Incident at Calvary Shrine in Co Louth Condemned by Many
Artifacts/Relics
Friday 25th, April 2025
2 minute read.
Images taken at Calvary Shrine in Omeath, County Louth, which appear to mock the death of Pope Francis, have drawn widespread condemnation. The photos, shared on a loyalist group's Facebook page, have sparked concern among residents of the quiet border village.
The post appeared on the Facebook page of the Official Protestant Coalition on Monday. It included multiple images taken at the well-known Catholic pilgrimage site, located on the Cooley Peninsula, near the border with Northern Ireland. The shrine attracts large numbers of visitors annually for prayer and reflection.
Among the images shared were photos of a handwritten message reading “No Pope in Rome”, a Red Hand emblem alongside the word “Ulster”, and a Union flag displayed at different locations around the shrine. The post's caption read: “Celebrating the antichrists (sic) death at the grotto in Calvary, Omeath.”
The Official Protestant Coalition Facebook page describes the group as having been formed in 2012, stating it is "a British identity and cultural group for Northern Ireland." The same page has previously shared links to anti-immigration protests in Belfast.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille, who lives in Omeath, expressed her outrage in a statement following the post’s circulation.
“I was deeply disturbed to learn that our shrine at Calvary in Omeath, a place of prayer and devotion for many, has been misused as a platform for deplorable acts of sectarianism," she said.
"It is profoundly troubling to witness certain individuals mocking the death of Pope Francis, highly respected religious leader, whose contributions will have a lasting impact on the world."
"This behaviour goes beyond mere insensitivity; it represents a crude and alarming lack of respect that has no place in a society that should promote understanding, tolerance, and coexistence."
"It is essential that we unite to condemn these actions and advocate for an island that values diversity and fosters harmony among all its citizens," she added.
As of yet, there has been no public response from Gardaí regarding an investigation into the incident. Local community leaders have called for solidarity and calm in response to the act, which many view as a clear attempt to stoke sectarian tensions.
Calvary Shrine, located approximately 6 kilometres from the border with Northern Ireland, remains open to visitors.
The post appeared on the Facebook page of the Official Protestant Coalition on Monday. It included multiple images taken at the well-known Catholic pilgrimage site, located on the Cooley Peninsula, near the border with Northern Ireland. The shrine attracts large numbers of visitors annually for prayer and reflection.
Among the images shared were photos of a handwritten message reading “No Pope in Rome”, a Red Hand emblem alongside the word “Ulster”, and a Union flag displayed at different locations around the shrine. The post's caption read: “Celebrating the antichrists (sic) death at the grotto in Calvary, Omeath.”
The Official Protestant Coalition Facebook page describes the group as having been formed in 2012, stating it is "a British identity and cultural group for Northern Ireland." The same page has previously shared links to anti-immigration protests in Belfast.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Fiona Mhic Conchoille, who lives in Omeath, expressed her outrage in a statement following the post’s circulation.
“I was deeply disturbed to learn that our shrine at Calvary in Omeath, a place of prayer and devotion for many, has been misused as a platform for deplorable acts of sectarianism," she said.
"It is profoundly troubling to witness certain individuals mocking the death of Pope Francis, highly respected religious leader, whose contributions will have a lasting impact on the world."
"This behaviour goes beyond mere insensitivity; it represents a crude and alarming lack of respect that has no place in a society that should promote understanding, tolerance, and coexistence."
"It is essential that we unite to condemn these actions and advocate for an island that values diversity and fosters harmony among all its citizens," she added.
As of yet, there has been no public response from Gardaí regarding an investigation into the incident. Local community leaders have called for solidarity and calm in response to the act, which many view as a clear attempt to stoke sectarian tensions.
Calvary Shrine, located approximately 6 kilometres from the border with Northern Ireland, remains open to visitors.
