A member of the Irish Army Colour Party collapsed right behind Taoiseach Micheal Martin during his historic Beal na Blath speech.
Irish revolutionary leader Micheal Collins was assassinated in the area of the village 100 years ago. Thousands travelled to Beal na Blath yesterday to commemorate the pivotal moment in Irish history.
This year was the first time a serving Fianna Fail Taoiseach addressed the commemoration. And about five minutes into Micheal Martin's speech, the solider directly behind him fainted.
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There was speculation the member of the Irish Army Colour Party collapsed due to the sweltering heat. The Taoiseach stopped his speech while soldiers ran to check on their fallen member. Less than a minute later, the speech resumed.
Before his speech, a group at the commemoration booed as the Taoiseach and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar approached the stage, and social media users were not happy with the group's antics.
One said: "Some lowlives booing at #BéalnaBláth as Varadkar and Taoiseach approach the stage."
Another said: "As An Taoiseach Michael Martin was arriving at Béal na Bláth he was warmly applauded but a few boos could be heard as well. Obviously these people were missing on the day God handed out common sense. Wasn’t the time or the place."
Another added: "Absolutely disgusted by those 'citizens' who booed our Taoiseach and Tánaiste at Béal na Bláth. Every right you have is protected by the same Constitution, laws and democracy whose office holders who abuse. You're a disgrace. Go and get your own mandate. We won't hold our breath."
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