Hundreds of Muslims marched through Dublin City centre today in protest at the printing of cartoon caricatures depicting the Prophet Muhammed in newspapers across Europe.
Condemning worldwide violence, the protesters also used the event to openly thank the Irish media for not publishing the controversial cartoons.
Approximately 300 people from Dublin's Islamic community turned out for the march in response to calls for an "international day of anger".
Organiser, Sheikh Dr Shaheed Satardien, who led the rally through the city, was surprised with the large turnout.
Denouncing violence and appealing for calm in the Irish Muslim community, he said: "We are not violent people and we do not call for an international day of violence. We are dignified people and we control our anger.
"We appeal to our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world to stop the violence in the name of Mohammed."
He congratulated the Irish media for using the Freedom of Speech with responsibility.
The Irish Daily Star was the only paper to reproduce the cartoons. Carrying banners reading Islam Means Peace, the chanting crowd marched along Clanbrassil Street Upper, New Street South and Kevin Street before passing the Danish Embassy on Stephen's Green.
A number of speakers addressed the crowd at the Green's entrance, before they dispersed peacefully.
Tom Molloy from Education for Peace thanked the sons and daughters of the Prophet Mohammed for bringing their spirituality to Ireland.
He said: "Ireland has had our own prophet and spirits insulted over the years so we can sympathise with the Islam community."
Mohammed Syed (36) a dispense optician who has lived in Dublin's city centre for five years, added: "I have come here today to show my love to the Prophet Mohammed. He is the most loving thing in our lives. His message is peace so it is important for us to protest peacefully."