Leitrim Pride concludes with celebration and condemnation of online abuse

Leitrim Pride wrapped up on Sunday, August 31, after a week of colourful celebrations across the county. The annual event marked solidarity with the LGBTIQ+ community, featuring a wide range of activities and gatherings.

Speaking after the week’s events, the secretary of Leitrim Pride addressed online abuse directed at the march and its participants. A video of Saturday’s march received hundreds of comments online, many supportive but a significant minority negative.

“If you are other, they are going to be loud with the fact that they are uncomfortable with other people being different from them,” the secretary told Shannonside in relation to the online abuse.

“This very old belief that if you are anywhere outside of the status quo in terms of orientation you are automatically a predator, which is obviously not true. But enough people believe it, because they haven’t had that question enough,” they continued.

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The festivities began on Monday, August 25, with the raising of the Pride flag at Áras an Chontae, Carrick-on-Shannon. Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy Farrell performed the ceremony to officially open this year’s Pride.

“We've put a lot of work in to bring you a full schedule this year!” a Leitrim Pride spokesperson said ahead of the celebrations.

On Wednesday, August 27, participants joined a wildflower identification walk from the Bee Park in Manorhamilton, followed by a talk and picnic at Manorhamilton’s Historic Star Fort. Aífe Kearns guided attendees through the county’s rich biodiversity.

Thursday, August 28, featured the annual Pride information day at the Market Yard in Carrick-on-Shannon, where people stopped by to support Pride and gather details about the week’s activities.

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The highlight of the week, the Leitrim Pride March, went ahead in rainy conditions on Saturday, August 30. Around 30 people gathered at Scoil Mhuire before marching to Town Park. Tully Crafts Tully Truck was on hand selling queer merchandise, while later in the day a post-march party at The Bush Hotel featured performances from Nostalgia and DJ Ace. A private cabaret-style function room was booked exclusively for Pride attendees, with free entry.

The week concluded on Sunday with a post-Pride breakfast at The Olive Tree in Carrick-on-Shannon, bringing the celebrations to a close.