Town's residents in 'strong opposition' to 'controversial' Mise Eire festival
Mise Éire Festival was initially set to take place on August 23 at the Mayflower Community Centre in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, featuring 'live music, talks and workshops celebrating Irish culture, heritage and shared values'.
One of the panel discussions is titled Echos of Éire, learning from Ireland's Past to Shape a Resilient Future from figures including far right writer John Waters, Brehon Academy founder Kevin Flanagan and others.
But earlier in August, the Mayflower Community Centre in Drumshanbo informed the public that the event would not be taking place at the centre due to terms and conditions not being complied with'.
The announcement followed an open letter signed by around 600 artists, musicians and arts workers including The Mary Wallopers, Chris O'Dowd, Fontaines D.C., Christy Moore, Frances Black, Stephen Rea and more being sent to the community centre calling on them to cancel what they called the 'far right' festival. The Mayflower Community Centre in Leitrim (Image: Mayflower Community Centre/Facebook)
In a subsequent interview with Shannonside News, one of the festival's organiser Stephen Kerr explained that the festival would still be going ahead in Mayo, just outside Castlebar. He said the 'music and culture' festival would see 'talks and music all day long in three different areas.'
Now, a number of residents and business owners in Castlebar are 'voicing strong opposition' to the 'controversial' Mise Éire festival and have launched an online petition to have the festival pulled citing 'significant concerns for public safety'. At the time of writing the petition had amassed over 2,000 signatures.
'Castlebar is a proud, welcoming town, especially at the height of our tourist season,' said one local concerned resident.
'An event shrouded in secrecy, which was already rejected by another community, is not welcome here. We are deeply concerned about the potential for disruption and the damage this could do to our reputation as a safe and inclusive place for families, visitors, and investors.' Christy Moore (Image: Getty Images)
In an open letter, the coalition of residents and business owners wrote: 'An event shrouded in secrecy, which was already rejected by another community, is not welcome here. We are deeply concerned about the potential for disruption and the damage this could do to our reputation as a safe and inclusive place for families, visitors, and investors.'
'Further questions remain regarding an 'after-party' planned for an undisclosed rural location near the town.
'It is unclear if organisers have secured the necessary permits or put adequate safety and logistical plans in place, adding to the community's sense of unease.
'Concerned residents are urging local authorities and elected officials to address the lack of transparency and ensure all public safety, licensing, and planning regulations are strictly enforced.'
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