Conor McGregor 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.
Conor McGregor and Sinead O’Connor at UFC 189
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:
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.
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.”
O’Connor posted one more follow-up tweet, without tagging McGregor. However, the context revolved around the same issue.
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.
Conor McGregor, Sinead O'Connor spar over coronavirus ideologies in expletive-filled debate
