Catholic-owned pubs in Belfast's Smithfield area have been targeted in a recent bombing campaign.
Historic Smithfield Market is home to shops and a wide variety of businesses which cater for the needs of people living in Belfast City and its environs.
Over the last two years, pubs owned by Catholics have been targets of paramilitary attacks with lives lost as a result. Out of seven public houses which used to operate here, only one remains open today.
Madden's Bar was badly damaged last week when a car bomb exploded nearby. Thankfully the area was evacuated in time. Kevin Madden who was the first person on the scene when nearby pub Conlon’s was bombed says he will not be intimidated,
I’ve had phone calls and letters threatening me to be shot.
Customers were evacuated from the Clorane Bar on Gresham Street three nights ago before a car bomb was detonated in the street outside. Locals who speak to RTÉ News are going about their business as usual, but feel the effects of violence in their city. As one woman tells reporter Rowan Hand,
It’s time it was stopped.
People no longer feel safe in their local pub, says this shopper,
One minute you’re standing having a nice peaceful drink, and the next minute you’re lying in the road with your leg off.
John McClernon who owns Peter’s Bar says he has to continue to run his business as it is his livelihood and has hired a security man,
We’re certainly frightened of anybody losing life.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 18 November 1973. The reporter is Rowan Hand.
