed inside the airport.
The march and rally was orderly for the most part, but just as it was breaking up a number of protesters tried to break through Garda security at one of the cargo buildings located away from the terminal building.
Gardaí spoke to the protesters and took their names and addresses, but no arrests were made.
The Shannon protest coincided with worldwide demonstrations, opposing war with Iraq.
Rallies began in Japan and were followed by protests in Pakistan, the Middle East and Russia.
One of the biggest protests was in Washington where thousands of demonstrators are calling on the White House to back down and let UN weapons inspections run their course.
