'It proves that the town needs Pride to fight against discrimination and hatred'

A number of rainbow flags erected in the town centre for this weekend's Mullingar Pride were taken down and dumped yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

Fifteen large flags, almost half of the total number put by the Mullingar Pride organising committee, were taken down in the Pearse Street/Austin Friar Street area by a group of men at around 3pm on Wednesday.

“We got permission from the council to put Pride flags on all of the poles in the centre of town. With the help of Mullingar Tidy Towns and our own committee, we put them up last Friday. In total, 34 flags were put up around the town," Mullingar Pride chair Daniel Boyne told the Westmeath Examiner.

“We were targeted by a group of men, who removed 15 flags. A number of my friends happened to be in town, witnessed them doing it, and sent us photos. There were four men, I think. They went and removed as many flags as they could.”

Mr Boyne says that the stolen flags cost in the region of €200, a significant sum of money for a new event. The committee also had to fund the purchase of replacement flags, which were put up on Wednesday evening.

“We don't know where they put them. We looked in the bins and can't find them. They are gone. The money for the flags was not easy to come by.”

The chair added that while the majority of local people are supportive of a Pride festival being held in Mullingar, the incident on Wednesday afternoon has upset the organising committee.

“It is very hurtful. A team of people have worked hard to put this thing together and to show representation in our town.

“One thing I will say is that is that it proves that the town needs Pride to fight against discrimination and hatred. It is in the town and we are fighting against it.

“To be fair, I do think they are a minority, but they are very loud and very aggressive in how they portray themselves.”

Mr Boyne said that sections of the “right wing media” are “causing false narratives and creating fear in these people”.

While disappointed by the incident, Mr Boyne added that he and the committee are looking forward to Saturday. In addition to the Pride parade, which starts at 3.30pm, there will also be a family event in Blackhall from 2pm to 3pm. Doors open for Werk! Fest at 5pm.

“We don't want this to deter people from coming. They will be safe at Pride. We want people to come and enjoy themselves,” he said.

A garda spokesperson told the Westmeath Examiner that they are “making enquires” in relation to the theft of the flags.