Latest news with #CoolockSaysNo
Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach criticises Dublin protesters and ‘narrow nationalism'
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has pushed back against the rhetoric expressed at a large anti-immigration protest in Dublin over the weekend, rejecting what he described as 'negativity' and a vision of Ireland rooted in 'narrow nationalism.' Thousands took part in the rally in the city centre on Saturday which began at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square A significant Garda presence was deployed to manage the protest and a counter-demonstration, including public order units, mounted officers, and an aerial support unit. While no major incidents were reported, three people were arrested for public order offences. Micheál Martin. Pic: Michael Chester Chants of 'Ireland for the Irish,' and 'Get them out' were shouted with some protestors holding signs reading 'Coolock Says No,' 'Irish Lives Matter,' and 'Ireland is Full.' Another poster saw Conor McGregor, who was vocal in his support for the march, in between US President Donald Trump and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' And there you have it — Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) April 26, 2025 He said: 'Over 100 years ago, our brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free today. So let us remind ourselves why we are here — and also why we are not here. 'We are not here to build hatred amongst each other. We are not here to sow division. We are here to commemorate the valiant heroes who went before us. We honour their spirit, we honour their fight.' 'To those leading the march and speaking for the tens of thousands standing behind you: be calm, be clear, speak with dignity.' Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' Pic: File The demonstration was also convened to mark the 1916 Easter Rising – 109 years after the armed rebellion against British rule in Ireland. Speaking on Sunday at Fianna Fáil's annual 1916 commemoration at Arbour Hill Cemetery, Mr Martin addressed the protest and its appropriation of Easter Rising symbolism. 'The message of the 1916 Proclamation is inclusive and internationalist. It was never grounded in narrow nationalism,' he said. 'That's the vision Fianna Fáil continues to uphold—open, outward-looking, and rooted in our place within modern Europe.' He emphasised that Ireland's EU membership since the 1970s has been transformational, warning against those promoting policies he believes would harm the country's future. Thousands gathered in the city centre on Saturday for a demonstration opposing Government policies, particularly around immigration and housing. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos 'I would be very cautious about those who advocate – like some did yesterday – for a version of Ireland that would take us backwards,' he added. Asked whether the size of the protest concerned him, the Taoiseach pointed to the importance of the democratic process. 'We've had a general election and local elections. The ballot box determines how society is governed. It must be based on policies and ideas – we believe ours are stronger than those put forward yesterday.'
Irish Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Woman who used 'N' word in RTE doc parties in Conor McGregor's pub after protest
A woman caught using the 'N' word at the Coolock protests was among revellers at Conor McGregor's pub following a massive anti-immigration protest in Dublin. Tracey Brougham, who the Irish Mirror previously revealed as the woman seen using vulgar racist language and appearing to strike a worker in an RTÉ documentary last year, was seen at a party at The Black Forge following the protest in the city centre on Saturday. Dozens of McGregor's fans flocked to the Crumlin-based pub following the mass protest, which he encouraged at Dublin's Garden of Remembrance and took part in during the day. Ms Brougham was seen in footage shared on social media by McGregor himself - toasting a young child playing bagpipes as fellow protestors gathered there on Saturday night. It comes after she previously refused to speak to this paper when we called to her home following the airing of the RTÉ Investigates: Inside the Protests' programme in September last year. Ms Brougham, who was seen cursing and using the 'N' word multiple times outside the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, told us she doesn't want to comment on the disturbing footage - despite it openly showing her face. Confronted by this paper outside her home, which is located close to the 'Coolock Says No' protest site, Ms Brougham was asked about the footage of her calling several workers 'dirty' and 'filthy' and whether she wanted to comment on it. 'No. I don't want to,' she said. Asked why she did not want to comment on the footage, she said: 'I just don't.' We asked Ms Brougham whether she regretted making derogatory racist remarks shown in the documentary, which exposed some of the actions of those involved in multiple anti-asylum seeker protests across the country last year. I'm not answering any questions. I can't talk about it now,' she said. In the documentary, led by investigative reporter Barry O'Kelly, Ms Brougham is seen and heard calling workers 'dirty filthy n******,' and telling them they are 'not wanted in this country.' 'None of yis are wanted, ye dirty filthy bastards,' she is also heard saying. The programme also shows the woman attempting to strike a security guard across the head. She is also shown saying the 'N' word a further two times, telling those present at the site to 'get the f*ck out'. Ms Brougham stated on her Linkedin social media page that she works for Digital Realty - a data centre company with multiple locations across Dublin. Contacted about Ms Brougham's remarks on the RTE documentary, a spokesperson for Digital Realty said at the time: 'We have no comment at this time.' The site of the former Crown Paints Factory in Coolock in Dublin was subjected to a blockade for more than 100 days after it was earmarked for use to accommodate asylum seekers. The documentary focuses on the horrific events of July 15 last year in which the Garda Public Order Unit ultimately was called in to quell protests. It also exposes how the Public Order Unit was initially called in to assist workers onto the site in the early hours of the morning - but was called off before things seriously escalated. When those officers left, some protestors became violent, gained entry to the site and set fire to a JCB digger and mattresses. Several have been arrested and 26 people have appeared before the courts charged with alleged offences. Speaking since the documentary came out, Garda Commissioner Harris said that he now believes it was the wrong decision for the public order unit to be stood down that morning. 'The public order unit was on duty, it was stood down at 7am," he said. 'In hindsight, that was not the right decision. We've accepted that, and that's already been covered with the Policing Authority,' he said.
Extra.ie
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
'And there you have it' -- Joe Brolly reacts to galling poster at protests
Joe Brolly has reacted to a poster which appeared at the anti-immigration protest which took place in Dublin over the weekend. Thousands took part in the rally in the city centre on Saturday which began at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square. Public transport was impacted and there was a heightened Garda presence throughout the city. Joe Brolly has reacted to a poster which appeared at the anti-immigration march which took place in Dublin over the weekend. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The protest travelled down to Custom House Quay. Councillors Gavin Pepper, Malachy Steenson, Patrick Quinlan and Philip Sutcliffe were among the attendees. Chants of 'Ireland for the Irish,' and 'Get them out' were shouted with some protestors holding signs reading 'Coolock Says No,' 'Irish Lives Matter,' and 'Ireland is Full.' Another poster saw Conor McGregor, who was vocal in his support for the march, in between US President Donald Trump and President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Ahead of the protest, the Dubliner took to social media and branded the rally a 'big day here for our country.' The protest travelled down to Custom House Quay. Councillors Gavin Pepper; Malachy Steenson' Patrick Quinlan and Philip Sutcliffe amongst attendees. Pic: He said: 'Over 100 years ago, our brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free today. So let us remind ourselves why we are here — and also why we are not here. 'We are not here to build hatred amongst each other. We are not here to sow division. We are here to commemorate the valiant heroes who went before us. We honour their spirit, we honour their fight.' 'To those leading the march and speaking for the tens of thousands standing behind you: be calm, be clear, speak with dignity. And there you have it — Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) April 26, 2025 'We want to hear your voice. Together, we rise. Together, we win. God bless us all. God bless Ireland.' Joe Brolly took to social media to share the picture of a galling poster at the rally which displayed McGregor alongside Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, simply writing: 'And there you have it.' The post was met with a mixed reaction, with those in support of McGregor stating that it was planted. One said: 'Clearly a plant like they did during the anti-lockdown protests. Remember Brolly cried his eyes out on Newstalk for a looted Foot Locker. They feel nothing for Ireland as a nation. It's parish and county for them only.' Another asked: 'Did you plant that there yourself Joe? The left funding nonsense to try to tarnish every one else.' A third added: 'Honestly. The mentality of this crowd and who's lead they are following,' while a fourth commented: 'The unholy trinity.' A counter-protest took place at the nearby GPO at 1.30pm. Their counter chants heard criticism of McGregor, who was last year found liable for rape, as well as 'refugees are welcome here.'
