'Disgusted' - Epstein Files float at Mayo St Patrick's Day Parade sparks outrage

A float at the St Patrick's Day Parade in South Mayo town Ballinrobe has sparked a controversy.

Videos of the vehicle themed "Epstein Files" have gone viral across the globe. 

A person wearing a wig can be seen being wrestled down by others. There's also a person dressed as a guard and another one standing in a cage, holding a sign saying 'Prince Andrew going to jail'. 

Today, committee members and members of the local community are trying to come to terms with the backlash.

"It was in very bad taste and it shouldn't have happened, and it's not something you'd expect to be pushing in a St Patrick's Day parade," said Cllr Michael Burke (Fine Gael), speaking to The Mayo News.

"There was no indication that there was going to be the misbehaviour that these people showed," Mr Burke said: "It was totally inappropriate for a family day occasion, acknowledging our patron saint."

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The matter made it to RTÉ Radio One afternoon show Liveline. A caller said: "They should be named and shamed. A little girl standing in the parade would have no clue what was going on. I'm disgusted today. The worst thing was, that it looked like these lads were enjoying themselves."

Some heated exchanges took place during the show as callers were partially shouting over each other.

One raised the question: "Why weren't Gardaí involved? Those guys knew exactly what they were doing. They broke the law. If depicting the rape of a child isn't law, then what it is?"

The Ballinrobe St Patrick's Day Parade organising committee have been contacted for comment. 

Wouldn't you think that one of those adults involved might have stopped just for a second to think: "Hold on here, lots of victims traumatised, family day out, might not be the best idea to simulate a rape and laugh about it?" https://t.co/FEGdjuHMpW

— Máiría Cahill (@cahillbooks) March 18, 2026