Просмотр новости
Найдите то, что Вас интересует
Спутники
РН
SpaceX
Роскосмос
NASA
СпутникиРНSpaceXРоскосмосNASAA loyalist group has lodged a complaint with Fleadh organisers following the incident
Pro-IRA Song At Belfast Fleadh
A food trader at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast has apologised for accidentally playing a pro-IRA song to customers.
The Hatch issued an apology for “any offence caused” after a video circulated online, appearing to show pro-IRA music being played from their van. It's understood the song was Celtic Symphony by the Wolfe Tones.
The business, which has branches in Newcastle and Banbridge, is currently operating within the Official Food & Drink Village at St Anne's Cathedral. It said the song was played entirely by accident.
Let’s Talk Loyalism has now lodged a complaint with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann organisers about the incident and requested that organisers condemn pro-IRA songs being played at stalls associated with the event.
Their formal complaint states: “On August 5 an alleged food trader played ‘Oh Ah Up the Ra’ over their speakers to queuing customers, including families and children. The incident was captured on video, attached. I ask that you identify the trader from the footage and the Fleadh trading records.”
The loyalist group added: “This song glorifies the IRA, in Belfast, a city the IRA bombed indiscriminately for decades. People here buried parents, children, husbands and wives. Survivors still live with the injuries and the trauma.
“For them, this song is a public celebration of the organisation that destroyed their lives, played at a self-proclaimed family event, in the heart of the city, from a stall trading under a council licence. The hurt this causes is profound.
“It also threatens the Fleadh itself. This event came to Belfast promising a shared celebration open to all, and many in British, unionist and Protestant communities took that promise in good faith, welcoming, attending and even participating in the Fleadh.
“The Fleadh declares its ethos ‘all-embracing and inclusive of everyone regardless of race, religion or ability.’ If this incident goes unaddressed, the perception will take hold that the Fleadh is comfortable with the celebration of extreme republicanism, and its identity as an inclusive space will be compromised. Silence would not be neutrality. It would be confirmation.”
The group called on Fleadh organisers to immediately investigate the incident, revoke the trader’s licence, and make a public statement condemning it.
Issuing an apology following the incident, The Hatch said it was “absolutely devastated” after watching the video, adding that their Fleadh playlist contained the song in question.
The business added, “The Fleadh has been an incredibly positive event, and we would be very upset if this mistake was used to stir up tension. This song was played unintentionally, and we apologise for any offence caused.”
In a statement, a Belfast City Council spokesman said: “We are aware of this video and have spoken to the operators of the official Food and Drink Village to ensure all traders and vendors are aware that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is a welcoming and inclusive event for everyone.
“This incident does not reflect the ethos of the Fleadh, and we do not support any behaviour or music which could cause offence or intimidation.“We would also take this opportunity to remind everyone attending and taking part in the Fleadh to be respectful of other visitors – the Fleadh is an event for everyone.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What's On newsletter.