# No.9 Drawing the Line: Counter-Mapping the Sperrins with V’cenza Cirefice

In this episode I sit down with V’cenza Cirefice — activist, researcher and long-time supporter of Save Our Sperrins. V’cenza has been a constant presence in the campaign, bringing not only her energy on the ground but also her skills in counter-mapping and visual storytelling.

We talk about how these creative tools give power back to communities, helping people to see the land differently, to challenge the official narratives of industry, and to protect what matters most. Alongside this, V’cenza shares her own journey into activism, the lessons learned along the way, and the deep importance of imagination in resistance.

It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation, full of heart, insight and the spirit of community. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.dontmineus.com

https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSperrins

https://www.instagram.com/save_our_sperrins/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/save-our-sperrins

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-our-sperrins-108907

https://www.youtube.com/@SaveOurSperrins 

https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-n32q3-1939c83

LINKS TO OTHER RESOURCES 

http://caimnetwork.org/mining-in-ireland/

Mining in Ireland is a contentious issue, with 19% of the Republic of Ireland and 27% of Northern Ireland’s land area issued in prospecting licences. While mining companies claim to bring jobs and development, communities like those near Tara Mines and Gypsum Ltd have faced significant environmental and social impacts. Communities Against the Injustice of Mining (CAIM) is an all-island network resisting prospecting and extraction.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/after-the-goldrush-by-gerry-mcgovern/id1681123169

Do Irish people know that Ireland has been selected as a Green sacrifice song for the so-called green technology, renewable energy transition from the beautiful wilds of Clare, Wicklow and Leitrim to the outstanding natural beauty of the Sperrin mountains of Tyrone. Rural Ireland is on Big Mining's chopping block.

This podcast is about the power of community, about how communities of Ireland are organising to stop this disaster happening. For short term returns, the government wants to sell Ireland  to mining interests as silently and quietly as possible. Let's make some noises. We will try to unravel why the Irish government is doing this

GOOGLE LINK TO Greencastle People’s Office -

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cz7FHdUoi5ByxECz7?g_st=ipc