‘Get a life’: Stars criticise Jim Corr for attending protest against lockdown and face masks

Irish pop star Jim Corr is facing a storm of criticism after he attended a protest in Dublin against lockdown and wearing face masks.

The Corrs guitarist has been vilified by Sinead O’Connor and X Factor stars Jedward in a Twitter spat.

Corr, who formed the popular band with sisters Andrea, Sharon and Caroline in the 1990s, has became known in recent years for believing in controversial conspiracy theories.

The 56-year-old has said COVID-19 is a “hoax” that has been exaggerated.

Corr cited a documentary called Plandemic, which shares conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sharing a video from the anti-lockdown protest, which took place on Saturday, Corr tweeted: “Great turn out at the protest in Dublin.”

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Several videos from the demonstration shared online saw crowds singing The Foggy Dew, a traditional Irish song covered by The Chieftains and O’Connor in 1995.

However, O’Connor was not happy the song was being sung, and addressed the matter on Twitter.

She said: “Can I please ask that selfishly unmasked crowds standing shoulder to shoulder protesting and ignoring COVID protective restrictions not use my music as if to suggest I support you in any way. I do not.”

Quoting the tweet, Corr responded: “I admire the way you spoke out bravely in the past Sinead to much scorn at the time only to be proven right.

“I’m surprised however you’re not yet awake to the Plandemic, but you will be, knowing that great mind of yours x.”

The Nothing Compares 2 U singer replied: “Jim, you need to get a life.

“Maybe if you’re bored today you could help @JimCorr get a life. The FACT is that whether or not there is any conspiracy, there is a virus. Of which two people I know have died.

“So protest if you want. But if you don’t wear a mask in a crowd you’re just being selfish and stupid.”

Singing twins John and Edward Grimes also took aim at Corr, using titles of hits from his former band to make their point.

Jedward tweeted: “G’wan leave the whole country ‘breathless’ from Covid because of your idiotic behaviour @Jimcorrsays.”

When Corr responded by telling the pair to “grow a brain between you”, Jedward replied with: “Why don’t you just go and ‘Runaway’ and FYI your sisters never needed you please leave the band.”

They added: “You’re the best background band member In the history of Irish music. Jim ‘it really doesn’t matter at all, cause we are so young now’ and ‘irresistible’ you’re just another #COVIDIOT good luck with your air guitar skills.”

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Corr responded to call Jedward “Ireland’s Milli Vanilli” and urged them to watch the Plandemic documentary.

According to figures from Ireland’s Department of Health, there have so far been 1,777 COVID-19 related deaths in the country, with 27,908 confirmed cases in total.