Irish election 2024: ‘Ten months after the refugee protest, Roscrea is divided’

In January, local people and far right protesters held demonstrations against the housing of asylum seekers in a local hotel. John Meagher gauges the mood now as immigration becomes an election issue

Roscrea revisited: ‘Ten months after the refugee protest this town is divided’

Roscrea rarely makes national headlines, but in the second and third weeks of January this year, the north Co Tipperary town was constantly in the news.

Emotions were running high following the abrupt decision to close its only hotel, the Racket Hall, and to accommodate asylum seekers there. A number of local people barricaded the entrance and their numbers were quickly swelled by outside antagonists.