Possible hate crime investigated after man tells friends he’s “knackered”

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has confirmed that a possible hate crime is being investigated after a man told his friends on social media that he was knackered.

Paul Colgan from Tullamore posted the comment on Facebook in the early hours of this morning after finishing his 10-hour shift as a barman in the Bridge House Bar in the Offaly town. Gardaí were alerted immediately and Helen McEntee told reporters this morning that this will be the first prosecution to take place under the country’s new hate crime laws.

“This comment was clearly motivated by a hatred of the travelling community and this is why the new legislation has been brought in. There is no hiding place left in Ireland for the far-right and this man should be made an example of. In my opinion a custodial sentence is a must in this case.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris agreed and said the new year marks the beginning of a new Ireland.

“The rise of the far-right is the biggest threat this country has ever faced and we must not allow that type of hate-filled language to become the norm. Saying you’re knackered is not acceptable in a tolerant society and it must be stamped out. And do not for one minute think you can get away with saying you’re cream crackered either. That’s just as bad.”

Paul Colgan’s house was raided by armed Gardaí this morning and the far-right barman is currently being questioned at Tullamore Garda Station.