HUNDREDS of protesters took part in a series of demonstrations along the border, where warnings were made about the ramifications of a hard Brexit.
The gatherings at crossing points including Co Tyrone, Co Donegal and Co Louth were organised by Border Communities Against Brexit to mark the day after the UK was originally due to leave the European Union.
The demonstrations included a mock checkpoint on the Old Dublin Road at Carrickcarnon in Co Louth, where up to 300 protestors were joined by Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald and Vice President Michelle O'Neill.
Speaking to reporters, Ms McDonald accused the DUP of developing a "toxic" relationship with British Prime Minister Theresa May and described their behaviour around Brexit as "utterly reckless".
"They have argued a stance for Brexit that they know is deeply, deeply damaging to every man, woman and child that lives on this island," she said, adding: "We are at a very dangerous moment where we inch ever closer to the real possibility of a crash and a chaotic Brexit. At this stage people should understand how serious that would be for all of us."
Meanwhile, speaking at the demonstration along the border between Derry and Co Donegal, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he believed the best option for border communities would be for the UK to revoke Article 50 and cancel Brexit.
"But if they are determined to have Brexit they now need a long extension to allow us to have a sensible conversation about the way forward," he said.
"I think it's important that people in border areas send a very clear message that we aren't taking this."
Mr Eastwood said any border infrastructure erected as a result of a hard Brexit "won't work", adding: "We won't be dragged out of the customs union. We won't be dragged out of the single market, because if we are that will mean a hard border, and that's just unacceptable."
At Carrickcarnon, Border Communities Against Brexit spokesman Declan Fearon said: "A border in the past meant this road was closed for over 40 years and this community was divided. We won't allow the very hard right-wing Tories and the ERG (European Research Group) and especially the DUP to destroy this community and bring us back to days when this was an economic wasteland."
Colin Harvey, a professor of human rights law at Queen's University Belfast School of Law, added: "If anybody attempts to put barriers on this island again they are coming down. Any obstacles on this island will be removed."
