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On the 27/28th June 1970 the Provisional IRA (PIRA) introduced guns onto the streets of Belfast. The events that followed would spark the darkest period in our country's history.
On Saturday 27th June 1970 the annual Whiterock parade was attacked by Republicans as it made it's way through west Belfast. Tommy Reid was killed after he was struck with a missile during the ensuing riot. The IRA then turned their attention to the Woodvale area of Belfast as they launched an unprovoked gun attack on Protestant homes. Sandy Gould, William Kincaid and Danny Loughins were all cut down as the Provisionals rained bullets on the area. Although they had already murdered four innocent men, PIRA's desire for bloodshed had not been fulfilled. Later that evening PIRA, led by Billy McKee, brought their bloodlust to the streets of east Belfast. Knowing that the RUC and Army were tied up with the ongoing civil disorder across Belfast, the PIRA planned an attack on the largely Protestant Newtownards Road. From the safety of the Short Strand, where the group had overwhelming support, PIRA ordered women to prepare buckets of vinegar (had the security forces arrived after hearing of the attack, the vinegar would help combat any CS gas fired), before forming up to parade. Oblivious to the imminent threat, people gathered on the Newtownards Road to watch the bands from east Belfast return from the Whiterock parade. This created the perfect setting for an attack that would go down in Republican folklore. Until 27th June 1970, the IRA had been the subject of much criticism from within their own community. The writing on the wall said I Ran Away, the IRA were determined to prove that they could do the business. The IRA needed the opportunity to prove themselves to their Republican critics, to create legends. The 27th June 1970 would unfortunately provide them with that opportunity. 28 people were injured, some of them maimed for life, as PIRA opened up from the sanctuary of St Matthew's chapel and surrounding area in a psychotic gun attack. Driven by hate they murdered Jimmy McCurrie and Bobby Neill as they unwittingly walked home from their respective nights out. In the aftermath of the attack, PIRA created a tale that would be passed down through Republican generations, giving the impression that PIRA were defending their community that night. This tale has stopped the McCurrie and Neill families gaining the truth and justice their loved ones deserve. To recall the events of that fateful night and show our support to the families continuing fight for truth and justice, the EBHCS has organised the following events:
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