Killarney "rebrands" Fourth of July celebrations amid concerns from local pro-Palestinian group

Killarney in Co Kerry has rebranded its annual Fourth of July celebrations to 'Killarney’s Irish American Friendship Festival' after concerns were expressed by the Killarney for Palestine group.

On May 28, the Facebook page for Killarney's Fourth of July event began to be hit with a slew of negative reviews. Many of the commenters are associated with the Killarney for Palestine group.

"While we welcome all American tourists to our wonderful town, we cannot in good conscience support an American themed friendship celebration at this time," one person wrote in their negative review of the annual Killarney event.

"How can we celebrate the American culture whilst its government is actively funding and supporting Israel in its genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people?!" another person wrote.

Notably, some commenters encouraged organizers to "rebrand" and or "rethink" the event instead of canceling it outright.

On May 30, local publication Killarney Today reported that the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce announced it would be rebranding the festival in light of concerns expressed by members of the Killarney for Palestine group.

The Chamber Executive told Killarney Today that it met with the individuals involved on two occasions and remained in contact in an effort to reach a solution acceptable to both groups.

“The sentiments voiced by the Killarney For Palestine group are acknowledged, fully appreciated and understood, and our members have been equally disturbed and horrified by the dreadful events occurring in Gaza," a statement from the Chamber said, according to Killarney Today.

“It is important for Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce to stress, however, that we are not and never have been a political organization and Chamber has no political affiliations whatsoever.

"Given the circumstances, however, a decision has been taken to completely rebrand this year’s midsummer celebration to A Celebration of Irish and American Friendship and, following the representations made to Chamber, many of the events organized and enjoyed in previous years will not take place this year."

According to the Chamber's website, the event will still include a parade with marching bands, floats, and cheerleaders.

However, this year there will be no free open-air movie at Killarney House, no open-air concert before the parade, no outdoor daytime ceremony at Town Hall, no fireworks display, and festival memorabilia and statues will not be displayed on the streets.

The Chamber noted in its statement that the annual parade "creates a real party atmosphere and a wonderful midsummer boost for local businesses."

Additionally, the Chamber said that this year, "there is an opportunity to reflect on and remember the estimated six million Irish people who have emigrated to the US since 1820, at least a third of whom fled from the Great Famine of 1845-1852, and their descendants now proudly describe themselves as Irish American.

“Chamber wishes to stress that this will be a celebration in recognition of the American people who have been great and loyal friends to Killarney for longer than most people in the town can remember.

“Our function is to support, promote, and help develop business and tourism in the town through community-based events, including a number of festivals, such as Wander Wild, the St Patrick’s Festival, and Christmas in Killarney."

However, responding to the Chamber's statement, Killarney for Palestine issued a statement that was carried in local publication Killarney Outlook this week: "We wish to highlight that at no point did Representatives of Killarney for Palestine request the removal of the public showing of movies, the free concert or the fireworks.

"When advised by the Chamber of the proposed removal of these events, Killarney for Palestine, among other things, advised (by email): 'Removal of fireworks, live band & cinema…..this is unnecessary and one of the main attractions for locals.”

"As far as Killarney for Palestine is concerned, the removal of the public showing of movies, the free concert and the fireworks is not in response to Killarney for Palestine concerns, but a Chamber decision unrelated to our concerns."