Irish language rap trio Kneecap performed a sold-out show at the city’s SSE Arena on Saturday night, hours after the death of bandmate Moglai Bap’s father Gearoid O Caireallain
Kneecap paid an emotional tribute to the late father of band member Moglai Bap at their sold-out Belfast gig.
Just hours after the death announcement, the Irish language rap trio made a poignant gesture during their landmark show at SSE Arena on Saturday night. As they neared the end of their set, a touching image of Gearoid O Caireallain, born 1957 and passed in 2024, was displayed. The band expressed their sorrow on Instagram earlier that day, posting pictures of Mr O Caireallain with the heartfelt message: “Gearoid O Caireallain, father of Moglai Bap passed away last night.”
“He was an Irish language revolutionary, community activist, loving father, husband and an inspiration to many. We are heartbroken.” They also added: “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.”
Irish president Michael D Higgins has also paid tribute to Gearoid. Mr Higgins, who is an avid advocate for the Irish language, paid tribute to Mr O Caireallain in a statement on Sunday night. He said: “A major figure in the Irish language movement, Gearoid O Caireallain’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.” Kneecap’s upload which has been liked over 53,000 times was also flooded with messages of condolences. One said: “An icon and inspiration Suimhneas air.”
A second added: “He was such a revelation, such an inspiration to so many of us. His spirit will remain with us for eons more. What a man: what a life; what a legend.” “Sending love to all, no doubt this year abs this evening would have made your old man so proud. Rest in Peace,” read another. Meanwhile, another typed: “I’m sorry, ma chroi. You look so much like him. He must’ve been so proud of youse.”
Comprising bandmates Moglai Bap aka Naoise O Caireallain, Mo Chara, plus balaclava-wearing DJ Provai, they stirred the crowd with their punk-rap fusion alongside other Irish stars, Gurriers and Gemma Dunleavy. Their Oscar-shortlisted film ‘Kneecap’ has generated buzz for best international feature and original song for Sick In The Head.
The group emerged victorious in their discrimination lawsuit against UK Opposition leader and ex-business secretary Kemi Badenoch this November, following the Government’s admission that denying them a £14,250 Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) grant was “unlawful”. In a recent triumph, the film ‘Kneecap’ bagged seven accolades at the British Independent Film Awards, notably clinching the title for best British independent film.
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