[autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and Sinead O’Connor are two of the most globally recognized icons to come out of Ireland.
At UFC 189 in July 2015, the two collaborated on an historic MMA moment. As he walked out for his bout against Chad Mendes, O’Connor welcomed McGregor to the cage by belting “Foggy Dew” the Irish fighter’s signature walkout song, in person at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Midway through his walk, McGregor turned and saluted O’Connor, who was singing on a platform above the audience.
Wednesday, the tone the two shared wasn’t as cordial. In a heated Twitter exchange, McGregor and O’Connor sparred on immigration pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic.
The conversation started when O’Connor seemingly took exception with a tweet from McGregor. In the tweet, McGregor encouraged Ireland natives to fill 1,500 farming job openings in the country.
Men and Women, WE ARE HIRING ☘️
I need 1,500 labourers ready to work in our amazing food and agriculture industry.
Please send all C.V’s to @LeoVaradkar and @michaelcreed.
Flying in 1,500 people from the outside world, at this point in time, will break the chains of all command. https://t.co/CQXbtkdFNx— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 15, 2020
One McGregor line – “Flying in 1,500 people from the outside world, at this point in time, will break the chains of all command” – seemed to strike a chord with O’Connor, who tweeted a series of responses at McGregor.
The responses varied in specifics, but largely accused McGregor of promoting racism and xenophobia. At one point:
@TheNotoriousMMA Could you please elucidate me as to what exactly you are referring when you say "the chains of command? Which you say will be broken if immigrant workers come to help farmers. What exactly are the chains of command?
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) April 15, 2020
@TheNotoriousMMA Are you on something?
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) April 15, 2020
@TheNotoriousMMA Because you sound like a slave owner more with each passing year. I mean, I love you an all, but like, what the fuck racist shit you been swallowing? Where has the real Conor gone? Because I know your mama didn't raise you to be any kind of racist.
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) April 15, 2020
@TheNotoriousMMA I mean for fuck sake like, the chains of all command ? #WhateverYouBeenReadingYouNeedToPutItDown
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) April 15, 2020
@TheNotoriousMMA Not to mention you're an immigrant worker your self!
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) April 15, 2020
@TheNotoriousMMA https://t.co/aNpfw4aMVG
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) April 15, 2020
Eventually, McGregor responded. He denied O’Connor’s accusations of racism, and said all travel must be halted. O’Connor responded, and the back-and-forth commenced.
You must be very careful what language you're using. It's offensive. Especially in light of your previous racist remarks.
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) April 15, 2020
I will refuse to listen to “don’t move more than 2k from home” yet air and sea ports, where the virus first entered, remain fully open. With upwards of 1k passengers in and out daily. It is equivalent to pushing and pulling at the same time.
That command cannot be followed. How?— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 15, 2020
On top of this, there are now 1500 labourers being sourced to fly in from abroad to work in our agriculture industry. At this time?
Too dangerous. Too risky.
Also, I’m sure we have 1500 out of work labourers at the ready. On soil.
It simply makes no sense what is being touted.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 15, 2020
Nothing whatsoever to do with immigrants.
At this time it is crazy to even suggest anything other than essential medical equipment/personnel be flown in. Everything else must be halted.
Even food. We have food here.
We must shut shop Sinead.
For now, not forever.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 15, 2020
You must be very careful what language you're using. It's offensive. Especially in light of your previous racist remarks.
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) April 15, 2020
In his closing remarks (for now), McGregor issued a tweet in Gaelic:
“Nà déan mearbhall ar ghnó na troda le réaltacht, Sinead,” McGregor wrote. “Tá brón orm má chiontaítear é.”
Translation? (via online Translator)
“Do not confuse the fighting business with reality, Sinead.
I am sorry.”
Nà déan mearbhall ar ghnó na troda le réaltacht, Sinead.
Tá brón orm má chiontaítear é.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 15, 2020
O’Connor posted one more follow-up tweet, without tagging McGregor. However, the context revolved around the same issue.
Man, I just get pissed about people going on about immigrants. Always full of gaslighting excuses. Saying they aren't xenophobic when they clearly are. We ought be grateful any human being fleeing for their life thought we were worth coming to.
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) April 15, 2020
Since the coronavirus pandemic became a global issue, McGregor has been an outspoken advocate for safety precautions. Over the past weeks, McGregor has taken to social media to promote dozens of safety measures including social distancing, quarantining, and more.
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