MONDAY sees the much anticipated return of the Dance Night at the Féile with performer Timmy Trumpet headlining the night. Throughout the day, there will be tours, discussions and family friendly events taking place throughout the West. It’s a day not to miss!
THE Government of Scotland has moved decisively by setting the date for a referendum on sovereignty and independence. October 19 2023 is that date. Its decision has already won support among Scottish voters. A poll published recently in The Times showed that those for and against independence are neck and neck. 48 per cent of those surveyed were in favour of independence while 47 per cent were against. In June the Scottish Government began publishing a series of detailed documents spelling out the advantages of ending the Union. A crucial part of this is reversing the Brexit disaster by rejoining the European Union.
THIS Saturday will mark 50 years from the horrific events of the summer evening of July 9, 1972, when British soldiers shot and killed two adults and three children in the Springhill/Westrock area. Those killed included 38-year-Old Paddy Butler, who died after he was hit by the bullet that killed Father Noel Fitzpatrick,who was trying to help the wounded and dying. Martin Dudley (19) was shot in the back of the head by a second British Army sniper and seriously wounded as he got out of a car. 17-year-old John Dougal was shot dead and his friend Brian Pettigrew was seriously injured as they tried to assist Martin Dudley. 13-year-old Margaret Gargan was shot dead by another British Army sniper. And 15-year-old David McCaffrey was shot dead as he tried to pull Fr Fitzpatrick and Paddy Butler out of the line of fire. As in the case of the Ballymurphy Massacre case and that of Bloody Sunday just six months earlier, the British lied about the circumstances surrounding the Springhill/Westro