I WAS NOT AWARE OF OFFENSIVE CHANTING'

Man challenges sacking decision over viral Orange Hall song about Michaela

A LORRY driver said he was “not aware” of offensive chanting about murder victim Michaela McAreavey when he streamed a video from an Orange Hall. 

Andrew McDade made the claim at an industrial tribunal as he challenged a decision by his former employer to dismiss him in the aftermath of the Facebook Live broadcast last May.

He had been attending an event at Dundonald Orange Hall, in Co Down, when he live-streamed footage of singing.

The song appears to mock the daughter of the former Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte who was murdered while on honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011. The clip sparked widespread condemnation.

However, McDade contends he had simply been streaming to “show the atmosphere of the day” at an event to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary.

He told the tribunal he could not be responsible for the actions of others during a live stream.

McDade’s Facebook profile description included his employer’s name. He was suspended on June 3 while an investigation was carried out, and then dismissed. He did not appeal his dismissal last year.