Statement from the Association of Catholic Priests

Wed 19 March 2025

As people who value both our Irishness and our Faith, we wish to state clearly that Mr. Conor McGregor’s speech in the Oval Office, where he purported to be speaking on behalf of the Irish people, was not representing what we value and hold dear. We believe that he confuses personal opinions with truth.

The sentiments expressed by Mr. McGregor in his speech in the White House in respect of migrants and refugees, are contrary to our understanding of the message of Jesus. His views are in stark contrast to those of the recently appointed Cardinal Archbishop of Washington, Robert McElroy, when he said:

“Our truth is the person of Jesus Christ. The task of a Christian is to notice that Jesus’ first instinct is not to judge or condemn but to embrace people, to help them with whatever issue they’re dealing with, and to address the different elements of woundedness or exclusion they have in their lives.”

The reasons for inviting Mr. McGregor to the White House on our national holiday are to be questioned. We wish it to be known that he did not represent us.

For media interviews contact:

Tony Flannery 087-6814699; Roy Donovan 087-2225150;

Tim Hazelwood 087-1337164; Gerry O’Connor 087-2320295.

For verification: Liamy Mac Nally, ACP Admin Secretary 087-2233220

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5 Comments

  1. Gina Menzies says:

    Thank you to all in ACP for these comments. The world needs to know Mc Gregor’s views are not us.

    It would be impressive if every Bishop & Cardinal followed Cardinal McElroy and made similar statements.

    I see further funding has been withdrawn from independent media organizations.

    If anyone has doubts where this is going, I recommend this book: ” The Nazi Mind: twelve warnings from history” by Laurence Rees, 2025.

    1. Brendan Cafferty says:

      Well done to ACP on their statement, perhaps the Catholic Hierarchy might summon up courage now and do likewise.

    2. Lee Gleeson says:

      I’m Irish and I agree with what he said in relation to the refugee scam! Ireland is being ruined!

  2. Paddy Ferry says:

    BREAKING: A White House scandal erupts as an Irish rape crisis charity shreds Donald Trump for hosting adjudicated rapist MMA fighter Conor McGregor on St. Patrick’s Day, calling it “very sinister.”

    This is a new low for this vile administration…

    The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre sent a letter to the United States Embassy in Ireland condemning the White House meeting because it “effectively normalises sexual violence and trivialises its impact on survivors.”

    “We do believe that the meeting between Trump and Conor McGregor was really very sinister and we have called it out for what it is, which is … an attempt to rebuild the very damaged reputation of Conor McGregor,” said the centre’s chief executive Rachel Morrogh.

    She stated that her organization “sees first hand the trauma of sexual violence on our clients”.

    “I believe these events undermine the efforts of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and other organisations that are working towards the elimination of sexual violence,” she said.

    An Irish woman accused McGregor last year of “brutally” raping her in a hotel and eventually won a civil court case against him. The fighter was ordered to pay out over €248,000.

    Disgustingly, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt introduced McCregor to the podium for a press briefing and declared that “she “couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St Patrick’s Day.” McGregor then went on to deliver an unhinged anti-migrant screed.

    The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre asked the embassy to “communicate these concerns to the Trump administration.”

    Unfortunately, the White House will likely ignore the letter. Donald Trump himself is an avowed sexual predator and adjudicated rapist — as decided in the E. Jean Carroll civil case.

    Birds of a feather flock together.

  3. Paddy Ferry says:

    I should have mentioned that I found the information above in the comment re Trump and McGregor on a site called Occupy Democrats which appeared on my FB page and I did a copy and paste.
    I presume it’s American. I should have mentioned that.

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