The Story Behind The Song: The Irish language protest of ‘In ár gCroíthe go deo’ by Fontaines DC
Fontaines DC’s “In ár gCroíthe go deo” draws on the dispute over an Irish inscription requested for Margaret Keane’s gravestone, turning her family’s experience into a quiet protest against discrimination. The song also reflects the band’s own sense of Irish identity after moving to England, where they felt more conscious of being outsiders.
Keane’s family wanted “In ár gCroíthe go deo”, meaning “in our hearts forever”, carved on her grave, but the Church of England initially refused unless an English translation was added. The decision was overturned in 2021 on grounds of racial discrimination. The track opens the band’s third album, *Skinty Fia*, and its mournful refrain and use of Irish give grief a wider meaning connected to language, belonging and life away from home.
- Fontaines DC turned a gravestone dispute into a song of protest.
- The Irish inscription was approved after a 2021 discrimination ruling.
- The track reflects the band’s experience of being Irish in England.
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Irish is the first official language of Ireland, but English is more widely spoken in everyday life. The two languages carry different histories, and the use of Irish can be a way for people to express family ties and a sense of belonging.
Margaret Keane’s family wanted the Irish phrase “In ár gCroíthe go deo”, meaning “in our hearts forever”, on her gravestone in England. The Church of England initially said an English translation must also appear; in 2021, that decision was overturned on grounds of racial discrimination.
Fontaines DC are an Irish band who moved to England, where they said they became more aware of feeling like outsiders. Their song draws on the Keane family’s experience and the band’s reflections on identity, linking personal grief with questions about language and belonging.