The Indian Community of Waterford were subject to online abuse following this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade.
Pictures were taken of children of Indian heritage as they walked in Waterford’s St Patrick’s Day parade, these images are said to have been posted online with suggestions that they should not be participating.
AI generated images were also posted showing cartoon characters of Indian heritage who threw rubbish along the mall as they walked in parade, scaring the red-haired, seemingly Irish, audience.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Eamon Quinlan has strongly condemned this treatment of Waterford’s Indian Community.
“I was approached by members of the Indian Community in Waterford who have shown me a series of posts online. In these posts, they are disturbed to see pictures of adults and children, walking in the parade, receiving abuse along with various derogatory comments,” Cllr. Quinlan.
“The community is deeply hurt and disturbed to see such sentiments, and especially to see them gain traction in the online space. Any parent would be nervous of such person’s taking pictures of their children to then single them out online,” explained Cllr Quinlan.
“I am recommending that where families see online accounts of people offering abuse or aggression around pictures of members of their community, especially their children, that they report it immediately to the authorities.
“Child safety is not something we should be slow to enforce. I without hesitation condemn those who target children. It is cowardly and the height of someone thinking a keyboard protects them when they show the worst of themselves.”
Cllr. Quinlan also pointed to an advisory from the Indian Embassy last year, which provided advice for Indian students following a series of muggings: “All Indian students and professionals are advised to be aware of their surroundings at all times and take preventive measures to avoid places which could be potentially ideal for a mugging incident. Students are requested to travel around in groups or at least keep their close associates informed of their whereabouts at all times”.
Indian community are welcome
“The Indian Community in Waterford is vibrant and very welcome,” insisted Cllr Quinlan.
“Most are Stage 4 Visa holders, meaning that they are here working in many of the critical areas that we need such as the hospital and nursing homes. Should they lose their employment, they have to leave the Country after 6 months. Many have now been here and working for years. They have purchased homes and their children have Waterford accents stronger than mine,” Cllr. Quinlan said.
“They attend well-known schools like Mount Sion, De La Salle and the Mercy Convent. Many of the local churches have seen an increase in attendance, due in part to many of Waterford’s Indian Community being Christians. After all these years, they are hurt to see such sentiments being targeted at them, unjustifiably so,” he said.
In regard to those sending online abuse, who claim St Patrick’s Day should be exclusively Irish, Cllr. Quinlan suggests they are missing the point of the celebration.
“I would remind them that St Patrick himself, wasn’t Irish,” Cllr. Quinlan pointed out.
“St Patrick’s Day has never been an example of white-ethno heritage but has always had a strong element of community pride. Evolving from predominantly a religious affair to now including sports clubs, tidy towns, arts groups, scouts, local businesses, floats and vintage cars all on exhibition.
“A local cricket club, in the Waterford Vikings Sports and Arts Club, which has a large Indian membership, won Waterford’s St Patrick’s Day Parade best entry in 2024.
“The St Patrick’s Day Parade is about showcasing the best of our community and all parts of our community are welcome to enjoy the day and express pride in the overall community, we all contribute to,” Cllr. Quinlan added.
Waterford Garda meeting
Representatives from Waterford Malayalee Association and Waterford Indian Sangam met with senior Garda officers at Waterford Garda Station on Saturday last to address online hate issues affecting the Indian community in Waterford.
The two hour meeting was attended by Senthil Ramasamy, Chairperson of Waterford Indian Sangam, Vice Chairman of Waterford New Communities Network and Vice Secretary of the Garda India Advisory Group; Shiju Sasthamkunnel, Chairperson of the Waterford Malayalee Association; and Sabu Isaac, Committee member, Waterford Malayalee Association.
The meeting focused on guidance for reporting procedures and understanding online laws.
Community Garda David Browne provided valuable insights into current legislation and noted areas where laws require strengthening to address online harm effectively.
A formal written complaint was submitted to remove harmful content from social media platforms.
The meeting concluded with plans for future collaborations, committee meetings, and community information events with Gardaí.
“We appreciate the support of the Superintendent, Inspector, Garda Browne, and the Waterford Garda team in addressing these issues,” said Mr. Ramasamy.
Garda Diversity Strategy
Meanwhile, Mr. Ramasamy represented Waterford at the National Garda Diversity Strategy.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr. Ramasamy said he was honoured to have represented Waterford at the National Garda Diversity Strategy consultation held on 11th March 2026 at Phoenix Park, Dublin.
“The event convened with approximately 15 representatives from diverse minority communities across Ireland to discuss the Garda Diversity Unit's objectives and priorities for fostering stronger community relationships,” Mr. Ramasamy said.
“The consultation featured a presentation on the Unit's initiatives and key priorities, followed by thematic group discussions. I was inspired by An Garda Síochána's commitment to promoting understanding, inclusion, and engagement with Ireland's diverse communities.”
The forthcoming Diversity & Integration Strategy 2026-2029 is structured around five core pillars: 1. Safety, Trust, and Public Confidence; 2. Structured Community Engagement; 3. Equality and Human Rights Alignment; 4. Garda Training; and 5. Increased Hate Crime Reporting.
“During the consultation, I advocated for the inclusion of ethnic identifier data, anti-racism training, and increased ethnic diversity within the force. An Garda Síochána's proactive approach to addressing these issues was welcomed,” said Mr. Ramasamy.
The Garda Síochána Strategic Plan 2026-2028 provides further context to this initiative and can be accessed via the Garda website, www.garda.ie.
AARON KENT
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
