There was considerable tension in the lead-up to the civil rights protest, with shopkeepers boarding up their premises for fear of violence. The loyalist protesters took over the city centre, many of them carrying sticks and cudgels. There were a number of clashes with the police, and loyalists asked for cameramen to stop recording, attacking BBC and ITN television crews. The RUC kept a "no man's land" between the two set of demonstrators, and halted the civil rights march.
Presented here is the demonstration in Armagh and reaction to it.
Shop Fronts Boarded Up on the Eve of the Demonstration
Shop-fronts boarded up on 29 November, 1968, the eve of the Armagh demonstration.
Production Year
1968
ARMAGH MARCH MEETS PROTEST
"It would be quite unsafe to allow you people to go any further"
Loyalist protesters and civil rights marchers gather in Armagh and are separated by a RUC cordon.
Production Year
1968
ARMAGH MARCH MEETS PROTEST
All Quiet in Armagh After Demonstrations
Following the demonstrations, shopkeepers remove the protective hoardings from their shop fronts.
Production Year
1968
ARMAGH MARCH MEETS PROTEST
Cardinal Thanks Civil Rights Demonstrators
Cardinal Conway addresses the congregation of St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, and compliments them on their restraint during the civil rights demonstration.
Production Year
1968
ARMAGH MARCH MEETS PROTEST
Cabinet Discusses Demonstrations at Armagh
Ronnie Turner reports on cabinet reaction to the Armagh civil rights demonstration.
Production Year
1968
Contributor
Ronnie Turner (Reporter)
ARMAGH MARCH MEETS PROTEST
McAnerney Blames Craig for March Not Taking Place
John McAnerney, Secretary of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA), talks to Ronnie Turner about the RUC's decision to stop their march in Armagh.
Production Year
1968
Contributor
Ronnie Tuner (Reporter)
ARMAGH MARCH MEETS PROTEST
"I haven't said that I am not in favour of one man, one vote"
William Craig talks about the demonstration in Armagh, the actions of the police, "one man, one vote" and calls for his resignation.
Production Year
1968
Contributor
Ronnie Turner (Reporter)
ARMAGH MARCH MEETS PROTEST
"...I can prove conclusively that this was not an unlawful assembly"
Ian Paisley outlines what he and his followers are trying to achieve.
Production Year
1968
Contributor
John O'Donoghue (Reporter)
ARMAGH MARCH MEETS PROTEST
"...the mere puppets of the fat-bellied bishops of Maynooth"
This Week' looks back at the calm interviews given to RTÉ Television by Ian Paisley and William Craig and compares them to the more rousing addresses each gave their own supporters that same week.
