Antifa Galway?

BraziltoGalway

Hi, I am moving to Galway to attend the university very soon but I had one thing that bothered/worried me

When I came to visit I saw a lot of graffiti/stickers/vandalism with antifa flags etc...

In Brazil the antifa act like a criminal organization and often attack innocent people for the colour of their skin...

So police and civilians often take down their work in Brazil so they don't keep fostering fear but here it seems that no one cares

Who are these people?

Are there a lot of them?

Are they dangerous?

I was attacked a year ago in Brazil because I was wearing a German football jersey - can I expect the same here?

Thanks in advance,

G

thesandeman

Are you sure it's Galway you visited? I've been around 50+ years and don't think I've ever seen an Antifa flag here.
Now, if you are a fascist and go around shouting about it you won't gain many friends here, but that's all.
If you decide to wear an English Jersey you can expect to get a bit of friendly slagging.
See ya soon.

5rtytry56

thesandeman wrote: »

If you decide to wear an English Jersey you can expect to get a bit of friendly slagging.
See ya soon.

Tourists in Galway city can also be very occasionally seen with bags with Union Jack flags embroidered on them. They'll may get some cheerful shtick about it but that's about all.

BraziltoGalway

thesandeman wrote: »

Are you sure it's Galway you visited? I've been around 50+ years and don't think I've ever seen an Antifa flag here.
Now, if you are a fascist and go around shouting about it you won't gain many friends here, but that's all.
If you decide to wear an English Jersey you can expect to get a bit of friendly slagging.
See ya soon.

I'm not sure what the area is called but I was near a canal (it was behind some bars and went to the university) and all of that area has giant spray painted antifa flags and stickers as well as the university is littered with stickers... It's kind of hard to miss.

I'm not a fascist just in Brazil situation seems to be constant fighting between far left and civilians... I don't know how it is in Europe but there it is dangerous to go out some places alone or in small group if you look a certain way

thesandeman

Ah, the graffiti at that spot changes all the time. It could be a pic of a cat next time.
Nothing to worry about. We are very relaxed here.

BraziltoGalway

thesandeman wrote: »

Ah, the graffiti at that spot changes all the time. It could be a pic of a cat next time.
Nothing to worry about. We are very relaxed here.

Thanks I'm still worried but I hope it's kids or something that do this and not violent people.

Raging_Ninja

No there's no real gangs like that going around beating people. While there is some violence, it's normally one-off stuff - drunks etc getting into an argument or the odd dead-ender with nothing better to do. Nothing organised, no rioting.

El_Dangeroso

BraziltoGalway wrote: »

Hi, I am moving to Galway to attend the university very soon but I had one thing that bothered/worried me

When I came to visit I saw a lot of graffiti/stickers/vandalism with antifa flags etc...

In Brazil the antifa act like a criminal organization and often attack innocent people for the colour of their skin...

So police and civilians often take down their work in Brazil so they don't keep fostering fear but here it seems that no one cares

Who are these people?

Are there a lot of them?

Are they dangerous?

I was attacked a year ago in Brazil because I was wearing a German football jersey - can I expect the same here?

Thanks in advance,

G

It's very likely to be some harmless students who vaguely heard about it and thought the flag sticker looked cool. I've not noticed them ever.

And as long as you take sensible precautions, Galway is as safe a city as you'll find.

Welcome and hope you enjoy your time here!

Lockstep

Antifa in Galway are no threat to anyone. Deffo not going to bother you unless you walk around in a swastika shirt or something.

Bazzo

Galway is a very safe city. Unprovoked attacks would be extremely rare, you have nothing to worry about.

BraziltoGalway

Lockstep wrote: »

Antifa in Galway are no threat to anyone. Deffo not going to bother you unless you walk around in a swastika shirt or something.

So if I did they're still not a threat? ;P

Raging_Ninja

Lockstep wrote: »

Antifa in Galway are no threat to anyone. Deffo not going to bother you unless you walk around in a swastika shirt or something.

Tbh they shouldn't be bothering anyone no matter what they wear.

biko

Their FB page, feel free to ask them any questions there https://www.facebook.com/galwayafa/

It's seems their contributions to local society so far extend to grafitti

BraziltoGalway

biko wrote: »

It's seems their contributions to local society so far extend to grafitti

Ah that's the graffiti I was talking about. Is there are reason why there's so much of it in that area? Do you know?

biko

I don't know.
I have never met any of them or seen them around town, or even mentioned in conversation.
Perhaps some of them attend uni right now, I doubt it's more than a handful.

No-one here is afraid of them so there is no reason for you to be either.

talking_walnut

Had honestly never heard of them until you posted this. Thought I'd heard of all the protest groups in Galway by now

I wouldn't worry about it OP. Protest groups in Galway are generally based around handing out flyers on the main street. I've never heard of any organised violence or gang type behaviour. Even in comparison to other towns/cities in Ireland (the worst of which still having nothing compared to what you might see in Brazil), Galway is one of the safest. You might see 2 drunks fighting at 2am but that's probably the most you'll see.

So welcome and enjoy your time here OP! Don't study too hard

BraziltoGalway

talking_walnut wrote: »

Had honestly never heard of them until you posted this. Thought I'd heard of all the protest groups in Galway by now

I wouldn't worry about it OP. Protest groups in Galway are generally based around handing out flyers on the main street. I've never heard of any organised violence or gang type behaviour. Even in comparison to other towns/cities in Ireland (the worst of which still having nothing compared to what you might see in Brazil), Galway is one of the safest. You might see 2 drunks fighting at 2am but that's probably the most you'll see.

So welcome and enjoy your time here OP! Don't study too hard

Hi sorry I can't link to it as I am a new user but I found a news article saying they followed someone home a couple years ago and beat them up?!

talking_walnut

BraziltoGalway wrote: »

Hi sorry I can't link to it as I am a new user but I found a news article saying they followed someone home a couple years ago and beat them up?!

Where did you find it? Galway Advertiser, Irish Times, etc.?

It happened a few years ago? That's very strange. Definitely don't remember hearing about that happening. It's definitely not "a thing" here. I've never heard anybody discuss them before today. We don't have gangs here in the same way ye would.

Arghus

Can't say I have ever heard of them in any shape or form and I've lived here my entire life.

ben.schlomo

Arghus wrote: »

Can't say I have ever heard of them in any shape or form and I've lived here my entire life.

Same as, it's just not a thing here.

thesandeman

It's the first time in ages I've seen everybody on this forum agreeing on something.
None of us even noticed the things.

Let us know when you arrive and you can be the Guest Of Honour at a Galway Boards Beers (wear a Connacht Rugby Jersey just in case somebody from Mayo infiltrates us).

There is a big Brazilian community about 30km from the city if you need further reassurance (Google 'Gort').

Alternatively bring some of your female friends over to visit and you will be the most popular person in town ;-)

You'll be grand.*




*Galway expression.

BraziltoGalway

Hi, I know people told me they aren't dangerous and I was convinced until now... They just posted a picture of them all in balaclavas with their flag... They look to be doing the same stuff as in Brazil I would not be surprised if they hurt people, they look bad.

Gremlinertia

BraziltoGalway wrote: »

Hi, I know people told me they aren't dangerous and I was convinced until now... They just posted a picture of them all in balaclavas with their flag... They look to be doing the same stuff as in Brazil I would not be surprised if they hurt people, they look bad.

Honestly i have never seen this around Galway, are you seeing it on some facebook page?. Some people are very brave from behind the keyboard but wouldn't say boo in real life.. :rolleyes:

BraziltoGalway

Gremlinertia wrote: »

Honestly i have never seen this around Galway, are you seeing it on some facebook page?. Some people are very brave from behind the keyboard but wouldn't say boo in real life.. :rolleyes:

There is a photo now on their Facebook page it is AFA Galway - how is this permitted by police? Them taking pictures in balaclavas in threatening fashion???

Gremlinertia

So i just looked that up, i'm a good few years in galway generally working at night and this is my first knowledge of these guys, their page is amateur at best, due to it's racist nature i reported it but doubt that'll make much difference.. In any case i wouldn't be worried about it to be honest..

Bazzy

OP

I come from dublin and I would not feel safe walking some of the streets at night time

I've never felt that in any part of galway EVER i'm here 9 years.

The local people sometimes joke with me about being from Dublin but its only joking.

Forget about these people and enjoy your time in galway it is very very very safe

Dont let something that wont happen ruin your experience

Whereisgalway

A lot of Galway people and have a air of entitlement and blinkered vision. They project Galway as been the best at everything and that it has no flaws. Once the surface is scratched there is multitude problems in Galway. Crime and burglaries are up. Homeless & drugs are rampant across the city but the police are great at moving it along so it's not evident in the tourist areas. Galway is a lovely city but don't be fooled into thinking there isn't a seedy element aswell. Mind your belongings, be careful of your surroundings and stay on your toes

Coillte_Bhoy

BraziltoGalway wrote: »

There is a photo now on their Facebook page it is AFA Galway - how is this permitted by police? Them taking pictures in balaclavas in threatening fashion???

For gods sake man, how many times have you been told you will be quite safe, why bother asking for advice if you are going to ignore it? Why the hell would you have anything to fear from this group anyway?

Coillte_Bhoy

Gremlinertia wrote: »

So i just looked that up, i'm a good few years in galway generally working at night and this is my first knowledge of these guys, their page is amateur at best, due to it's racist nature i reported it but doubt that'll make much difference.. In any case i wouldn't be worried about it to be honest..

How on earth is it racist??

gordongekko

Stop feeding the troll.

jh79

Are these guys a militant anti fascist group?

Your Face

Jaysus.

jh79

Your Face wrote: »

Jaysus.

Is that in reply to me calling them militant?

BraziltoGalway

jh79 wrote: »

Are these guys a militant anti fascist group?

This is what I was concerned about but now people want to start being snide...

Sorry for having concerns but they go around in balaclavas like this in Brazil spray painting as well... And then they beat people up...

Why do they have balaclavas if they are all so peaceful and university students?

If someone wants to, they can visit my town in Brazil, perhaps then you can stop throwing insults for my concern in a place where I at this point know literally no one that would help me should something happen.

BraziltoGalway

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

For gods sake man, how many times have you been told you will be quite safe, why bother asking for advice if you are going to ignore it? Why the hell would you have anything to fear from this group anyway?

I already outlined what I have to fear - some people have said the opposite - that photo is reminiscent of the issues in Brazil

These are all questions you could have answered just reading instead of being rude.

Your Face

Jaysus.

jh79

BraziltoGalway wrote: »

This is what I was concerned about but now people want to start being snide...

Sorry for having concerns but they go around in balaclavas like this in Brazil spray painting as well... And then they beat people up...

Why do they have balaclavas if they are all so peaceful and university students?

If someone wants to, they can visit my town in Brazil, perhaps then you can stop throwing insults for my concern in a place where I at this point know literally no one that would help me should something happen.

Who do they beat up and why?

BraziltoGalway

jh79 wrote: »

Who do they beat up and why?

In Brazil they beat people up for the colour of their skin or if they wear jerseys from Europe...

The are supposed to be against prejudice or whatever but that's the truth, they terrorize communities because of what they look like and it gives them an almost free card to do what they want... Now it doesn't let them get away with it because they also deal a lot of drugs and are involved in a lot of illegal activity (like a underground casinos) as well their attacks are usually very brutal... So the police don't go easy on them there...

So I have my concerns here as they post similar content and look the same...

jh79

BraziltoGalway wrote: »

In Brazil they beat people up for the colour of their skin or if they wear jerseys from Europe...

The are supposed to be against prejudice or whatever but that's the truth, they terrorize communities because of what they look like and it gives them an almost free card to do what they want... Now it doesn't let them get away with it because they also deal a lot of drugs and are involved in a lot of illegal activity (like a underground casinos) as well their attacks are usually very brutal... So the police don't go easy on them there...

So I have my concerns here as they post similar content and look the same...

Are you sure you have not got them mixed up with fascist groups?

As a potential immigrant to this country a militant anti fascist group would be more palatable than a militant fascist group would it not?

In your shoes I would be more concerned that the presence of antifa could mean that fascist groups might exist in galway. Really confused with your stance on this group.

Bogsnorkler

BraziltoGalway wrote: »

In Brazil they beat people up for the colour of their skin or if they wear jerseys from Europe...

The are supposed to be against prejudice or whatever but that's the truth, they terrorize communities because of what they look like and it gives them an almost free card to do what they want... Now it doesn't let them get away with it because they also deal a lot of drugs and are involved in a lot of illegal activity (like a underground casinos) as well their attacks are usually very brutal... So the police don't go easy on them there...

So I have my concerns here as they post similar content and look the same...

OK but there have never been any hint of violence from them in Galway. In fact, most people don't even know they exist, I'd never heard about them until you brought them up.

Can I ask why you're more afraid of them than say random drunken attacks on foreigners, which would also be rare in Galway, but actually do happen?

The context of militant left and right wing groups in Ireland is set by the very recent history of republican paramilitaries, based mostly in the north but in parts of the south too. Have you anytknowledge of this?

I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's fine for you to fear for your safety in what is an incredibly safe city, and relative to Brazil, and incredibly safe country, but do educate yourself as to the real potential dangers, as opposed to assuming that the groups dangerous in Brazil would be dangerous in Ireland.

FYI I'm moving to Sao Paulo in a month. I'm aware of the dangers from some groups of people in some parts of the city, but I'm not worried and I'm not going on message boards to ask whether I should be afraid, and then ignoring any assurances that I shouldn't.

topcat77

I'd say you're actually giving them exposure through this thread and maybe inadvertently helping their cause. Never heard of them before myself. It'd be good to have the thoughts of a member of this group.

BraziltoGalway

jh79 wrote: »

Are you sure you have not got them mixed up with fascist groups?

As a potential immigrant to this country a militant anti fascist group would be more palatable than a militant fascist group would it not?

In your shoes I would be more concerned that the presence of antifa could mean that fascist groups might exist in galway. Really confused with your stance on this group.

No we barely have any "fascist" group in Brazil they are very small in comparison and no one ever hears about them doing anything illegal - only if they are hurt by the others or hurt antifa...

It is not like Europe here where fascist and bigotry from them is a big threat, we don't have a many fascist but the bigotry comes from the other side.

BraziltoGalway

Bogsnorkler wrote: »

OK but there have never been any hint of violence from them in Galway. In fact, most people don't even know they exist, I'd never heard about them until you brought them up.

Can I ask why you're more afraid of them than say random drunken attacks on foreigners, which would also be rare in Galway, but actually do happen?

The context of militant left and right wing groups in Ireland is set by the very recent history of republican paramilitaries, based mostly in the north but in parts of the south too. Have you anytknowledge of this?

I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's fine for you to fear for your safety in what is an incredibly safe city, and relative to Brazil, and incredibly safe country, but do educate yourself as to the real potential dangers, as opposed to assuming that the groups dangerous in Brazil would be dangerous in Ireland.

FYI I'm moving to Sao Paulo in a month. I'm aware of the dangers from some groups of people in some parts of the city, but I'm not worried and I'm not going on message boards to ask whether I should be afraid, and then ignoring any assurances that I shouldn't.

I assume you're not a young as me and actually have contacts - where I have none here.

So I don't think you're so "brave" as to not do this I just think you're not in a position to do the same.

I took everyone's assurances well until the recent post where I had to ask again. And even then people had differing opinions on how safe it is.

If I see a standard dog in Brazil and it barks I should be able to assume that something that looks and does exactly the same in another part of the world is exactly the same unless I'm old otherwise.

Likewise if this is a stupid fake group I don't understand why they bring this culture here, graffiti, wear balaclavas etc.

irishgrover

Me thinks there is something not right about this whole thread...... But am not sure what...

ElChe32

Just wrap the OP in bubble wrap. He'll be grand

Your Face

I'm very suspicious of this thread.

ben.schlomo

BraziltoGalway wrote: »

I already outlined what I have to fear - some people have said the opposite - that photo is reminiscent of the issues in Brazil

These are all questions you could have answered just reading instead of being rude.

You've been given answers on multiple occasions by a multitude of posters, you seem to be ignoring those answers. That's why the poster is in your opinion being 'rude'.

Whereisgalway

ben.schlomo wrote: »

You've been given answers on multiple occasions by a multitude of posters, you seem to be ignoring those answers. That's why the poster is in your opinion being 'rude'.

Aren't are great at patting each other on the back saying how helpful we all are when it suits us. Some people have given positive opinions and others have given negative ones. If you were relocating to a new country that didn't speak your native language and seen something like pro IRA dotted around the city you'd ask questions Aswell, give the OP a break

WallyGUFC

What a bizarre thread.

GalwayGrrrrrl

I saw one antifa graffiti near the canal parallel to Henry street- thank goodness for this thread or I wouldn't have known what it was. it was next to a bigger graffiti saying "welcome all refugees"

Wompa1

84 likes on their FB page....I wouldn't worry about it.