Kneecap’s Móglaí Bap greeted by President Connolly during charity run

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

Kneecap’s Móglaí Bap was among dozens of runners who were greeted by President Catherine Connolly in Dublin.

A 10km run to the President’s official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park, was organised by Kneecap in aid of charity.

The run began at Dalymount Park, home to Bohemians FC, and was held in aid of the Gaza Food and Play project.

More than 200 runners held Palestine flags, wore Bohs jerseys, and shouted “Free Palestine” as they ran through the rain.

At one point, the runners ran towards a gap in the hedge surrounding the President’s residence and cheered at Ms Connolly, who encouraged them on their journey.

Speaking as Gaeilge, Ms Connolly told Naoise Ó Cairealláin, aka Móglaí Bap, to keep going, to which Mr Ó Cairealláin thanked her and said “welcome to the Áras”.

One runner said to Ms Connolly “good on you” and another said “fair play” as they paused to take selfies with her across a gap marking the divide between the public park and the presidential grounds.

After the run, the group gathered at Bang Bang cafe, where Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined them briefly, before heading to the Áras to meet Ms Connolly.

Kneecap are performing their second of two sold-out gigs at the 3Arena in Dublin on Wednesday.