In 2020, Imelda May wrote a powerful poem entitled You Don’t Get to Be Racist and Irish.
The poem supports migrants, travellers, disabled people, the LGBTI+ community and marginalised women.
Following the riots that took place in Dublin city centre on Thursday night.
A crowd of between 100 and 200 people took to O’Connell Street. The demonstration quickly dissolved into violence with fireworks and flares being thrown at Gardaí, three Dublin Buses and a Luas were burned due to arson and other vehicles being set on fire.
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A number of Gardaí were attacked during the unrest, with one member said to be seriously injured. 11 Garda vehicles were also destroyed or extensively damaged.
34 arrests were made.
Imelda May’s poem begins: “You dont get to be racist and Irish/You dont get to be proud of your heritage, plights and fights for freedom while kneeling on the neck of another!”
The powerful poem has been reshared by people across social media following the “anti-immigration” riots.
Imelda posted the video of her reciting the poem with the caption: “These are my words but not exclusively my feelings. I’m glad I can express a shared sentiment. I’m overwhelmed by your response. There’s a lot of love in this crazy world after all. Thank you.”
Other well-known Irish faces have condemned the riots that happened on Thursday.
“I dunno about you but if I was concerned about women and children’s safety I’d put a balaclava on and start smashing the city I live in up and setting shit on fire while women and children try to make their way home in the evening,” Louise McSharry wrote on social media followed by several other messages condemning the acts.
“I love Ireland, I love Dublin & today is a very dark day for our capital,” Roz Purcell wrote on social media.
I dunno about you but if I was concerned about women and children’s safety I’d put a balaclava on and start smashing the city I live in up and setting shit on fire while women and children try to make their way home in the evening.
— Louise McSharry (@louisemcsharry) November 23, 2023
“I live in Dublin 1, but glad I’m in Mayo tonight. Can’t believe the scenes I’m seeing on here. Appalling,” Panti Bliss tweeted before sharing: “For everyone’s safety we’re closing Pantibar and Pennylane now.”
Niamh Cullen wrote: “The guards do not deserve this? Absolutely disgusting I cannot get over this barbaric behaviour. Any excuse for these misinformed scumbags who clearly watch unregulated news platforms.
“What is wrong with you all shame on you!!!!!!!!! I’ve never felt so much anger and upset you all disgust us as a nation.”
