Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (born 16 October 1997), better known by his stage name Mo Chara ("My Friend" in Irish), is an Irish rapper, actor, and activist from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is a founding member of the hip hop group Kneecap, which raps in both Irish and English and is known for its provocative lyrics, political activism, and support for the Irish language.^[1][2]

Ó hAnnaidh co-founded Kneecap in 2017 with Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglaí Bap) and JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí). The group quickly gained notoriety for their energetic performances, satirical and politically charged lyrics, and unapologetic embrace of Irish republican and working-class Belfast youth culture. Their debut single "C.E.A.R.T.A." was released in 2017, followed by the album 3CAG (2018) and Fine Art (2024), both of which received critical acclaim.^[3][4]

Kneecap's music addresses themes such as Irish language rights, anti-colonialism, class, and the legacy of The Troubles, often using humour and irony. The group has also been outspoken in its support of Palestinian nationalism, and has been at the centre of public debates about free speech and political expression in Ireland and the UK.^[1]

Ó hAnnaidh starred as a fictionalised version of himself in the film Kneecap (2024), a comedy-drama directed by Rich Peppiatt that depicts the group's rise and the cultural and political context of contemporary Belfast. The film, which also features Michael Fassbender, won several awards and was praised for its authenticity, humour, and social commentary.^[5]

Ó hAnnaidh and Kneecap are known for their activism in support of the Irish language as well as their criticism of British government policies in Northern Ireland.^[1]

He is also known for his outspoken support for Palestinian nationalism and Palestinian rights and against the United Kingdom's alleged complicity on what he considers to be a genocide of Palestinians. In May 2025, Ó hAnnaidh was charged in the UK with a terrorism-related offense for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London, a charge he and the group described as “political policing” and an attempt to silence dissent.^[1][6][7][8] The offence carries up to six months' imprisonment or a fine and a district judge, not a jury, will decide the case.^[9] On 18 June 2025, Ó hAnnaidh appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court and was released on unconditional bail. He is scheduled to return to court for a further hearing on 20 August 2025.^[10] Following the court appearance, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told The Sun that he did not consider Kneecap's planned performance at the Glastonbury Festival on 28 June to be appropriate, citing the seriousness of the charge and the ongoing legal proceedings. The band responded "You know what's 'not appropriate' Keir? Arming a fucking genocide. Fuck The Sun and solidarity with Palestine Action".^[11][12]

Ó hAnnaidh grew up in West Belfast, an area with a strong Irish-language revival movement and a history of political activism. He is fluent in Irish and is regarded as a prominent figure in the contemporary Irish-language music scene.^[2]

• Kneecap (2024) – as himself

• Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Award for Best Director (Kneecap, 2024; shared with cast and crew)^[1]
• BAFTA Award for Kneecap (2024; as cast member)

• Irish hip hop