IMPORTANT CORRECTION
A Correction and Updated Post: Contrasting Events in Dublin on Saturday
A few days ago, I posted about what I believed were various celebrations for Spanish National Day in Dublin on Saturday, the 11th of October. I need to issue a significant correction and an apology for a serious error in that post. My initial account misrepresented a major event and I am truly sorry for the mistake and any confusion it caused.
My Original Error
In my post, I described seeing a large group on Bolton Street, who I mistakenly identified as Spanish nationals joyously celebrating Día de la Hispanidad. I described them as being like “passionate football supporters” and their chanting as a “public and joyous expression of national pride.”
This was completely wrong.
The group was, in fact, comprised of supporters of the German football club FC Schalke 04, who were in Dublin for a friendly match. Far from being a joyous celebration, their march through the city was marred by a violent incident where a female documentary photographer, Carly Clarke, was assaulted.
According to reports from RTÉ News and Ms. Clarke’s own account, she was pushed, her camera was grabbed, and a friend who intervened was knocked to the ground and kicked. This behaviour is appalling and has been rightly condemned. FC Schalke 04 issued a statement expressing their sympathy for those affected, stating the incidents were “completely unjustifiable” and that they would be rigorously investigated. It’s a sobering reminder of how easily a situation can be misinterpreted from a distance. I was fortunate not to have gotten any closer.
The Genuine Spanish Celebrations
While that incident cast a dark shadow over the afternoon, it is important to acknowledge that there were indeed genuine and beautiful Spanish cultural celebrations happening elsewhere in the city, which were entirely separate and peaceful.
My earlier observation of a Tuna group near the Dominick Street Luas stop was correct. This traditional Spanish university student group, in their distinctive historical dress and wooden albarcas (clogs from Cantabria), brought a wonderful piece of authentic Spanish heritage to the streets. They were heading to St. Saviour’s Church, a hub for Dublin’s Spanish community, likely for the weekly Spanish Vigil Mass, a fitting way to mark the eve of their national day.
Furthermore, the official celebration took place at the Riu Plaza The Gresham Hotel, where the Spanish Embassy hosted its National Day reception. The event, led by Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Cristian Font, and attended by Ambassador-Designate Teresa Lizaranzu, featured the music of Salsa Brava and showcased Spanish food and wine. It also highlighted the strong economic ties between Spain and Ireland, with sponsors like Avant Money (part of Spain’s Bankinter), AYESA, Elecnor Group, and others who have a significant presence here.
Reflections
Saturday, the 11th of October, presented two starkly different scenes in Dublin. One was a beautiful and authentic display of cultural heritage, and the other was an ugly and violent incident that has been rightly condemned. My initial post conflated the two, and for that, I am again very sorry. Thank you for reading this correction.