Tommy talks about his memories of internment as a ten-year-old in Ballymurphy on August 09th 1971.
Recalling the deaths of some of those he knew. Then being evacuated down south.
Conflict becoming the norm while growing up.
His father and brother injured in bomb attack.
Influence of Father Des Wilson. Becoming involved in youth work and later the Ballymurphy Massacre campaign for truth.
Reflecting on the origins of West Belfast Festival to create something positive out of tragedy.
Audio Transcript
00:00:00.6 00:04:36.5 10 years old in 1971. August 09th in Ballymurphy memories of sounds, boots, doors being smashed and screaming. Seeing the paratroopers in full camouflage going from door to door, family waiting terrified.
00:04:36.5 00:10:44.3 At dawn the shooting began. Local people had gathered at British army base trying to find out where the men had been taken. Hearing about people being shot dead in the area. 1969 CS Gas.
00:10:44.3 00:14:14.4 Memories so vivid because of closeness with families of Ballymurphy Massacre victims. Recalling building barricades and banging of bin lids to alert the community when British army came into area. Old metal bin lids now a historic symbol of the time.
00:14:14.4 00:18:18.7 Over the 3 days after internment people were still being shot by the British paratroopers. Recalling death of youth worker. At the inquest British army lies exposed.
00:18:18.7 00:23:35.7 People trying to bullet proof their windows. British army wrecking homes and smashing religious icons. British army officer finding his father’s World War 2 medals. Later they stole them.
00:23:35.7 00:26:51.3 Being evacuated down south along with his mother and some siblings. Loyalists stoning the train. Arriving at the Irish army camp felt like an adventure but they still missed home.
00:26:51.3 00:33:47.5 Building barricades. Children’s games changing as riots and gun battles became daily occurrences. conflict became ‘normality’ but as children they still wanted to do what children do.
00:33:47.5 00:35:35.4 Became involved in youth/community work when 17. worked on interface for years. Aware that he didn’t want another generation going through conflict.
00:35:35.4 00:40:37.3 Recalling his thoughts on 50th anniversary of explosion at Kelly’s Bar. Seeing the injured including his father and brother. Loyalists shooting at victims.
00:40:37.3 00:44:28.0 Involvement in sports helping people cope. Influence of Fr. Des Wilson on individuals and community. Links between Derry Bloody Sunday, Ballymurphy Massacre and Springhill Massacre. Continuous tragedies in the community.
00:44:28.0 00:48:06.3 Mother Teresa and nuns arrived in area. worked within the community and very respected by the people. Removed by hierarchy in Catholic Church.
00:48:06.3 00:52:56.5 Roots of West Belfast Festival transforming anniversary of internment from bonfires, riots and deaths to a positive outlet. Today a major festival involving thousands of young people. Dealing with trauma by building something positive.