Shock and anger has been expressed after a video emerged showing loyalists laughing as they sang along to a song jeering at the murder of Michaela McAreavey, the young woman murdered on her honeymoon in Mauritius.
The video, reportedly filmed at a centenary event to celebrate the Orange Order, has been described as ‘depraved’ and ‘absolutely sick’. Unionist leaders have condemned the video.
The shocking footage was shared by Malachy Quinn, a SDLP Councillor for Torrent. It is understood that the video was first shared on Facebook and then taken down.
“I was sent this video. I haven’t the words to describe my anger at a song being sung mocking the murder of Michaela McArevey, never mind it being sung at a “Centenary Event”. This is beyond reprehensible. Those involved should be bloody ashamed,” he wrote.
https://twitter.com/MalachyQuinn/status/1532493058645938216
Mr Quinn said that “the lyrics sung are: “She went to her room to get a wee treat. Something something strangers she did meet. They hammered & they hammered & they bate her about. John mcarevey never gave her a shout. Round & round & up & down Through the streets of ballygawley town”
“This type of toxic sectarianism needs to be called out and condemned on all sides, I suspect there will be silence and wataboutery from the usual people. added.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP leader, described the video as “vile”. “It is plain wrong and is deeply hurtful to the family of Michaela McAreavey,” he wrote. The TUV leader Jim Allister also slammed those who were singing: “The video glorying in the murder of Michaela McAreavey is beyond disgusting, bringing shame and dishonour on all associated with such loathsome behaviour.”
Peadar Tóibín, leader of Aontú said that the video was “sickening”. Author Gerry Cunningham said the video brought him to despair.
“Michaela McAreavey (Harte) was a wonderful young lady cruelly murdered. I was lucky enough to call her and her family, my good friends. The video tonight showing people in an orange hall singing gleefully about her death is beyond sickening. I really really despair,” he wrote.
Michaela McAreavey(Harte) was a wonderful young lady cruelly murdered. I was lucky enough to call her and her family, my good friends. The video tonight showing people in an orange hall singing gleefully about her death is beyond sickening. I really really despair. pic.twitter.com/2M1jrcNkWI
— Gerry Cunningham (@GerryCu58302876) June 3, 2022
Michaela McAreavey, was a popular 27-year-old Irish language teacher from Ballygawley, in County Tyrone, and was the much-loved daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte, always present at her father’s side during what was described as the the most memorable period in the history of the GAA in Tyrone. Her murder shocked the nation.
Editor of the Irish Catholic, Michael Kelly, described the video as “disgustingly diabolical”.
“Let’s see if all the ‘planter’ pearl-clutchers have anything to say about that disgustingly diabolical video of loyalists singing and jeering at the murder of Michaela McAreavey. I won’t hold my breath,” he tweeted.
Let’s see if all the ‘planter’ pearl-clutchers have anything to say about that disgustingly diabolical video of loyalists singing and jeering at the murder of Michaela McAreavey. I won’t hold my breath.
— Michael Kelly ن (@MichaelPTKelly) June 3, 2022