Donal Fallon: From Selma to Derry and Seán McDermott Street, how Jesse Jackson touched Ireland with his energyRenowned for his powerful speeches, the late civil rights activist had a ‘global presence’ and will be fondly remembered by several downtrodden communities on this islandJesse Jackson applauds Irish dancers during a visit to Méanscoil Feirste, the Irish language college in West Belfast. Photo: PADonal Fallon Today at 13:00When the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (Nicra) first emerged in 1967, its detractors insisted it was little more than a republican front, and a Trojan horse that would use the language of reform in pursuit of revolution.

Source: Irish Independent February 19, 2026 00:31 UTC