IT was a night to remember at Clancy’s Bar in Athy as the pub hosted the 5th annual Kildare Pride event, appropriately entitled ‘The Pink Pony Party’.
Kieran Murphy and Michael Burke
“That’s our fifth event now, which makes us established,” said Clancy’s co-owner, and event organiser Emma O’Brien.
Naomi Coughlan and Danielle Grufferty
She co-owns the pub with her wife Breda Clancy – “you can’t forget the main woman!” – whilst she is joined on the Pride committee by Julie and Eleana Snoody.
“We’re the only Kildare event, and we’re the only pub event! All the others are parades in cities and towns like Dublin and Navan,” she said.
Emma O Brien, Taffy Taffy, Elena Snoddy, Sean D'Olier and Julie Snoddy
“Everybody was welcome, but there was this feeling we mightn’t be because of Trump.
“You’re seeing big companies taking down their Pride flag from their website because of him. It’s sad, isn’t it?
“It wasn’t like this at all last year, there were no such problems or fears.”
Sinead Cullen, Deirdre Hurley, Andrea Dunney, Joyce Rainsford and Nirmala Dunney
Emma added: “This was the first year we had to check we’d be welcome, the first year we were a bit more aware of the political environment – and I blame Trump!
Michael and Patricia Mulhall
“For us it was very important this year, and we had a whole load of new people – probably over 150 in total!
Antionette Bell, Margaret Germaine and Trisha Dempsey
“There were people from all over the country here, and loads of people in support. Our socials were lit up!
“It’s mad really, everything’s flying along, then something like him happens, and everybody’s cagey again. It’s a shocking world, but it’s not like that in Kildare, it’s not like that in Athy, and it’s not like that in Clancy’s!”
Amy Whelan and Laurie McMahon
The 6th Kildare Pride is already booked for 20 June 2026.
