By Róise Collins

A DONEGAL County Councillor has underlined the importance of supporting local Pride events after objections forced a last-minute change of venue for a Letterkenny Pride fundraiser scheduled for yesterday afternoon.

Cllr Declan Meehan, a long-time supporter of Letterkenny Pride, emphasised the importance of maintaining Pride events in the town.

“It’s so important that Letterkenny has Pride, and that it is supported,” Cllr Meehan told the Donegal News.

The fundraiser was originally set to take place at New Kid Coffee in Bonagee. However, organisers announced on social media that the event had to be relocated to the coffee roaster’s sister company, The Counter Deli, due to objections.

“We at Letterkenny Pride have always been honest and open about why we exist. It is our mission to foster an inclusive Letterkenny community and end homophobia in all its forms.

“This is the most significant example of homophobia that we have encountered, and that is why we must continue with our fundraiser in a new venue,” the post read.

Keith Blackburn from New Kid Coffee pictured at the Pride fundraiser held in their sister company, The Counter Deli.

Cllr Meehan spoke of the broader challenges facing Pride events as they face increased resistance both here in Ireland and across Europe.

He referenced an incident in Ballymena on Saturday, where slurry was spread on the streets just hours before the town’s first Pride parade and also highlighted this weekend’s events in Budapest, where tens of thousands marched in defiance of a banned Pride celebration in the Hungarian capital.

“People ask why we need Pride – but we only need to look around to see why it’s still so important,” he said.

Cllr Meehan also spoke of the homophobic and transphobic comments that surfaced on social media following news of the relocation of yesterday’s fundraiser, saying the reaction further highlights the need for continued visibility and support locally.

“So there’s no question why we need it and it’s so important to support events like this,” he added.

This year’s Letterkenny Pride celebrations are set to take place from August 14 to 16, with the parade scheduled for Saturday, August 16.

“It brings such positivity and joy to the town and I’m really looking forward to Letterkenny Pride,” Cllr Meehan said.