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Kneecap pay tribute to Móglaí Bap's late father

Kneecap performing at the SSE Arena
Kneecap performing at the SSE Arena

Kneecap paid tribute to bandmate Móglaí Bap's father at a sold out Belfast gig just hours after the announcement of his death.

The Irish language rap trio, whose eponymous feature film was recently shortlisted for two Oscars, performed at the city’s SSE Arena on Saturday night.

Towards the end of the performance, a photo of Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, father of Móglaí Bap - whose real name is Naoise Ó Cairealláin - was projected onto a screen alongside the dates 1957-2024.

In an Instagram post earlier in the day, the band posted photos of Mr Ó Cairealláin, and wrote: "Gearoid Ó Cairealláin, father of Móglaí Bap passed away last night.

"He was an Irish language revolutionary, community activist, loving father, husband and an inspiration to many. We are heartbroken.

"Tonight’s concert at the SSE arena will be the largest Irish language gig in the city’s history.

"Nothing would have made him prouder. Tonight is for him."

Moglai Bap pays tribute to his father Gearóid Ó Cairealláin

The group, who blend punk and rap elements, is comprised of Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Provaí, who wears a balaclava as part of his on-stage persona.

Their rousing performance was supported by Irish artists, band Gurriers and vocalist Gemma Dunleavy.

The film Kneecap has been shortlisted for an Oscar in the best international feature film category and for best original song for Sick In The Head.

In November the group won their discrimination court battle against UK Conservative Party leader of the opposition and former business secretary Kemi Badenoch, after the British government conceded it was "unlawful" to refuse them a Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) funding award.

President Michael D Higgins

Earlier this month, their film Kneecap scooped seven gongs at the British Independent Film Awards, including best British independent film.

President Michael D Higgins acknowledged Gearóid Ó Cairealláin as a "major figure in the Irish language movement".

Mr Higgins, who is an avid advocate for the Irish language, paid tribute to Mr Ó Cairealláin in a statement issued on Sunday night.

"A major figure in the Irish language movement, Gearáid Ó Cairealláin's death is a great loss for all those who work for the use of the Irish language: its rights, its literature, and its place in the daily life of people.

"He served as president of Conradh na Gaeilge, but his contribution was much wider than that.

"Sabina and I send our sympathy to his family, including his sons Ainle, Cairbre and Naoise."

Source: Press Association

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