Northern Ireland

‘Tonight is for him’ - Kneecap confirm Belfast gig will go ahead after death of member’s father

Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, father of Kneecap’s Naoise, was a major champion of the Irish language in Belfast

Gearóid Ó Caireallán father of Kneecap's Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Moglaí Bap)
Gearóid Ó Caireallán father of Kneecap's Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Moglaí Bap)
By Allan Preston

KNEECAP have confirmed their Belfast gig at the SSE Arena will go ahead despite the death of one of the “heartbroken” Irish language rap group’s father on Friday.

Posting an update on Saturday afternoon, they said: “Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, father of Móglái Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) passed away last night.

“He was an Irish language revolutionary, community activist, loving father, husband and an inspiration to many. We are heartbroken.”

They added: “Tonight’s concert at the SSE arena will be the largest Irish language gig in the city’s history.

“Nothing would have made him prouder.”

Mr Ó Cairealláin (67) died in the Royal Victoria Hospital after a short illness and has been remembered as one of the most noted Irish language champions over the last several decades.

A former head of Conradh na Gaeilge from 1995-98, he helped found the daily newspaper Lá and Raidió Fáilte as well being a central figure in the establishment of Coláiste Feirste.

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His work continued despite suffering a stroke nearly two decades ago that left him paralysed from the waist down.

A tribute from Conradh na Gaeilge called him “one of the great leaders and pioneers in the Irish language movement in Belfast.”

Naoise Ó Cairealláín Móglaí Bap
Gearóid Ó Cairealláín pictured with his family at the premier of the Kneecap film in west Belfast in August. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN

The group’s current president, Paula Melvin, said: “There can be no denying the incredible influence and impact Gearóid had on the Irish language movement, not only in Belfast, but throughout the country.

“He leaves behind him an undeniable legacy that will be an immense source of inspiration for us all throughout the future. Go raibh míle maith agat, a Ghearóid agus suaimhneas síoraí ort.”

JJ O’Dochartaigh, also known as DJ Provai, of the Belfast-based rap group Kneecap, arrives at Belfast High Court
Kneecap have confirmed their Belfast gig at the SSE Arena will go ahead.

Conradh na Gaeilge advocacy manager, Conchúr Ó Muadaigh, added: “We have lost a giant, a leader, a great pioneer and activist of the Irish language movement, Gearóid Ó Cairealláin.

“The Irish language community in Belfast will be thinking of the incredible contributions of Gearóid over the coming days, weeks and months.

“Today, our thoughts are with Gearóid’s family and friends. Gearóid encapsulated the ‘Ná hAbair é, Déan é” drive and passion that led to the birth and development of so many transformational projects and campaigns in Belfast.

“He was, in many ways, the great architect of the modern revival, and the Irish language community as we know it today would simply not be here were it not for Gearóid and his colleagues. Lá, an Chultúrlann, Aisling Ghéar, Raidió Fáilte, Preas an Phobail, Coláiste Feirste are only a handful of the immeasurable cornerstones Gearóid laid during his life, amongst countless other campaigns and contributions.

“Gearóid was resolute in his drive for language rights and equality, and tirelessly challenged the state and authorities for Irish language services. We must now seek to continue that activism in honour of our friend, Gearóid Ó Cairealláin.”