Irish Artists Stand Against Fascism
By 
There’s been a concerted attempt of late to expand the rise of fascism into Ireland, one of the few Anglophone white countries where it has not taken hold. The Irish so far are standing strong against it. Kudos to the musicians and other artists who held the line against a far-right music festival (the music would have been atrocious, almost by definition since the point was the politics of the musicians, not the quality), forcing it to be cancelled.
A controversial ‘far-right’ music festival has been cancelled after Kneecap, Christy Moore, Chris O’Dowd, and some 600 other prominent Irish artists reportedly signed an open letter calling for its cancellation.
The ‘Mise Éire Festival’ was planned for August 23, in the Mayflower Community Hall in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim.
A far-right rally planned in Cork for that day was reportedly set to be cancelled to allow supporters to travel to the festival.
On Wednesday, a message on the Mayflower’s social media said: “On behalf of Mayflower Community Centre CLG we regretfully wish to inform the public that the upcoming ‘Mise Éire’ festival due to be held on 23rd August, 2025, will NOT be hosted at the Mayflower Community Centre.
“This is due to terms & conditions not being complied with. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
It comes as a “torrent” of people had signed the open letter from Leitrim and Roscommon against Fascism (LARAF) since it was circulated on Friday.
“People got the fact that the far-right were trying to throw their weight around and make their way into community spaces,” Eamonn of LARAF said. “The Mayflower has a longstanding tradition as a music venue. And it’s the community hall in Drumshanbo.
“It was an absolute outpouring from the music and arts community.
Artists who signed include Charlie McGettigan, Vincent Woods, Christy Moore, Andy Irvine, Frances Black, Mary Coughlan, Fontaines DC, Mike Scott of The Waterboys and The Mary Wallopers.
I confess to not knowing too many of these folks, but I can say that Fontaines DC is a great band and I thank our coblogger, the great Elizabeth Nelson, for getting me into them. Let Irish musicians rule!