Kennedy forced to apologise to travelling community for saying he was ‘knackered’

Irish singer Dermot Kennedy has been forced to apologise to the travelling community after he used the word ‘knackered’ while discussing Irish slang during an interview with Canadian TV.

Kennedy, who is due to play Marlay Park in Dublin on 23 and 24 June, told the interviewer “If I was tired, I’d say I was knackered. That’s pure Irish slang.”

A video of the interview was shared online and immediately caused uproar, with well over four people claiming to be offended. (It was five people)

The singer immediately issued an apology on social media when the complaints were brought to his attention but Frank Ward of travellers rights group Traveller Movement said that’s not enough.

“People who say they’re knackered are mocking travellers and Dermot Kennedy is no different. The word should be banned. And don’t think you can get away with saying you’re cream crackered either. That’s worse and another one for the banned list.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar agreed and said he’s glad Dermot Kennedy apologised, telling reporters “The best way to create a more tolerant society is to be offended by everything and to make saying stuff illegal.”