Through the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the EU supports a European network of fact-checkers, including TheJournal in Ireland. For a monthly roundup of European fact-checks, visit the main EDMO website. Here, we highlight recent fact-checks by TheJournal FactCheck team.
Old footage and incorrect hot takes fuelling misinformation around protests
Images from unrelated events—including the Coolock riots, footage from abroad, and AI-generated visuals—have been falsely linked to Ireland’s fuel protests, contributing to widespread misinformation and confusion online. Published: 10 April – by Shane Raymond
Gardaí aware of fake document shared on social media purporting to be ‘operational directive’
A fabricated document claiming to outline internal instructions for An Garda Síochána response to fuel protests circulated widely online, but authorities confirmed it is entirely fake. Published: 11 April – by Mairead McGuire
FactCheck: Do golf clubs apply for sports capital funding at three times the rate of boxing clubs?
Claims that golf clubs apply for significantly more state funding than boxing clubs are broadly accurate, though the disparity is influenced by factors such as land ownership and eligibility criteria. Published: 12 April
Debunked: The PSNI was not involved with breaking up fuel protests in Cork, Galway or Dublin
Online rumours alleging that Police Service of Northern Ireland officers were deployed during Irish fuel protests are false, with no evidence supporting claims of cross-border policing. Published: 14 April
Viral claims that Taoiseach Micheál Martin attended his daughter’s wedding during protest unrest are untrue; he was instead engaged in government meetings, though he briefly attended a relative’s reception. Published: 14 April
