"No thought for the women the IRA ensured aren't here today to 'enjoy' your Adams brew."
A Chicago craft beer company has come under criticism for naming a beer after former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.
Revolution Brewing released the draft beer,
Adams' Best on 7 March, alongside a statement that said it was named after the "president of Sinn Fein, who was instrumental in the development of the Belfast Agreement in the late 1990's, which brought a cease-fire to Northern Ireland."
Described as "An earthy, lightly toasty, traditional Best Bitter brewed to showcase newly available Irish Stout and Ale malts", the company went on to say they were using black and Special B malts for colouring, with the latter possibly being an ironic ingredient, given its striking similarity to the nickname of the Ulster Special Constabulary's reserve force, the "B Specials".
Regardless, a few lessons on the Troubles is in order.
One of the most vocal critics of the company was Ann Travers, the sister of Mary Travers who was shot dead at the age of 22 by the Provisional IRA in Belfast, during April 1984.
Calling for a boycott of the beer, she condemned the company on Twitter, writing: "No thought for the women the IRA ensured aren't here today to 'enjoy' your Adams brew. All murders and disappearances' , justified by the IRA and not condemned by Gerry Adams. You would be better naming your brew after these women."
Speaking with JOE, Ann said: "I don't think anyone should be doing any 'clapping on the back'.
"Victims were sadly ignored largely in the Good Friday/Belfast agreement. Every day I visit families suffering physical and psycological life changing injuries. Searching for answers, acknowledgement and justice.
"For many the murder of their loved ones and/or attempted murder on themselves is still justified by Gerry Adams amongst others. So while they sit isolated in their homes, waiting for the past to be dealt with properly, they see Mr Adams 'beatified' as though responsible for a 'peace' which is uneasy.
"Sadly we have witnessed in recent times more 'orange' and 'green' politics than ever. I would prefer to see victims to be honoured for their patience, strength and dignity.
"As for the beer itself, the naming of it after Adams is crass and shows a lack of understanding of the history of the past 50 years here. I would plead for brewery to remember the victims of terrorisim. They are the true heroes."
https://twitter.com/AnnTravers6/status/973914073535479808
https://twitter.com/AnnTravers6/status/974253765887975424
