COLUMN: No-one shouted stop in Ballinrobe

'Skits' like the 'Epstein Files' float in the St Patrick's Day Parade in Ballinrobe contribute to a culture where violent, life-altering crimes like rape are systemically tolerated and trivialised.

A still from a video taken of the controversial float at the Ballinrobe St Patrick's Day Parade.

IT has been a long week for the organisers of the Ballinrobe St Patrick’s Day parade, I imagine. Such events are built on volunteerism, with people giving freely of their time and effort to create a community event. Amidst all the controversy about the ‘Epstein Files’ float (or ‘Epstien’ depending on the side of the road on which you were standing), it is important to remember this.

It was Wednesday when the Ballinrobe video was sent to me. It took me a moment to process what I was seeing, and then it hit me. A very short clip, basically depicting a rape taking place on a bed on the back of a trailer. Men chasing women around the float. Gardai were depicted. ‘Prince Andrew goin to jail’ proclaimed a sign placard, as a man stood in a cage. All in the name of having a laugh. Some people found it funny, if the video is anything to go by. No-one shouted stop.

I really struggled to put into words my feelings of disappointment and upset to see something like this happen in my own county.

Having been involved in countless community events down the years, I know that sometimes good taste is lacking, and often, ignorance and a lack of understanding of certain issues leads to offensive displays. St Patrick’s Day parades across the country........

© The Mayo News