About Rebel Matters

The show is hosted by Rebel Matters creator Ainle Ó Cairealláin from Belfast, Ireland. In 2013 Ainle started the ACLAÍ gym in Cork city which held space for community events, was an inclusive space for health and recreation, and a staple of life in Cork city for many over the years. Ainle is also the Director of the ACLAÍ Palestine project, a community gym, in the Lajee Centre, Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem, Palestine. ACLAÍ Palestine provides invaluable services to the Aida camp community as well as providing opportunities for the team of local coaches, and a volunteer program for visiting international coaches. Check out more about ACLAÍ Palestine here.

Ainle’s upbringing in West Belfast has greatly impacted the direction of his work over the years. Having grown up during a period of anti-imperialist struggle in Ireland, and as a member of the Irish language speaking community in Belfast; a commitment to community development, intersectional cooperation, and bringing experiences of oppression and resistance to the fore have been major influences to his work over the years.

Rebel Matters aims to be a platform for sharing experiences of struggle, liberation, and self-determination from near and far, with general themes including politics, imperialism, history, Palestine, arts and culture, and both local and global social and environmental issues.