‘More dogs, more blacks, more Irish,’ Roscrea fights back against racism

Around 60 people gathered in Roscrea town centre on Saturday for an anti-racism peace vigil.

The event was organised by the newly formed Tipperary Anti-Racism Network and supported by North Tipperary Development Company (NTDC).

In attendance were public representatives from across the political spectrum, including Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill, councillor Pat English and three local election candidates.

In a statement following the vigil, the Tipperary Anti-Racism Network said:

“Roscrea on social media is seen as racist. We are here to show that this is not the case. It’s time now for our community to come together to tackle the real work of improving this town for everyone and show that Roscrea can set an example and chart a path for other communities to follow. Today’s vigil is the first step.”

Former Independent TD Seamus Healy said the “small but important event” was about “fighting back against the lies and the stoking of fears”.

“It is silence from people like ourselves who allow evil people to take over,” said Mr Healy.

Speakers spoke about Roscrea as a place of community and challenges.

Sinn Féin candidate and organiser Breandán Ó Conchúir said that some people “ran with” the concerns raised after the closure of the Racket Hall.

But, he said that people should place the blame with the decision makers rather than those seeking asylum.

“If there is a kick to be thrown, kick up,” said Mr Ó Conchúir.

This was a sentiment echoed in the group’s statement. They said Roscrea has issues with health, education and public transport but blaming migrants was not the way to solve them.

“Roscrea’s needs are real and pressing, and so it’s simply not enough to just shout about it, and it is so wrong to scream about it at migrant children.

“There is work to be done,” said the group.

Several references were made to old signs from the UK depicting derogatory comments about Irish people and the racism they represented.

Leading the vigil, the Roscrea Community Hub’s own Mike Edwards quipped: “Any chance we could get more dogs, more blacks and more Irish.”

While Fianna Fáil’s Templemore Local Election candidate Deirdre Ryan recalled hearing stories of racism from her father.

Labour’s Local Election candidate in Roscrea, Jordan Lewis said in what was his first public speech, that Irish people know all about racism. He too, referenced the sign and said the vigil was a chance to stand up to racism.

“How can we turn our backs on our brothers and sisters when we were in their place not 200 years ago,” said Mr Lewis.

Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill said that cead mile failte was “something we pride ourselves on”.

He said migrants work in all areas of society including, the health service, something he has seen first-hand.

His speech was interrupted by one of the small number of counter-protesters, one of which had been aggressive toward the organiser and the TD himself.

But Mr Cahill said that it was that aggression that illustrated why the event was so important.

NTDC’s Margo O’Donnell-Roche addressed the crowd saying that NTDC is there working with many of the communities in Roscrea.

She said their goal was equality in line with the principles of community development, empowerment, community engagement and being the voice of people who don't have one.

FEAR

Following the vigil, some of those in attendance told the Tipperarylive that they felt compelled to attend to show that the events in January do not represent the community in Roscrea.

One attendee told us that she had hoped more attended the event but that some people are frightened to speak up.

The Racket Hall protests have divided the community, and this event was about solidarity and coming together.

In their statement the Tipperary Anti-Racism Network say that the protests have done nothing but intimidate and divide.

“Camping out around burning braziers outside what is now a home for those seeking safety and freedom from fear helps nobody.

“It is a form of intimidation, whether aimed at children or the horrible term ‘men of fighting age’, that betrays our moral compass.

“It has achieved nothing. It has only served to harm our community in the eyes of others and to chill the heart. It has divided people, brought hate into the community and stifled the interactions that are the lifeblood of Roscrea,” said the group.