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11 Feb 2026

RTÉ journalist Barry O'Kelly praised for keeping cool in confrontation with far right demonstrators

The protesters confronted Barry while he was documenting an anti-migrant demonstration in Dublin

RTÉ journalist Barry O'Kelly praised for keeping cool in confrontation with far right demonstrators

PICTURE: X

Reporter:

Reporter

27 Mar 2024 2:27 PM

RTÉ journalist Barry O'Kelly was confronted by far-right protesters while documenting an anti-migrant demonstration in Dublin.
Barry, who was filmed by demonstrators remained cool while being told "he was reporting for the government."
The reporter, who works for RTÉ Investigates, has been praised "for calmness, courage and dignity in responding to people who harassed a very good journalist at work," said former RTÉ broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The man leading "the debate", which has been shared on social media, was Philip Dwyer. On the footage, he can be heard saying: "RTÉ Investigates likes to slander these innocent Irish people who are out there with concerns for their communities and can't walk around safely. Do you report on that?"
Barry O'Kelly calmmy replies: "I am not the story I am only here to report on it."
Phillip then goes on to say: "You are writing this story for the government and you don't question it."
The journalist, who kept his calm during the exchange, told the demonstrators what they were doing was "attributing immigrants to crimes," while one of the demonstrators, in reference to Barry O'Kelly, expressed: "let the man hang himself."
Social media users, including several high-profile journalists, have defended Barry O'Kelly in comments posted on the video which was shared to X. 
One user said: "Patience of a saint indeed. Well done Barry, I hope you are ok after that. Somewhat intimidating."
Another user said: "The situation Barry was in could have taken a turn for the worst at any point, but for his composure, presence of mind and his ability to fend off haranguing questioning, things could easily have deteriorated. Fair play to him for maintaining measured responses in a tight spot."
Another user said: "Well done Barry at keeping your calm demeanour. I’m not sure I could have done that in those circumstances."

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