The Daily Star Ireland
Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the disruption caused by a protest from the Burke family at the Ireland Funds gala dinner in Washington, DC, stating that while it was unfortunate, it did not significantly impact the event. He emphasized that while people have the right to protest, the manner in which it was carried out was inappropriate, particularly at an event honoring individuals who have contributed to Ireland and the Irish-American community. Martin described the dinner as a night of celebration and recognition and maintained that the protest did not overshadow its purpose.
During the event, members of the Burke family interrupted proceedings to protest the imprisonment of Enoch Burke, who has been jailed multiple times for contempt of court after refusing to obey an injunction barring him from Wilson’s Hospital School in Co Westmeath. His dismissal from the school in early 2023 is currently under appeal, and he remains on full pay.
The protest took place as Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was delivering his acceptance speech for an award from the Ireland Fund. Security personnel swiftly intervened, surrounding the Burke family members as they continued shouting. During the altercation, a security officer, along with Martina and Isaac Burke, fell to the floor. Isaac was then carried out by security staff, while Martina lost a shoe during the commotion. The family was escorted out of the building and told to remain on the public footpath, where they briefly addressed the media before walking away upon realizing only Irish reporters were present.
Earlier in the evening, the Burkes had staged a protest outside the venue, where security personnel directed them to remain on the public footpath, away from the private property of the National Building Museum.
High-Profile Attendees and Fundraising Success
The gala dinner was attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, members of the US Congress, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, and British Ambassador Peter Mandelson. Despite the disruption, the event successfully raised over $1 million for the Ireland Funds, marking the fourth consecutive year of reaching that milestone.
The evening honored Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, Republican Congressman David Joyce of Ohio, and Coach Dan Quinn, who led the Washington Commanders to their best season in over three decades. Quinn, who was named NFL Coach of the Year, dismissed the protest with a humorous remark likening it to the intense rivalry within the NFC East conference, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
Continued Protests in Washington
Following the gala, the Burkes continued their demonstrations outside the White House during Martin’s meeting with US President Donald Trump. Holding signs that criticized the lack of religious freedom in Ireland and protesting Enoch Burke’s imprisonment, they remained silent and declined to speak to the Irish media. The family had traveled to Washington earlier in the week to stage their protests.
