Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
FAR-RIGHT PROTESTORS demonstrated today in Cork city.
The march, organised in September, was today said to be against Cork City Council’s recent decision to remove flags put up in the city by anti-migrant groups.
Gardaí deployed large numbers in response to online comments during the week.
Around 250 protestors met at Grand Parade, Cork city centre, with some clad in black face coverings, waving the Irish tricolour.
The demonstration coincided with a large-scale pro-Palestine protest of around 1,000 people, which is held weekly and regularly draws large crowds.
Far-right protestors demonstrated today against Cork City Council’s recent decision to remove flags put up in the city by anti-migrant groups.
— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) October 11, 2025
Gardaí deployed large numbers in response to online comments during the week. pic.twitter.com/7TligZHEFB
As the Palestine protest was underway, far-right protestors were gathered in an area cordoned off by gardaí.
A Garda spokesperson said gardaí had “implemented a proportionate operation to police a number of public gatherings which took place in Cork City Centre”.
The Palestine protest marched back to Grand Parade and far-right supporters moved off down South Mall towards a makeshift stage at City Hall.
The march was led by Justin Barrett, who was flanked by masked men dressed all in black with boots.
Members of the public confronted marchers. The far-right participants chanted “you’ll never beat the Irish” and “Mícheál is a wanker”.
Legal observers from the Irish Council of Civil Liberties were present at the protest.
At City Hall, Barrett took to the stage and stated that the protest was organised in opposition to tricolours being removed from poles in the city centre.
The tricolour has been erected in public spaces across the country by anti-migrant groups in recent months.
Those responsible have said it is to show patriotism, but others have said the motivation stems from anti-migrant sentiment.
Cork City Council previously told The Journal that the hanging of flags and banners on public infrastructure was not allowed.
The Council removed the flags over the last two days.
The Tánaiste previously said there are “very clear” rules around how you properly and respectfully display the national flag and emphasised that it must be done correctly.
“The tricolour should never be hijacked or used to represent something that is against what this Republic stands for,” he said.
“I welcome more flags, but we saw our flag hijacked by one group for many years. We’re sure as hell not going to allow the far-right now hijack our flag.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say