'Deeply saddened' - Kevin O’Brien condemns racist attacks on Indians in Ireland
"These attacks do not represent who we are as a people. India and its people hold a very special place in my heart," said O'Brien.
Former Ireland cricketer Kevin O’Brien has spoken out in support of Indian nationals following recent racist attacks against them in the country, describing the incidents as "hateful" and unrepresentative of the Irish people.
In a social media post on Tuesday, August 12, O’Brien acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community in Ireland and assured that their presence and efforts are deeply valued. The former all-rounder, who announced his retirement from international cricket in 2022, emphasised that such acts do not reflect the true spirit of his nation.
“I want to say how deeply saddened I am by the recent racist and hateful acts against Indians in Ireland. These attacks do not represent who we are as a people. India and its people hold a very special place in my heart," O’Brien said on X.
“I want to reiterate to the Indian community that Ireland is your home too. Your contribution to Irish society is immense, and we deeply value everything you do," he added.
His video was reposted by the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, accompanied by a message stating that the bond between the two countries would remain unshaken by the actions of a small minority.
“A special message from Irish cricketer @KevinOBrien113. The bond between our countries will remain unshaken by the actions of a small few," the tweet reads.
The remarks by the former cricketer and the Embassy come amid a spate of attacks on Indian nationals in parts of Ireland. On Friday, the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi stated that racism and xenophobia have no place in Irish society. It assured that such attacks will not be tolerated and stressed that the actions of a few do not represent the spirit of the Irish people.
“The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi is deeply shocked and saddened by the recent violent attacks against Indian citizens that have taken place in Ireland. We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. They are an assault on the values of equality and human dignity that Ireland holds dear," the statement read.
“Racism and xenophobia have no place in Irish society. The actions of the few do not reflect the spirit of the Irish people. It will not be tolerated," it added.
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