Tricolour flags have been erected on lampposts across the country by far-right groups
20:00, 01 Dec 2025Updated 21:29, 01 Dec 2025
Natasha O’Brien (Image: Ayesha Ahmad)
Violence survivor Natasha O’Brien said Irish people need to reclaim the tricolour flag because it represents “peace and unity, not hate”.
In recent months tricolour flags have been erected on lampposts across the country by far-right groups aiming to intimidate immigrants and minority communities. In some cases councils have taken down Irish flags where they believe they’re being used to spread hatred.
Ms O’Brien has joined a new campaign called #OurFlag, which aims to bring communities across Ireland together and reclaim the Irish flag as a symbol of unity, inclusion, and hope. The Limerick woman said the issue is “extremely personal” to her, as people from every corner of this country supported her when she stood up against the justice system.
In 2022, she was attacked by soldier Cathal Crotty in Limerick after she asked him to stop shouting homophobic abuse. He was initially given a three-year suspended sentence, but he was sentenced to two years in prison following an appeal.
Ms O’Brien told the Irish Mirror: “Everyone from every corner of Ireland and all diverse communities of Ireland came out [to support me], that’s who we are, that’s our culture, and that’s what our flag represents.
“And so I just felt it was so important for me, personally, and just because I love being Irish. I love my culture, I love my community. Anybody that calls Ireland their home, our flag is for them. People died for our flag. Our flag symbolizes peace and unity and nothing else, not hate.
“This campaign is so important because it’s an opportunity for the majority the public to stand out and say ‘No, we are not going to allow our flag to be used as a symbol of hate or division.’” Ms O’Brien said it’s a really frightening time for migrant communities in Ireland.
She added: “We’re seeing more than ever of these violent attacks on migrants from young boys and young teenagers. So it’s definitely a time for us to come together, as someone myself that was attacked and decided I wanted to speak out, to question the system and demand safer streets, safer homes, and a safer Ireland.”
For the first week of December, the #OurFlag campaign is asking those looking to get involved to post a photo or short message with the Irish flag, using the hashtags #OurFlag, #LoveNotHate, and #ÉireLeChéile.
The week-long campaign will see over 20 national organisations and 50+ influential voices from sport, culture, politics, and media sharing messages of inclusion.
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