Protest Turns Personal

As anti-immigration protests flare in Dublin, Nigerian-born Irish comedian Fabio David — widely recognized for his viral character Black Paddy — is calling for unity and compassion in the face of rising division.

Fabio, who moved to Ireland 24 years ago and has built a comedic platform celebrating multiculturalism, found himself targeted while cycling home from acting classes last Saturday. The protest, which drew an estimated 10,000 people and included imagery of Conor McGregor alongside political strongmen Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, unfolded in the wake of a controversial video posted by McGregor criticizing Ireland’s immigration policies.

Despite heavy Garda presence, tensions ran high. Fabio was surrounded by demonstrators, some of whom shouted abuse and told him to “go home.” The comedian, however, countered their anger with characteristic wit and resilience.

“One dude was so angry and throwing abuse at me. A woman was screaming, ‘Go home’. I was saying, ‘I am home, sure where else would I be?’” he recalled. “They were threatening. There is so much hate.”

But Fabio also encountered warmth from bystanders who recognized him. “Some people were shouting, ‘Oh, Black Paddy, you are so welcome!’” he said. “One man even handed me an Irish flag to put on my bike.”

Amid growing polarization, Fabio urges influential figures like Conor McGregor to use their platforms more responsibly. “People can say negative stuff and whatever they want to the American press, but I know Irish people are very kind and welcoming,” he told the Irish Mirror. “That’s what I would say to Conor McGregor.”

As the government faces criticism and counter-protests organized by groups like United Against Racism continue, voices like Fabio’s remind Ireland that its true character may be found not in slogans or rallies, but in laughter, compassion, and the everyday efforts to build bridges over divides.