Musicians take a stance against racism in Ireland
Limerick artists took to the stage on Friday, September 27 in support of the fundraiser ‘LimROCK against Racism’.
Put together by local artists and activists including Phil Meaney, a member of the Limerick Anti-Racism Network, LimROCK against racism saw Limerick musicians such as Emma Langford, Steve ón ‘dings, Shroomie, Meadhbh Hayes and Annie Cheevers come together for a night of solidarity.
“Our reasoning behind holding this event was due to the rise of racism in Ireland over the last couple of years,” said organiser Phil Meaney, “I am a member of LARN, we are a collective made up of local activists who have worked for years, even decades, to make our city a safer place for all.”
The fundraiser was split between Tamar Nijim and the family of Anu Okusanya.
Tamar is from Gaza and is raising money to have her family relocated to Ireland. Anu was a Nigerian healthcare worker who passed away due to targeted gang violence in Newry.
Fundraiser seen as a massive success
Eventgoers hailed the fundraiser as a massive success that was down to the artists. Among the performers was the local band 50 Foot Woman: “This band started by playing benefit gigs like this. It means a lot to us [to perform], especially for such a worthy cause,” they explain.
LimROCK against Racism was another chapter in the city’s record of musicians keeping activism alive. Many of the performers, including Emma Langford and Annie Cheevers also performed at the Gig for Gaza in Dolans last November. “Limerick has a history of anti-racism and we are dedicated to continuing that legacy,” stated Phil.