Defence Forces in uniform not welcome at Limerick Pride, say organisers

MEMBERS of the Defence Forces wearing their uniforms are not welcome to participate in Limerick Pride on July 13, reads a statement by festival director, Lisa Daly.

It follows the conviction on Wednesday of Cathal Crotty, aged 22, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha for assaulting Natasha O’Brien, 24, in 2022. Mr Crotty boasted on Snapchat hours after the assault, “Two to put her down, two to put her out”.

Ms O’Brien and her friend were walking home when they told a group of men, one of whom was Mr Crotty, not to use a homophobic slur which was shouted at a man on Limerick’s O’Connell Street.

Ms Daly, in the statement, said the judge granted the attacker a three-year fully suspended sentence and ordered him to pay €3,000 compensation to the victim. 

“That’s not justice! Limerick Pride Festival would like to send a strong message that the Defence Forces are not welcome to participate in Limerick Pride on July 13. Pride is and always will be a protest!

“We are very aware that there are many in the Defence Forces who are strongly against what has happened and many who are a part of our community who serve them too. If you identify or are allies, then you are more than welcome to attend and enjoy the day with family and friends but without uniforms or banners.

“Like our counterparts in Dublin, we are aware that there are huge numbers of our Defence Forces and Court Services personnel who are decent and hard-working, and they will always be welcome at Pride – but as our priority is to respond to calls from the wider LGBTQI+ community, we have asked they do so unbranded, if they choose to come this year,” reads the statement.

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The committee has voted all in favour of this decision and statement.

Ms Daly said they have heard many stories about homophobia from their local community over the last number of months, which is concerning.

“The message sent out very clearly from this case to the LGBTQ+ community both locally and nationally, is very disappointing.

“We ask that all departments educate and bring more awareness to their staff members regarding Pride and the LGBTQI+ community.

“This year marks 50 years since the first ever Pride movement in Ireland. While we have come a long way since then we still have so much more to do, unfortunately we are not equal.

“The LGBTQI+ community has shown its solidarity and resilience together for many years and will continue to do so taking to the streets on Saturday, July 13  as we march proudly to this year’s Limerick Pride theme, I am what I am.

“From all the Limerick Pride committee, we are sending you all lots of love. Happy Pride!” concludes the statement by Ms Daly.

If you have been affected by this story or are looking to reach out to someone for support, advice or just to talk, there are numerous services available for LGBTQ+ people, many of which offer instant messaging support:

GOSHH, Samaritans, SpunOut.ie, LGBT Helpline, The Switchboard Dublin, Lesbian Line, Belong To, TENI, LGBTQI Pavee Point Aware, Pieta House, Jigsaw, Mental Health Ireland. They have also added a tab to their website limerickpride.ie of LGBT services.