Pharmacist Said Reflects on Working in Coolock During Dublin Riots on First Dates

Said, a 26-year-old pharmacist from Ranelagh, appeared on Season 11 of RTÉ’s First Dates, where he shared a personal and poignant memory from his past: working in a pharmacy in Coolock when the Dublin riots broke out. The episode, which aired on April 23, 2026, featured Said meeting Zaza, a creative writing master’s student from Tucson, Arizona, in a heartfelt conversation that touched on identity, belonging, and resilience.

During the date, Said revealed he was born in Azerbaijan and moved to Ireland at the age of two. He recalled spending time in asylum seeker accommodation, including an old B&B in Tipperary, before eventually settling in Dublin. “It wasn’t easy because there really wasn’t many immigrants around back then,” he said. “It was challenging growing up but you get on with it.”

He went on to earn his pharmacy degree from Trinity College Dublin and described a pivotal moment during civil unrest in Coolock. “I was working in a pharmacy in Coolock when the Dublin riots broke out,” Said recalled. “I remember people coming in and the looks I was getting just felt different. And as someone who’s lived in Ireland their entire life, I love Irish culture. I work hard for this place, I work hard for this people. And then to say, ‘no, you don’t belong here’, it just doesn’t feel great.”

The Coolock unrest referenced in the interview is linked to a series of protests and violent incidents in late 2024 and early 2025, primarily centered around plans to employ the former Crown Paints factory as accommodation for international protection applicants. Court proceedings in February 2026 revealed that an ‘agitated’ man had been accused of inciting an anti-immigrant riot involving approximately 500 people in the area. The incident led to significant disruption, with reports of looting, arson, and clashes with Gardaí.

Despite the difficult memories, Said emphasized his deep connection to Ireland. “If someone asks me where I’m from, I say I’m Irish,” he stated on the show. His reflections resonated with viewers, highlighting the complex experiences of immigrants and second-generation Irish citizens navigating identity amid social tension.

The episode contributed to ongoing conversations about inclusion, community, and the everyday realities of life in modern Ireland — themes that continue to be explored in public discourse and media.

Key Takeaways

• Said, a pharmacist and First Dates participant, shared his experience working in Coolock during the Dublin riots.
• He migrated from Azerbaijan to Ireland at age two and grew up in asylum seeker accommodations before settling in Dublin.
• Said earned his pharmacy degree from Trinity College Dublin.
• The Coolock riots were connected to protests over the use of the former Crown Paints factory for asylum seeker accommodation.
• In February 2026, a court heard that an ‘agitated’ man had incited a riot involving around 500 people in Coolock.
• Despite facing exclusionary rhetoric, Said affirmed his Irish identity and commitment to the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Said from First Dates?

Said is a 26-year-old pharmacist from Ranelagh who appeared on Season 11 of RTÉ’s First Dates. He was born in Azerbaijan and moved to Ireland at age two.

What did Said say about working in Coolock during the riots?

Said recalled working in a pharmacy in Coolock when the Dublin riots broke out, noting that he felt people were looking at him differently and found it painful to be told he didn’t belong in Ireland despite having lived there his entire life.

Where did Said study pharmacy?

Said earned his degree in Pharmacy from Trinity College Dublin.

What caused the unrest in Coolock?

The unrest in Coolock stemmed from protests and riots related to plans to use the former Crown Paints factory as accommodation for international protection applicants, which sparked significant community opposition and, in some cases, violent demonstrations.

Was anyone held accountable for the Coolock riots?

In February 2026, court proceedings heard that an ‘agitated’ man had been accused of inciting an anti-immigrant riot in Coolock involving approximately 500 people.