Andersontown News, August, 26, 2002, http://www.irelandclick.com/
Former Taoiseach hails relatives of Ardoyne dead
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds hailed the Ardoyne victims’ book a
magnificent achievement during his visit to North Belfast.
“I have admired the Ardoyne community over the years – the way they have
come through their difficulties,” he said.
“I think the book is a wonderful example of excellent community
co-operation. It brings together a group to write the history of this
community.
“I think for the loved ones of those who lost their lives it’s only right
and proper that the record is honest and true and it’s only right to get the
relatives left behind to write the words themselves.
“It’s a huge undertaking to get the stories of the 99 dead and bring the
community together and get everything written down.
“It is a magnificent achievement.”
Belfast’s Mayor, Alex Maskey, said he was humbled at the hundreds of people
who queued to have copies of their book signed by him and republican
veterans including Joe Cahill and Martin Meehan.
“No words of any of us could tell what these people said in their stories.
“The book is a lesson to political representatives to make sure that there
is not a 100 story. Congratulations to everyone on a memoir that includes
every single person bereaved. It’s a lesson to everybody,” he said.
Albert Reynolds and screenwriter Jimmy McGovern were presented with
commemorative pictures.
The former Taoiseach was given a memorial plaque from the Ardoyne
Commemoration project and a framed image of the Holy Cross mural was
presented to Jimmy McGovern.
The screenwriter said he had been shocked to see what residents were
enduring along the Alliance Avenue and Glenbryn interface.
“These people have beautiful sophisticated homes, but they can’t use the
back with guys getting up on the roofs and throwing pipe bombs.
“What I kept thinking about was my kids and how I was always afraid of cars
going up and down too fast in the street.
“The pressure of living in these conditions must be unbearable.
“Jane Kennedy should be doing something about this,” he said.
Journalist: Staff Reporter