It’s still available to watch for free. Incredible stuff.
Every single Irish person is deeply aware of their history and while the uncertainty of Brexit and the border issue looms large over us all, you could argue that it has solidified a resolve in the Irish people to maintain, cherish and preserve what makes us uniquely Irish.
In that sense, our collective history is absolutely vital.
It could be argued that the current political climate has coincided with a resurgence in the documentary genre because the demand is clearly there for features that highlight some powerful Irish stories that really need to be told.
In recent years, we’ve seen the likes of No Stone Unturned, Bobby Sands: 66 Days, I, Dolours, A Mother Brings Her Son to Be Shot, In The Name of Peace: John Hume in America, and The Image You Missed.
Long may this continue.
As stated previously, we were very curious to see what Channel 4’s Dispatches series would be like as they focused on a horrific moment during The Troubles.
Massacre at Ballymurphy tells the story of Briege Voyle, a daughter that’s desperately looking for answers. In 1971, Briege’s mother, Joan Connolly, was one of ten people that were shot in a West Belfast neighbourhood over three days of horrific violence.
Channel 4’s forensic exposé looked at the shocking killings of which the British Army stand accused, with the army maintaining their stance that those killed – including a Catholic priest – were terrorists.
The documentary aired last night and to quote the incredibly talented boxer Michael Conlan “listening to what this family has gone through and is still going through, my eyes are filling up.”
In case you missed Massacre at Ballymurphy, you can watch it again here.
If you’re looking for another reason to watch this incredibly powerful piece of work, these people were all deeply moved by it.
Highly recommended.
If you watch one thing tonight make it #MassacreAtBallymurphy. It is quite simply chilling. Government-sanctioned murder that turned a civil rights movement into a war & set the precedent for Bloody Sunday & the next 30 yrs. Utterly shameful. #justiceforballymurphy #ballymurphy
— Sarah Ronan (@MissSarahRonan) September 8, 2018
Watching #BallymurphyMassacre #MassacreAtBallymurphy and listening to what family’s have gone through and still going through, my eyes are filling up, very sad stories to poor innocent families!
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) September 8, 2018
A copy of #MassacreAtBallymurphy should be given to ever rep from FG, FF, Lab. etc and indeed all journos, to give them an idea of what was actually happening in the north.
— Enda Fanning (@EFFanning) September 8, 2018
This is not rewriting history, this is shining a light into that dark place those in power want to keep hidden. #massacreatballymurphy
— Anto Finnegan (@AFinn73) September 8, 2018
The Ballymurphy Massacre families have been campaigning for many years for justice and truth for their loved ones with dignity and respect. We owe them our continued support in the time ahead. Justice and truth is within grasp. #MassacreAtBallymurphy
— Paul Maskey (@PaulMaskeyMP) September 8, 2018
Hat tip to @Channel4 for their documentary on the #MassacreAtBallymurphy. Many people in the UK are finally getting a long awaited Irish History lesson. Many eyes being opened up tonight.
— Dougal (@DougalCMK) September 8, 2018
If people want to know why most Irish people won’t wear the poppy, tune into @Channel4 now. #MassacreAtBallymurphy #Ballymurphy #dispatches #Channel4
— Derek Braddish (@Braddish) September 8, 2018
For those who've watched #MassacreAtBallymurphy, know that 47 years later, families are still fighting for truth & justice. This took place in a western democracy in the 20 century. A violation of human rights. A violation of trust. A violation of life. Time for Truth.
— Sorcha Eastwood (@SorchaEastwood) September 8, 2018
#MassacreAtBallymurphy That was harrowing. Deeply upsetting. Am wondering how many people, outside of the North of Ireland, had even heard of it until tonight? Certainly not Karen Bradley.
— belinda tighe (@belindatighe) September 8, 2018
In case you missed it, here’s a small look at what’s in store.
WATCH NOW @Channel4 #MassacreAtBallymurphy
In August 1971 the British Army shot and killed 10 people in a Catholic estate in Belfast – claiming they were terrorists.
One of the victims was a mother of eight children. This is her story. pic.twitter.com/48sihEtag1
— Channel 4 Dispatches (@C4Dispatches) September 8, 2018
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