How a Cork boy grew up to become a Muslim Imam

As Ramadan begins, Avi Kumar explores how a devout Catholic boy from a staunchly Republican Cork family, once destined for the priesthood, became an Imam in the West of Ireland

Ibrahim Michael Noonan outside Maryam Mosque in Galway. “We come from Crosshaven. Everyone in my father’s family were in the Irish republican brotherhood (IRB) and were very active in the struggle. So, when I converted to Islam, his family were upset, but in a loving sort of way.” Picture: Ray Ryan

Imam Ibrahim Noonan is the main religious figure of the Ahmadiya Muslim community in Galway. Born as Michael Noonan and raised Roman Catholic, he is from a family steeped in Ireland's independence struggle — hearing his accent and seeing his very Irish look — conversion to Islam is the last thing you would expect.

The Ahmadiya is the third largest Muslim sect and originated in Pakistan in the 19th century, but members are now found worldwide.