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The Journal
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Mayo Pride apologises for 'Child of Drag' post and has reviewed social media policy
AN ONLINE POST by the organisers behind the Mayo Pride parade, depicting a parody of the 'Child of Prague', was removed after a number of abusive comments were made in response to the joke. The Child of Prague statue is a religious icon associated with luck and good weather, particularly during Irish weddings. Traditionally, it's left out on the night before a wedding to ensure fine weather on the big day. Mayo Pride reposted images of the statue, created by a local artist, to seek good weather for its March in Westport last weekend. It renamed the statue the 'Child of Drag' in the post, which was removed a short time later. Mayo Pride said abusive comments had been made underneath the post, aimed at the event and its organisers. Organisers have reviewed their social media content policy framework after the post, it is understood. Image of the artwork, created by a local artist, which was posted by the event. Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn said yesterday that he had been contacted about the posts, writing in a press release: 'As a gay man, a public representative, and a Catholic who holds the Church and my faith in great regard, I feel compelled to respond to recent developments surrounding Mayo Pride and its promotional material.' He said the use of the Child of Prague imagery was 'deliberately provocative' adding that the image was 'insensitive and counterproductive'. Advertisement 'This isn't about being conservative or reactionary,' O'Flynn said. 'It's about recognising that symbols of faith matter. They are not just artistic props.' O'Flynn noted he supports the right of every person to 'live freely, openly, and without fear'. He said: 'I know, personally and professionally, the importance of Pride. It is more than a celebration; it is a statement of visibility, dignity, and equality. 'But Pride must also be underpinned by responsibility and respect — especially in a country where faith and identity are deeply intertwined.' Mayo Pride told The Journal that it did not create or commission the artwork in the online post, but recognised that the Child of Prague is a 'deeply meaningful religious figure'. 'While the image was shared in a spirit of fun, not mockery, we apologise for any genuine hurt it may have caused,' organisers said. 'We've been in contact directly with members of the local religious community and appreciate the respectful and thoughtful conversations we've had. They have, in true Christian spirit, fully accepted our apology,' they added. Organisers of the event said they had previously been subjected to a barrage of anti-LGBTQ+ messages from people online over the decision to host an event at Croagh Patrick, a national heritage and Christian pilgrimage site. They added: 'Let us be clear: Croagh Patrick is a national heritage site, open to all. It is important to all of us in the West of Ireland, including the many Christian LGBTQ+ people and their families who call this beautiful county home. 'Our walk has always taken place with reverence and care. We belong here. Mayo is our county. Croagh Patrick is our heritage.' The Mayo Pride Parade event was held in Westport on Saturday. While heavy winds created 'testing conditions' for some of the performers on stage and people who set up gazeboes, the remained largely dry for the day. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Six things to do in Mayo this June Bank Holiday weekend
While sweltering May sunshine has long departed, there will still be plenty to do in Mayo this Bank Holiday weekend. With only the diehards likely to venture north to Omagh to see the struggling Mayo senior football team take on Tyrone, we picked out six of the best non-football-related things to do in Mayo this June Bank Holiday weekend. Mayo Pride Ten years on from the historic marriage equality referendum, Westport has established itself as the hippest, most progressive town in Mayo. Rainbow flags adorn the windows of local premises all-year round. So, it is only fitting that Westport will again be the centre of all things 'Pride' as the town gets ready to host Mayo Pride. The event itself is not one big spectacle, but several – 20, to be precise. Some of the highlights include of the four-day-long festivities include the Pride Boat Cruise on Clew Bay, the Pop-Up Gay Bar at the Clock Tavern, The Big Gay Hike up Croagh Patrick and the showpiece Mayo Pride Parade. Mayo Pride runs from Friday, May 30 to Monday, June 2. More information on Mayo Pride can be found at: Mr Whippy returns to Clare Island He's back. No, not the Terminator, Mr Whippy, aka Dermot McCabe, the man who has turned his 52-year-old ice cream van into a musical sound system that's bringing three days and nights of entertainment to Clare Island to this Bank Holiday weekend. The craic takes place at Bay View House and Sailor's Bar Beer-Garden, bedecked with neon palm, a sparkling mirror-ball, festival lights and colourful bunting, which will rock to the pulse of music selected by vinyl record collectors played through Mr Whippy's high-quality sound-system, which was hand-made at Cologne's VAS Audio workshop. 'Clare Island's magical feeling of 'time out of time' really lends to this unique ambiance,' said Mr Whippy. 'We have people from Belfast counting down the days to come back to Clare Island and digitally detox in the company of friends, old and new, and last year a couple travelled from the Portuguese island of Madeira to join in the Weekender.' The ferry crossing from Roonagh Pier to Clare Island takes is €17 return for foot passengers with Mr Whippy Soundsystem plays on Clare Island from Friday, May 30, to Sunday, June 1. Westport Horse and Pony Show While Westport will be hopping to the beat of Mayo Pride, they'll be clip-clopping out the road in the renowned Drummindoo Stud, which will be the go-to place for horse lovers this weekend. Since 1967, Westport Horse and Pony Show (not be confused with the centuries old Westport Horse Fair) has is one of the most popular horse shows in Mayo. On Saturday June 1, some of the finest mares, foals and fillies in the region will be on display in a variety of classes, including brood mares and foals, young horses, thoroughbreds, Irish draughts, and ponies. This show is not just for the equine aficionados though. With live music, face painting, pony rides, sheep showcases and much more, Westport Horse and Pony Show has something for all the family this weekend. More information can be found on Westport Horse and Pony Show's Facebook page. Ballyhaunis Summer Festival There's plenty happening east of Clew Bay, you can be sure of that. Look no further than the Ballyhaunis Summer Festival, which kicks off this Wednesday, June 27 and runs right through until Sunday June 1. There'll be fun for all ages in those five days, starting with crazy bingo in the local rugby club on Wednesday evening, followed by an interpub quiz on the Thursday and a performance from well-known Mayo vocal group, Coda, in the historic surrounds of St Mary's Abbey (The Friary). The festivities will shift gears again on Saturday with the Festival's Fittest Family at the GAA grounds at 12pm. Later on, motoring enthusiasts will gather for the Mayo Motor Meet at Johnston's Car Park (An Lochan). The festival concludes with a bang on Sunday with a kid's fun day from 1pm-4pm followed by live music on Knox Street from 7pm. No prizes for guessing where the heart of east Mayo will beat for the next few days. Ballintubber Abbey welcomes University of Southern Indiana Chamber Choir What's the only thing better than hearing one of America's best chamber choirs perform in one Mayo's finest churches? Not having to pay to see them, of course! Performing in Mayo as part of their 2025 tour of Ireland, the University of Southern Indiana Chamber Choir will join the Mayo Male Voice Choir in the historic setting of Ballintubber Abbey this Sunday for a not-to-be-missed evening of choral singing. Touring Ireland for the tenth time, the USI Chamber Choir will bring an eclectic array of choral music from sacred, to folk, and Irish traditional music. The concert beings on Sunday June 1, at 8pm (doors open 7pm) and while admission is free, all donations at the door will go towards the Ballintubber Abbey Restoration Fund. Ballintubber Abbey is set to undergo a multi-million-euro refurbishment that will see the construction of a state-of-the-art visitor centre at the abbey, which was founded back in 1216. George Murphy and The Rising Sons He made his name as a contestant on 'On You're A Star' during the peak of the Celtic Tiger. More than 20 years on, the man once compared by the great Phil Coulter to the legendary Luke Kelly is one of Ireland's best-known folk singers. This Saturday, Murphy brings some of the country's best folk musicians to Castlebar in the latest leg of his tour. Having shared the stage with Aslan and the High Kings over the years, Murphy's latest project sees him front a band of eight musicians delivering a unique blend of whistles, fiddles, banjos, electric guitars, bass, and percussion. Featuring original compositions and their unique take on old folk favourites, George Murphy and The Risings Sons promise a performance 'that will linger in your memory, showcasing the unparalleled energy and charm' that Murphy and his new band brings to the stage. The show commences at 9pm on Saturday, May 31, with doors at 8pm.
