Ireland has been awash in headlines over the past month about the conviction of Pat O'Donnell and Maura Harrington.  These two activists, who spend every waking moment protecting their families and community from the Corrib Gas Project, were sentenced to between 7 and 12 months in prison.  In his remarks, the judge called O'Donnell a "bully and thug," while saying that Harrington was a "vigilante."

Now, the other side of the story is being told.  An in-depth article written by one of O'Donnell's colleagues dispels the myths and rebuts the claims that O'Donnell is a bully and a thug.  Instead, it portrays O'Donnell as a passionate activist fighting for the survival of his family and community.  This piece also provides an excellent background to the Corrib Gas Project and the protests it has engendered.

UPDATE:  Since O'Donnell was jailed,several local groups have been holding vigils demanding the release of the activist.  They vow to continue to put pressure on Shell and the Irish government to release O'Donnell.