A bonfire – topped with dummies wearing lifejackets in a rowboat – with a sign “stop the boats” erected in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, has been condemned by Northern Ireland’s leading politicians.
The Moygashel Bonfire Association shared images of its controversial pyre on social media early on Wednesday morning, July 9.
Other signs on the Moygashel bonfire say “Veterans before Refugees” and “Stop illegal immigration.”
The structure is due to be lit on Thursday, July 10, as part of bonfire night traditions.
An event page created by Moygashel Bonfire Association on Facebook says there will be music, refreshments, and food, a street parade with various local marching bands, and fireworks in the “build up to the main event” on Thursday.
🔥MOYGASHEL BONFIRE 2025🔥 BONFIRE LIT THURSDAY 10TH JULY. 10.30PM
Posted by Moygashel Bonfire Association on Tuesday, July 8, 2025
The Moygashel bonfire is no stranger to controversy.
Last year, a police car – which featured pictures of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Gerry Kelly – was placed atop the structure.
In 2023, it featured Ireland’s then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the Irish tricolor, and a sign saying “Good Friday Agreement? … That ship has sailed.”
“Who is this for?”
Responding to the images of the latest Moygashel bonfire, Claire Hanna, head of the SDLP, said on social media: “Bonfires are a tradition enjoyed by many – without asbestos, or racism or sectarian baiting, without risking homes.
“Then there are those for whom hate, confrontation & media rows seem to be the whole purpose. Intricate effigies of humans beings, for burning.
“Who is this for?”
Bonfires are a tradition enjoyed by many- without asbestos, or racism or sectarian baiting, without risking homes.
Then there are those for whom hate, confrontation & media rows seem to be the whole purpose. Intricate effigies of humans beings, for burning. Who is this for? https://t.co/bJebRwreNx pic.twitter.com/f0z6TyROpn
— Claire Hanna (@ClaireHanna) July 9, 2025
“Incitment to hatred”
Colm Gildernew, Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, said in a statement: “This is an absolutely disgusting act, fuelled by sickening racist and far-right attitudes.
“This is a clear incitement to hatred and must be removed immediately.
“Those who come to our island to make it their home are not the enemy. They are our friends, our neighbours, and are welcomed, cherished and valued by the vast majority of people here.
“Political leaders in this area must step up, call for the removal of these offensive materials and make it clear they do not support such vile, deplorable views.”
Vile, racist effigies & posters atop Moygashel bonfire must be removed immediately. This is not culture.This disgusting act, fuelled by sickening racist attitudes, is a clear incitement to hatred. All political leaders must step up, condemn it outright & demand its removal now. pic.twitter.com/m7QZO9PNoA
— Colm Gildernew MLA (@GildernewColm) July 9, 2025
“Blatant act of racism and hatred”
Alliance Councillor Eddie Roofe said: “The placing of this racist model on top of the bonfire is despicable and must be removed immediately.
“It is nothing but a blatant act of racism and hatred, and cannot be excused as a celebration of culture. Those responsible only seek to incite fear and spread far-right beliefs and do not represent the community as a whole.
“Every year, we see incidents of hate and intimidation associated with bonfires, and this behaviour is entirely unacceptable. While Alliance supports everyone’s right to celebrate their culture and traditions, these celebrations must be conducted safely and respectfully. They should never come at the expense of another person.
“I urge everyone to speak out against these actions, and I hope to see these inappropriate displays taken down as soon as possible. If we are to move forward as a society, we must all begin to show respect for one another.”
. @EddieRoofe calls for the immediate removal of racist display on County Tyrone bonfire, describing it as despicable.
Read more here: https://t.co/aid8McQVX2
— Alliance Party (@allianceparty) July 9, 2025
“Sickening, deplorable”
Ulster Unionist Party MLA for Strangford Mike Nesbitt also condemned the Moygashel display.
This image is sickening, deplorable and entirely out of step with what is supposed to be a cultural celebration. I condemn it without reservation and urge those responsible to remove it forthwith. pic.twitter.com/SnqI1Zjvc6
— Mike Nesbitt (@mikenesbittni) July 9, 2025
“Not part of the tradition”
The BBC reports that the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) said bonfires on July 11 are “a historic and cultural tradition stretching back to the fires lit to welcome the arrival of King William lll” and “should be positive cultural celebrations.”
While the DUP said it supported “those within our community that wish to celebrate their culture by continuing with that tradition in a peaceful, positive and safe way,” it added that the “placing of flags, effigies or other items on bonfires is not part of that tradition and should not take place.”
“Time for leadership”
Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, Vice President of Sinn Fein, did not directly reference the Moygashel bonfire, but said on Wednesday that “we have seen … openly racist displays that are sickening and deplorable.”
She added: “It’s time for leadership to be shown.”
Many people will celebrate their culture and traditions this week.
Unfortunately, we have seen incidents that pose serious risks to life, property, the health of residents and vital public services, alongside openly racist displays that are sickening and deplorable.
Political…
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) July 9, 2025
www.irishcentral.com (Article Sourced Website)
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