The recent violent attack on an Indian man in Dublin, where he was beaten and partially stripped in public, has shaken many of us. If we are truly honest, we know this wasn’t an isolated case. Racism exists in Ireland and it’s time we face that truth.
This assault wasn’t just a horrific act of violence. It was a hate crime. It sent a message that even in modern Ireland, some people are still treated as “outsiders.” That is unacceptable.
Ireland today is multicultural. Our communities, classrooms, and workplaces are filled with people of all nationalities and backgrounds. That’s something to celebrate but only if we’re also willing to protect it. Diversity without inclusion is fragile and silence in the face of racism only makes things worse.
Here in Galway, we pride ourselves on being open and welcoming but that means taking responsibility too. We should not wait until something awful happens locally before we act. Let Galway be the city that leads through actions, not just words.
There are real things we can do:
Local councils can host open forums on racism and inclusion.
Gardai? can respond quickly and transparently to hate incidents.
Schools can teach empathy, respect, and cultural understanding from an early age.
Community groups and media can amplify the voices of people who are often overlooked.
What happened in Dublin is not just a Dublin problem. It’s an Irish problem and we are all responsible for shaping what kind of Ireland we live in.
When any group, Indian, Black, Roma, Traveller, Muslim, or any other minority is targeted, the rest of us must speak out. Not with a hashtag, not with a shrug, but with conviction.
This is not about politics. It’s about basic human decency. No one should fear walking down the street because of the colour of their skin.
Galway has the heart and history to lead by example. So, let’s not wait for another headline. Let’s choose to act now together, as one community.
