Kneecap have announced the death of Móglaí Bap’s father, ahead of their biggest-ever show.
The Irish language rap trio are set to perform their biggest show ever in Belfast’s SSE Arena — where over 9,200 people are expected in the arena on Saturday night (December 21).
However, the group have taken to Twitter (X) to announce the passing of Móglaí Bap’s father Gearóid Ó Cairealláin on Friday night — with the lads dedicating tonight’s concert to him.
Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, father of Móglái Bap passed away last night.
He was an Irish language revolutionary, community activist, loving father, husband and an inspiration to many.
We are heartbroken. 💔
Tonight’s concert at the SSE arena will be the largest Irish language… pic.twitter.com/AAm5rkoI6i
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) December 21, 2024
‘Gearóid Ó Cairealláin, father of Móglái Bap passed away last night,’ the group wrote in a statement in English and as Gaeilge. ‘He was an Irish language revolutionary, community activist, loving father, husband and an inspiration to many. We are heartbroken.
‘Tonight’s concert at the SSE arena will be the largest Irish language gig in the city’s history. Nothing would have made him prouder.
‘Tonight is for him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.’
The concert comes following a huge week for the trio, as the dramatised film on the group’s formation and rise was shortlisted for Best International Film at the upcoming Oscars.
Directed by Rich Peppiatt and starring Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, the film was both a hit with critics and at the box office, where it grossed over €4 million worldwide.
Following months of questioning if the Academy would recognise a movie about Irish rap, it was confirmed on Tuesday that Kneecap has been shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category.
This is Ireland’s second time to receive a nomination in this category in recent years after An Cailín Ciúin became the first Irish film in history to achieve the nomination last year.
Kneecap have also been shortlisted for Best Original song for their track Sick in the Head, where they are joined by the likes of Elton John, Robbie Williams, Lin-Manuel Miranda and the 15-times nominated Diane Warren.