Dundalk Communities Unite Against Hate

After five weeks of counter protesting the fascist parties and individuals who gathered in Dundalk each weekend, local organising group Dundalk Communities United (a now much larger variation on what has been a longstanding group in the town - previously calling themselves Dundalk for Change, Dundalk Together for Yes, Dundalk for Choice, Pro Choice Dundalk) decided they weren’t just happy with keeping the wolves at bay. It was time to plan further, build a future for the town where everyone feels safe and welcome. With this in mind, they organised their own separate event on Sunday August 25th – Rally against racism, a community day for families.

They filled the small pedestrian space of Earl street with tables for an art installation, based on the idea and quote around how if there is not enough space at the kitchen table (IE resources in society), then you simply build a bigger table. The vision of inclusivity and building a movement on the ideals of the average working class was a theme throughout the day, from all of the speakers…

James Renaghan from Dundalk Communities United and People Before profit,

Joy Orhue on behalf of Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI),

Darragh Adelaide of United Against Racism as well as PBP,

Irial O’Conaill from Community Action Tenants Union (CATU Louth),

Kitty Colbert was speaking for Autism Louth and #EDS4IRE,

Local man Mahmood (also a member of PBP),

Brian Condra with SIPTU,

Jordy Smyth from Dublin4Gaza,

as well as a Palestinian man who was walking past and wanted to stop to express his gratitude.

A varied line-up who brought diverse worries, ideas and reflections to words. As part of the organising team, James made sure to thank the community for coming along – not only to this singular event, but to the weekly counter gatherings also.

Dublin4Gaza member Jordy was able to reflect on the current situation in Palestine and actions their group have been organising. After all, what is often missing from the far-right’s conversations is how refugees are made in the first place. Surely if we want to tackle such injustice, if we care at all for our fellow humans, we need to confront not only our current obligations as a society, but try and prevent people needing to flee from their homes to begin with?

Wheelchair user Kitty spoke from her experiences as a disabled woman, as a group of disenfranchised in our society that are often pitted against other people in need (IE migrants). Kitty reminded the crowd that she does not fight anyone for resources. Especially those in society who have as little power and control as herself. Joy and Mahmood spoke from the heart about how they felt personally seeing such hatred in the country they call their home. The worry for their families safety is a real concern for them, and for everyone that was in attendance.

Irial on behalf of the housing union CATU spoke about a common crisis we all face, and why placing the blame on those not in power does not help any of us achieve the basic goal of owning a safe and secure home. None of us benefit from our current landlord state, except of course the actual landlords, and especially not migrants. An impassioned Brian brought home the importance and value of a united community, even joking about the old, well-known feud between Dundalk and Drogheda... It really is a beautiful thing to see a county united, even if we all wish this never had to occur under such circumstances.

But most importantly, the speakers spoke of hope. For it was obvious this is only the start of the revolution. As Darragh remarked, Dundalk has been showing the rest of the country how things should be done. That there is no room for fascists on our streets in Louth. Many who have been affected by the far-right across the country are now watching our wee county, in hope.

Intertwined with the art, speeches and loving energy, there was also acoustic music from the best the county and locality has to offer – Alice Robinson, Seán Mc Kenna, Andrew Hendy, Ines Khai, Caroline Reel, The Shamrock Showband, Dominic Jones, Simon Byrne/ Tall Pupper Music, Needy Pet, Geansaí, Orla Flanagan, Joycey & Fahy and Seán Ó Roideáin.

You can watch all speeches and musicians on Dundalk Communities United Instagram Account and Facebook page.