Protests as Muslim community marks Eid al-Adha in Dublin

Over 700 members of the Muslim community have gathered in Dublin to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

The feast of the sacrifice is regarded as the holiest festival in the Muslim calendar and was celebrated indoors at Croke Park.

A group protested outside the venue as attendees arrived.

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, of the Irish Muslim Council, went out and wished them a good morning.

Inside, as the call to prayer began, a woman stood up holding a rosary beads and began to recite the Hail Mary. She shouted "shame" as she was escorted away by security.

There was no reaction from members of the Muslim community in attendance, which included children.

Addressing them, Dr Al-Quadri said the tactics were "not nice or respectable".

He said the doors of mosques are open for Irish people to visit.

Dr Al-Quadri also noted that organisers of today's event included Christians.

Mohammed Asif from Navan was in Croke Park with his family to offer an Eid prayer.

He said it was a chance for his 13-year-old son Hassan Asif who has an intellectual disability, to do the Eid prayer with his Dad, and see the pitch.

Mr Asif said it was a chance to say thanks for the privileges they have and to sacrifice for the sake of the almighty.

Asked if he had any view on the protest, he said while it is great to have peace and harmony, it's an issue everywhere, so it didn't really bother him.

"We're here 21 years in this beautiful country, so we know the Irish people, (they’re) the most friendly people, they have embraced us, they've opened their arms.

"So all these sentiments which - I do agree with to a point that they would have this sentiment - but to be honest, it doesn't really get to our head." he said.

Mohammad Amir Khan was in attendance with his wife, his two sons and his daughter.

He said while there are "many Eids" organised at locations around the country, the one in Croke Park is the best one because it is multicultural with people from all over the world.

"It’s not just the prayer, we meet and get to know each other".

While Mr Khan has attended Eid al Adha for the past three years, it is the first time that his children were in Croke Park.

"The children were very interested to see it. They have never been here. They just wanted to see Croke Park".

It was also Amine Remache’s first visit to Croke Park.

Mr Remache welcomed the celebration because he said that while everyone in attendance was Muslim, each one had come from a different background and a different culture.

Prior to coming to Ireland, he lived in France as a student and worked there for a year.

"In France I used to hide when I prayed at the university. But here in Ireland, actually, I could practice my faith with no issues and it's not that nobody cares, but I could do it freely. And that's a major difference."

Hera Nabeel, her husband and two children moved to Ireland from the UK around two and a half years ago due to her husband receiving a job transfer.

The Nabeel's eldest daughter has been learning Irish in school and the teachers were very welcoming when they arrived.

Ms Nabeel said it was good to see how accepting and welcoming the Irish people were.

Asked for her view about protests she said that just as Muslims have a right to celebrate, people have the right to protest as well.

"You know it's their point of view. That's the beauty of democracy. Everyone has a right to their opinion to say whatever they want to say," she said.