Disrespect of flag and anthem criticised at council meeting

Sports people failing to remove their helmets when the national anthem is played, and incidents of the national flag being left on display after dark were two of the marks of lack of respect that got county councillors fired up at April’s meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad.

What started as a simple request from Cllr McDermott lifted the lid on a range of actions that councillors say should end.

Cllr McDermott’s motion called on the district to erect the national flag on a pole at the car park in Fore. Replying, the executive of the district stated that the national flag had been flown at Áras an Chontae, Mullingar during Fleadh 2022 and 2023 to mark the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar.

"Accordingly, there are no plans to fly the national flag at any other location in the county by Westmeath County Council," the response concluded.

Cllr McDermott was disappointed: "If you look at the Fore car park, there’s every nationality there every day of the week and I think it would be a nice welcome and a nice gesture to fly our flag with pride," he stated.

Cllr Mick Dollard chipped in to say he had noticed that the tricolour is not being treated with the respect with which it should be treated.

"The tricolour goes up at dawn and it’s supposed to be taken down at dusk, and it doesn’t happen," he said, going on to ask who would put up and take down the flag if one were to be flown at Fore.

"With great pleasure, I will do it while I’m alive," responded Cllr McDermott.

Cllr Bill Collentine remarked that it is not required to lower the flag at night if there is sufficient light on it.

Cllr Denis Leonard welcomed the discussion: "In light of recent events, I think we need to start treating our national flag with a lot more respect and dignity," he stated.

Cllr Emily Wallace said there should be a protocol available, and it should be circulated to groups flying the flag; the mayor, Cllr John Shaw, responded that a protocol does exist, "but obviously, there are certain external groups that the council can’t control".

The subject of respect for the national anthem was raised by Cllr Paddy Hill, who said he has noticed that some people, including players, are failing to stand to attention when the national anthem is played at sports fixtures. "I’ve also noticed some of them wearing their caps, and helmets. I think it’s an absolute bloody disgrace!" he stated.

"It wouldn’t happen in any other country in the world, and it’s time, maybe, that somebody copped on and gave them a bit of a lesson!" he said.