On July 12, tensions in Belfast’s Ardoyne area reached a boiling point as the annual Orange Order parade marched through the streets, exacerbating longstanding conflicts between Catholic and Protestant communities. The day, intended for celebration by some, turned into a battleground for others, reflecting the deep-seated anger and division that persists in the region.
The march began peacefully enough, but as we approached the Catholic area of Ardoyne, it became clear that tranquility was not on the agenda. One in every three people killed during the conflict was killed in one square mile of North Belfast, underscoring the area’s volatile history and the high emotions surrounding it. Journalists like us, smuggled in with the marchers, faced hostility, not just from the crowd but from the community itself.
The tension escalated when a portion of the parade attempted to march down a road that separated Catholic and Protestant communities. This road, claimed by both sides, became a flashpoint. The parades commission had denied the Catholic community the right to march, fearing violent clashes. As expected, the police were present in full riot gear, blocking exits and preparing for the worst.
Among the chaos, we encountered Martin Meehan, a former IRA prisoner and a prominent dissident Republican. Meehan criticized Republicans who had embraced mainstream politics, labeling their condemnation of the violence in Ardoyne as hypocritical. As he spoke, the streets behind him were scenes of intense conflict, with children throwing rocks and petrol bombs while the police responded with plastic bullets.
The aftermath of the riots saw debris and refuse littering the streets, a grim testament to the previous night’s violence. The heavy police presence indicated that peace was far from being restored. Young people, driven by a mix of excitement and a desire to feel significant within their community, continued to engage in violent acts. Conversations with local Catholic youths revealed that many attended the riots as spectators, drawn by the thrill and the chaos.
