Last Saturday, I took part in my first ever protest.
It wasn’t an easy decision — I’m not someone who typically picks up a placard or chants in the street. But this time, it felt necessary. It felt personal. As an Irish woman who is proud to be part of the Waterford New Communities Network, I knew I had to stand up and be counted.
Standing Beside My Friends
I stood there not just for myself, but beside people I now call friends — from Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Syria, Jordan. People who’ve built their lives here, who contribute every day to this city, and who ask for nothing more than dignity and fairness.
I also stood in solidarity with people from Poland, Hungary, Brazil, Italy, Czechia — many of whom have lived through the rise of far-right rhetoric in their home countries. They recognised the signs. And I wanted them to know: Waterford doesn’t say yes to hate. Not in our name.
It Wasn’t Local. We Were.
Let’s be clear: the far-right rally on Saturday was not a local event. People were bussed in, others came by train. The majority were not from Waterford. But we were. Locals turned up — and we outnumbered them.
We did it peacefully, with music and colour and strength. Trade union flags flew alongside LGBTQ+ banners. Families brought their children. There were chants, songs, and sunshine. It felt right.
Misinformation Can’t Go Unchallenged
What pushed me to show up was not just anger at racism — it was anger at lies.
This movement feeds on misinformation. On fear. On stories twisted beyond recognition. I wanted to stand against that. Because I believe most people don’t want division. They just need the truth.
And the truth matters.
Two local newspapers — The Munster Express and Waterford News & Star — reported on Saturday’s events fairly and accurately. They noted our larger turnout, the fact that many far-right attendees were from outside Waterford, and that one of their own was arrested due to infighting.
For that, the reporters have since been targeted by far-right trolls.
Imagine: being attacked for reporting the truth.
We All Bleed the Same
One of the most powerful moments came from Favour, a nurse and a member of our network.
She said when she cares for someone, she doesn’t check their nationality. She doesn’t ask about their race. She just cares. “When I take blood,” she said, “it’s the same colour every time.”
That line has stayed with me.
Why I’ll Keep Showing Up
Some people are uncomfortable with protest. I understand that. But this wasn’t about shouting at others. It was about showing up for something — for community, for truth, for fairness. For “belonging, not blaming.” For being “anchored in empathy.” For showing that you can be Irish and inclusive.
That’s the Ireland I want to live in. That’s the Waterford I saw on Saturday.
And I couldn’t be prouder to have been there.
By Sinéad Ní Maolmhicil
