Gathering of solidarity to be held at mosque said to be target of right-wing bomb plot

Ibrahim Michael Noonan Imam of Galway outside Maryam Mosque where the gathering of solidarity will be held on Saturday. Photo: Ray Ryan

A gathering of solidarity will be held on Saturday at the Galway mosque believed to have been at the centre of a bomb plot by a right-wing group.

It follows a court hearing on November 7 during which details were heard of an alleged intention by a right-wing group to bomb a mosque.

The court heard that a video was allegedly found which contained what appeared to be a practice of a statement that would be released in the wake of an attack on the first mosque that was introduced in Ireland in Co Galway.

That mosque is understood to have referred to the Maryam Mosque on Monivea Road in Galway.

Last week, the mosque’s Imam Ibrahim Noonan told the Irish Examiner that the alleged intention to bomb his mosque as “shocking”.

On Saturday, members of the Love Galway Hate Racism group will lead a solidarity visit at the mosque at 2pm, to offer “a hand of friendship to our Muslim neighbours who are subjected to repeated threats and racist attacks”.

During the visit, the group will hear from the Muslim community about how they feel they can be supported.

One of the organisers, Sai Gujulla, is one of the founders of the Love Galway Hate Racism group. He said the group was founded in April because of incidents of racism. But he said the recent riots at Citywest in Dublin also highlighted the need for such a group.

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Mr Gujulla said he met with Imam Noonan following the emergence of the alleged bomb plot, to discuss how best to support the Muslim community in Galway.

He said: “A lot of people are very worried and scared.” He added that while it was not the first time the community had received threats, it was the most traumatic.

He continued: “We want to reassure those in the community that Galway looks out for them.” 

He stressed that the mosque is part of Galway’s fabric and said: “That is where Muslims come together and meet their friends.” 

He urged people to support the gathering, saying: “The more people that attend, the better. If a lot of people turn up, they will feel they belong in Galway.” Those who wish to attend are asked to meet at 2pm on Saturday at Maryam Mosque.