Sinn Féin’s Social Media Week: McDonald’s IRA Tribute and Gould’s Jamaican Connection

It was a mixed week on social media for some Sinn Féin TDs, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald facing criticism over a tribute to a late IRA commander, even as a speech by Cork North-Central TD Thomas Gould unexpectedly resonated in Jamaica.

McDonald’s Tribute to Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane Draws Backlash

McDonald’s post on X marking the first anniversary of “comrade” Brendan “Bik” McFarlane, who was convicted in connection with the 1975 Bayardo Bar massacre – which resulted in five deaths – stated his was “a life well lived, a life that shaped a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”

The post prompted a community note on X, stating: “Brendan McFarlane was not a peace activist, he was a mass murderer, his youngest victim was only 17. Well known to have been an active terrorist for many years.”

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was among those who criticized the post, stating that “attempts to whitewash history” do not help the case for Irish unification. David Kelly, whose father was killed by a gang he believes was led by McFarlane, as well criticized McDonald, accusing her of “psychological abuse.”

McFarlane was jailed in 1976 for a gun and bomb attack on the Bayardo Bar in Belfast, which killed five people and injured 60 others. He also led a mass escape of 38 inmates from the Maze prison in 1983.

In a statement released on February 21, 2025, Mary Lou McDonald described McFarlane as “a giant of Irish republicanism” and “an vital influence on the development of the peace process.”

Gould’s Cork Accent Captivates Jamaican Audience

In contrast to the criticism leveled at McDonald, a clip of Thomas Gould speaking in the Dáil with his distinctive Cork accent went viral in Jamaica. A social media user, @colomboclaat876, posted the clip with the caption, “The influence the Irish has on the Jamaican accent is uncanny lol,” garnering hundreds of shares and thousands of likes.

Stevroy Steer, of Jamaicans in Ireland, noted the similarity in accents during a segment on Cork’s Red FM. Gould himself stated he has no connection to the island, but has been contacted by the Jamaican Observer for an interview and encouraged to visit.

Netflix to Adapt Claire Keegan’s ‘Walk the Blue Fields’

Netflix has announced its involvement in an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s 2007 novel, Walk the Blue Fields, with production beginning during the week. The film will be primarily shot in Ireland and stars Emily Blunt, Andrew Scott, and Ciarán Hinds.

John Crowley will direct, with a script by Conor McPherson. Element Pictures, who previously produced adaptations of Sally Rooney’s Normal People and Conversations with Friends, are also involved.

Revenue Seeks ‘Confident and Social’ Dogs for Smuggling Detection

The Revenue Commissioners issued a tender notice worth up to €1 million for multipurpose dogs capable of detecting tobacco, cash, vapes, and drugs. The three-year contract seeks Labradors and spaniels aged between one and two-and-a-half years, emphasizing the need for dogs that are “confident, not nervy or aggressive, and social with humans and other dogs.”

Bus Journey Times in Dublin 15 Questioned

Fine Gael TD Emer Currie highlighted data showing that buses traveling from Dublin city centre to Dublin West between 4:30pm and 6:29pm average speeds of 12.5km/h to 13.5km/h. She pointed out that a professional walker could match or even beat these speeds, questioning the effectiveness of the BusConnects plan. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien stated that contracts for two BusConnects corridors have been signed, but the route serving Currie’s area is delayed due to a judicial review.