The celebration was to mark the Twelfth of July, which commemorates a 1690 victory of Protestant King William III over Catholic King James II. Celebrations like these used to result in violence in Northern Ireland as Protestants and Catholics would clash over British versus home rule of Ireland.
Irish Church head Archbishop John McDowell said the burning of the boat in effigy, which was atop a bonfire, was a "humiliation and lasting shame." He went on to say that it was "racist, threatening and offensive," per The New York Times.
"It certainly has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity or with Protestant culture and is in fact inhuman and deeply sub-Christian," he said. "I hope that the many people from other countries, who live in that area, and who contribute so much to the economy and to the diversity of Dungannon, can be reassured that it does not in any way represent the feeling of the vast majority of their neighbours."
"Police have received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material that has been placed upon it," read a statement from police. "Police are investigating this hate incident.
"Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable," the statement went on to say, "to keep people safe. We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists."
Local elected leader Malachy Quinn said "No to Racism" and went on to say "I am absolutely disgusted to see yet another overtly racist and threatening display appear on the bonfire in Moygashel.
"Dungannon is a proud, multicultural town. People from all over the world have come here to live, work, raise their families, and build a better life. They deserve respect, safety, and a sense of belonging—just like everyone else."
"Those responsible for this hateful display claim to be celebrating British culture. Let’s be clear: racism and intimidation are not culture. This isn’t pride—it’s poison. It is an affront to every decent person in our community," he went on to say.
"I have reported this incident to the police. No one—no matter where they are from or what they believe—should be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome in their own home. It’s long past time we challenged these toxic displays and the silence that too often surrounds them."
The Times reports that migrant crossings to Ireland have hit a record high. The boat burning was defended by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson who said that the European Court of Human Rights calls burning effigies a "legitimate political expression."
“Every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration,” he said. “Their yearly art has itself become a tradition. This year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration.”
In 2024, Bryson encouraged further political protest but said attacking persons or property were unacceptable. "The protests against mass immigration, enforced multi-culturalism & the imposed ‘integration’ of foreign ideologies is legitimate. But that protest must be directed against the policy, not people. I urge everyone, particularly loyalists, not to become involved in attacking anyone or their property. There is many people who have come here from different backgrounds & who have integrated into our culture & way of life. We ought to have no quarrel with such persons," he said.
