Growing Tension - Northern Ireland 1969

Growing Tension

Throughout 1969, tension increased across the sectarian and political divides. Marches and demonstrations often ended in violent clashes. Explosions at power and water plants led to British troops guarding key installations. The IRA was originally held responsible, but it later emerged that these acts were carried out by Loyalist extremists.

Although violence took place throughout Ulster, it was Derry that became the flash point on a number of occasions. Nights of rioting in April and again in July were only a taste of what was to come in August 1969. These months would also see the first deaths of the Troubles. The following RTÉ reports give a sense of how Northern Ireland was slipping into violent conflict.

Tricolour Carried in Derry Easter Parade

This clip shows an Easter 1916 commemoration parade defying a police order not to display the tricolour over the last 400 yards of the route in Derry city-centre. Some participants chant "SS RUC". In Guildhall Square, Leo Coyle reads the Proclamation of 1916.

Riots in Derry Water and Electricity Supplies Attacked

In April 1969, violence was sparked in Derry by the banning of a march from Burntollet Bridge to Derry. Burntollet had been the site of Protestant extremist attacks on a civil rights march several months earlier in January. This event had highlighted to the civil rights campaign the failure of the government to stand up to militant Loyalist extremists.

News headlines from the "This Week" radio programme give an indication of increased tension in Northern Ireland. There are reactions to disturbances in Derry and reports of bomb damage to waterworks and electricity pylons.

Reactions To Night Of Violence in Derry

John Hume and Ivan Cooper discuss what they think started the violence and the need to politically address the grievances of those demonstrating. Ivan Cooper believes it is time to stop the marches now. Journalist Mary Holland describes what she witnessed, stating that "I was certainly more frightened than I have ever been".

Derry After Night Of Rioting

This clip shows police and protesters still on the streets after a night of rioting in Derry.

Accusations And Denials

Bernadette Devlin, Ivan Cooper and residents of the Bogside complain to RTÉ about the behaviour of the RUC the previous night. RUC Officer Graham Shillington denies any accusations of police brutality and points out that over 200 officers were injured.

Minister Believes Police Used Only Necessary Force

Robert Porter, Minister for Home Affairs, answers some of the accusations made against the police and defends the original decision to ban the march.

Derry Demonstrations Continue

On the Monday following a weekend of riots, appeals to keep off the streets are not being heeded. Groups still roam the streets of Derry blocking traffic. John Hume pleads with protesters to clear the streets.

Bomb Blasts Cut Water Supplies

Here RTÉ Radio and Television report on explosions at the Silent Valley reservoir and at another pipe link crossing the Clady river, which have threatened the water supply to Belfast. This is the second time that the Silent Valley reservoir has been hit within a week and British troops have been sent to guard water and electricity installations.

Who Are The Saboteurs?

Ronnie Turner reports from the scene of the explosion and asks who was responsible. Initially the IRA were blamed for the attacks, but it was later established that Loyalist extremists had carried out the explosions.

Belfast Water Supply Reduced

Don McManus reports from Belfast on the impact the bombings will have on the city.

Bomb At Church

Sean Duignan reports on a bomb left at a church in Saintfield, Belfast. The parish priest defused it by cutting a wire connected to the device. Although it is not thought that the bomb could have done much damage, it is a symptom of heightening sectarian tension at a time when the Ulster Volunteer Force has announced "... that it would be going into action".

Future Civil Rights Marches Questioned

With demonstrations deteriorating into violent clashes, the civil rights movement was faced with the dilemma of whether or not to continue this form of protest. Were the marches now alienating people from supporting the movement? Nell McCafferty, Sean Keane, Ivan Cooper, Eamon Melaugh and citizens of the Bogside give their views.

Rioting In Derry

Police and youths clash in Derry.

"We Turn Reluctantly To The North And The Sound Once Again Of Violence"

On the weekend of the 12 July commemorations, hundreds of youths in Derry clash with the police. Liam Hourican reports on developments and speaks with a Bogside resident who has found herself caught up in a riot.

Aftermath Of Rioting In Derry

This clip shows scenes of destruction after the rioting of the previous night. Donal Kelly reports on how appeals from the clergy, civil rights officers, and politicians were ignored as youths clashed with police throughout the weekend.

Death of Francis McCloskey in Dungiven

Eddie Barrett reports from Dungiven, where elderly farmer Francis McCloskey was struck by RUC batons in a mêlée near the Orange Hall. He died 24 hours later in hospital. Ivan Cooper hopes that it will be possible to contain the emotions of the town's people.

Sectarian Tensions Heighten In Derry

Donal Kelly reports on sectarian taunting by Catholic youths in the Bogside. John Hume pleads with the crowds to disperse. Many return home but others seek conflict. Liam Hourican talks to the Protestant residents of Fountain Street about the situation.

Funeral of Samuel Devenney

Samuel Devenney had been beaten by police officers at his home in William Street, Derry on 19 April 1969. He died from his injuries on 17 July and his funeral was covered by journalists from around the world. This clip shows an estimated 15,000 people attending the funeral procession from the Devenney home to the city cemetery.