The remarks drew sharp rebukes from colleagues who insisted diplomatic ties with Britain must be respected
During the council’s November plenary meeting, Cllr Tomás Ó Curraoín voiced firm objections to Ambassador Kara Owen’s recent trip to Galway – her first official engagement outside Dublin since her appointment in October.
“I think it’s very wrong that they come here. I don’t think it’s right that a member of the Crown should come, especially when they still occupy the six counties,” Cllr Ó Curraoín said. Half-joking, he added that the ambassador would be welcome in the west “if she arrived with news of a united Ireland.”
The Independent councillor referenced several County Galway figures, including Fr Michael Griffin – whose death during the War of Independence is commemorated locally – and noted that November is a month in which many such leaders “faced their capture or death.”
“It’s nothing personal with the lady – I know she is married to a Galway man,” he said, repeating that his objection lay with the Crown’s representation “being here while we are still occupied, and have been occupied since 1169.”
“I have no problem with anyone’s politics or religion, but I have problems with the Crown,” he concluded.
Council executives and several councillors moved quickly to counter the remarks, stressing the importance of diplomatic visits.
CEO Liam Connelly said ambassadors should be met with “fair and even” respect. “They are not political representatives,” he added, “but they serve a very important role between governments.”
Galway county councillor Tomas O Curraoin.
Fine Gael councillor Jimmy McClearn criticised his colleague’s comments as “regrettable.”
“I don’t think that type of language is acceptable,” he said, adding that his own discussion with Ms Owen focused on Galway’s trade links with Britain. “I have great difficulty with your contribution.”
Cllr Ó Curraoín, however, held firm. Reiterating that his remarks were not personal, he used more pointed language, referring to the British flag as the “butchers’ apron” and recalling Queen Elizabeth II’s 2011 visit to the Garden of Remembrance.
“No wonder we went up there with a priest and a dash of holy water to drive the demons out,” he said. “I don’t accept any position of the Crown in this country.”
British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen pictured at Áras an Chontae with Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally; Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr David Collins; Mayor of Galway City Mike Cubbard; and Galway City Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary.
His comments drew mixed reactions across the chamber — some murmurs of agreement, others of disapproval, and occasional laughter.
Ambassador Owen, who previously served as British High Commissioner to Singapore, has strong links to Galway through her marriage to a Ballinasloe native. Her arrival earlier this month had been broadly welcomed by councillors.
Cathaoirleach Cllr David Collins said the visit highlighted “the enduring spirit of collaboration that exists between Ireland and Britain.”
“Such meetings help maintain existing business relationships and build new commercial opportunities,” he added.
Ms Owen’s engagements in Galway focused on commerce and trade, with companies such as Dexcom and Boston Scientific cited as examples of the region’s growing economic ties with the UK.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.