In a landmark event for Irish culture, Grian Chatten, the frontman of Fontaines D.C., joined Kneecap on stage at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday for what has been described as the largest Irish-language gig in the city’s history. The sold-out event celebrated the Irish language and Kneecap’s iconic music on an unprecedented scale, bringing together thousands of fans for an electrifying evening.
Kneecap, the Irish rap trio known for their sharp political commentary and unapologetic love for Ireland, delivered a powerful set that included tracks such as ‘C.E.A.R.T.A’ and ‘Get Your Brits Out’. However, the night carried deeper significance as the band dedicated the concert to Móglaí Bap’s father, Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, who sadly passed away the night before.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Kneecap wrote:
“Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, father of Móglái 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.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
The tribute added an emotional depth to the evening, with Móglaí Bap expressing gratitude to the audience for their support. Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, a renowned Irish-language revolutionary and community activist, was an influential figure who played a leading role in promoting the Irish language in Belfast, making the dedication both poignant and fitting.
Grian Chatten’s surprise appearance on stage elevated the night further, thrilling the packed arena. Known for his politically charged lyrics and commanding presence, Chatten is the lead singer of Dublin’s Fontaines D.C., a band celebrated globally for hits like ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘Boys in the Better Land’. Together with Kneecap, they performed ‘Better Way to Live’, a collaborative track that blends punk grit with Gaelic rap, exploring themes of celebrating small victories in ordinary days to make the mundane feel slightly better. The performance showcased how seamlessly different styles can converge to create something fresh and impactful.
The concert was not only a musical triumph but also a cultural milestone for Belfast. It underscored the importance of preserving and promoting the Irish language in a modern setting, with Kneecap leading a cultural renaissance. The trio has broken barriers by making the language vibrant, relevant, and accessible to new generations, and the Belfast gig was a breakthrough moment for the new generation of Gaelic speakers.
Chatten’s collaboration with Kneecap, as a fellow advocate for Irish identity, highlighted the unity within Ireland’s music scene. It demonstrated how artists from different genres can come together to celebrate their shared heritage, reinforcing the importance of having pride for your hometown.
This historic gig was more than just a night of music; it was a celebration of Gaelic and Irish identity. The tribute to a father’s legacy paired with a historic cultural achievement was heartwarming. Gearóid Ó Cairealláin’s impact was felt by all, as the evening stood as a testament to the power of language, identity, and art to inspire pride and passion for the people of Belfast.
