Tensions rise during anti-immigration protest in Galway
Tensions were high in Galway city on Saturday as two protests, one anti-immigration and one anti-racism, took place at the same time.
Roughly 150 people gathered outside Galway County Council, waving Irish and religious flags in an anti-immigration protest, while counter-demonstrators assembled just across the street.
Led by Irish Freedom Party national organiser Doran McMahon, the protest, dubbed the “Gathering of the Tribes,” according to a promotional flyer posted on Facebook, featured speeches from a coalition of nationalist groups.
Protesters voiced concerns about safety and violence and also criticised IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) centres, claiming their presence was detrimental to local communities already strained by the influx of immigrants and refugees.
Members of the Irish Freedom Party, National Party, Sínne Na Daoíne and Día le hÉireann, took part in the protest.
Protesters carried various Irish and religious flags while Irish ballads like Fields of Athenry blared through speakers in the park.
Along the route one protester spoke about the “unity” among nationalist groups, despite “differing opinions.” He pointed to a Palestinian flag pinned to his lapel, noting it as a symbol of solidarity - even if, he acknowledged, others in the group may not share that view.
On the other side of town, Galway Anti-Racism Network facilitated a group of counter protesters who began to gather on the corner of the county hall with their own set of flags. Both sides flew the tricolour, but the anti-racism protesters also displayed the Palestinian flag in solidarity with oppressed people.
One woman stood with her young son, who excitedly held a small poster and chanted along. She said she came to demonstrate that the Irish flag should not be used as a symbol of racism, comparing such appropriation to the historic connotations of the Union Jack.
“I don’t want them to speak for the people of Galway, I don’t want my tricolours associated with racism.”
Galway Anti-Racism Network leads counter protest. Photo by Mark Hernandez.
She explained that her family is of Irish and Iraqi descent, so this means more than just showing up to support, it means showing her son why it’s important.
“That’s the future of Ireland, we are quite a mixed nation, and the idea of children feeling unsafe is very upsetting. No one should feel unsafe or unwelcome in our country.”
Labour Party city councillors Helen Ogbu and Níall McNelis were in attendance.
Cllr Ogbu said: “I am really happy to be here in solidarity… Ireland belongs to everyone. We are not here to attack anyone; we are here to peaceful protest to make sure that people know we have huge supporters here and that not all Irish people are against migrants.”
“Migrants are contributing to the economy of Ireland. If you go to the healthcare sector, you have migrants. If you go to the hospitality sector, you have migrants. Why can’t we coexist?”
“We must come against this anti-racist behaviour, so we are all here to say we welcome migrants, we accept everyone, and we are here for everyone.”
Around 3:15pm, the crowds began to stir as protesters made their way from Eyre Square up the steps of the council building. Gardaí formed a buffer between the anti-immigration and anti-racism groups, who shouted at one another before being directed apart.
Nationalist coalition approaching county hall after promenading up Shop Street. Photo by Mark Hernandez.
Woman with a head covering approaches counter protestors with mocking dance.
Among the crowd, a young woman named Lily moved through the anti-immigration group asking questions and challenging views.
“I told him, ‘If I said I was an immigrant right now, what would that make me?’ He said, ‘well then you’re not my friend.’”
“I am an immigrant, but I had to work my way up. It took me 10 years to find a house, I am still working on my Irish passport, I am not doing any harm.”
“You can’t paint a whole picture with one perspective and to judge a whole perspective on one person is just wrong.”
Lily moved to Ireland from Morocco when she was six years old and while she cherishes the culture that she was born in, she says she lives a very Irish life, even speaking the language fluently.
“I respect Ireland for allowing me to live, I will always be grateful for allowing me to live here. I wouldn’t disrespect an Irish person but for [them] to come out here and disrespect me is rude. Yes, I am an immigrant, but I am not doing anything to disrespect the country.”
As nationalist speeches rang out, chants from counter-protesters echoed across the road, kept at bay by Gardaí.
Lorrain O’Sullivan, a member of Sínne Na Daoíne, which she describes as “one of the fastest-growing grassroots movements in the country”, delivered a passionate address saying: “If we don’t step up, who will?”
“It’s our era. These are our communities, and we don’t tolerate predators walking freely where our children play and our elderly sleep. You may think you are safe because nothing has happened to you but that is naïve. There may come a time unfortunately where you will wish you stood up earlier.”
A lead spokesperson for the counter-protesters said: “We are here to send a message to say we were counter your lies and hatred against migrants and people of colour. We stand united. We stand for everyone: immigrants and Irish people.
The Irish Independent reached out to nationalist group protest organiser Doran McMahon but have not received a response.