Palestine fundraiser event refused for Laois Seachtain na Gaeilge

An Irish speaking arts fundraiser for the Irish Red Cross in Palestine was turned down for inclusion in the Laois Seachtain na Gaeilge official events, because it was "party political".

However Laois County Council had a change of heart, after a motion by one of the organisers, Cllr Tommy Mulligan.

Cllr Mulligan tabled a motion to the February meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking for the inclusion of 'Pop Up Don Phalaistín' in the listed events of Seachtain na Gaeilge which takes place in March.

He is a member of the Cupla Focail Portlaoise Irish speaking group, who are holding the 'pop up Gaeltacht'. 

The event will be a gathering of people speaking Irish and enjoying live music and poetry, in Ramsbottoms Pub Portlaoise on Saturday night March 1.

The council's arts department is responsible for promoting events in Laois for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025. 

The poster of the Pop Up Don Palestine gaeltacht event in Portlaoise.

The written reply came from acting Director of Finance / Arts, Julie Bergin.

"Regarding library events during Seachtain na Gaeilge, the library service primarily hosts events that promote the Irish language and culture in line with the national initiative. The library service does not hold events of a party-political nature. As for hosting an event showcasing the culture of other countries, we will consider the suggestion when planning our other multicultural programmes throughout the year, such as World Refugee Week, Culture Night, and similar events".

Cllr Mulligan said he was disappointed.

"It's just a get together of people, there would be amrániocht and dánta - songs and poems - and there would be a collection for the Irish Red Cross in Gaza. All we are asking is for it to be put into the events lineup. 

"As a county council we backed the Occupied Territories Bill. We spoke in the chamber about it. 'Party political nature', what party am I? It's a pop up Gaeltacht, a group of Irish speakers, our group is called Cúpla Focail. A few local people singing songs playing music," he said.

His motion was seconded by Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.

"I am also disappointed. I spoke to another person on the committee Cupla Focail and there's no political involvement. These are people who love speaking the Irish language and love promoting it, and supporting the Red Cross in Gaza. Maybe the person who did the response didn't fully understand the nature of the collection. I ask you to go back and look at it," he said.

"This is an exception, a once off event," Cllr Mulligan added.

He asked for details of the time and venue of the event to be inserted in the promoted schedule of events.

The Director of Services Simon Walton agreed that it can be included. 

Seachtain na Gaeilge takes place from March 1 to 17, 2025.