Menu
03/09/2001
Terror group issue warning to Holy Cross parents
With tensions in the Ardoyne area running high loyalist terror group the Red Hand Defenders have warned parents of children attending the Holy Cross Girls Primary School to stay away from the Ardoyne Road.
As the Catholic school adjacent to a mainly loyalist area reopened on Monday morning, loyalists claimed that the protest outside Holy Cross was peaceful until police attacked them.
Later in the day, loyalist community representatives met with the RUC Chief Constable. North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds, PUP assembly member Billy Hutchenson, community representative Mark Coulter, and Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers attended the meeting with Sir Ronnie Flanagan to protest about the police action in Ardoyne.
Following the meeting in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster Mr Dodds said: “Nobody in their right mind wants to see a situation in Ardoyne, but people have to realise that this is not a simple issue – it is extremely complicated. What people need to do is to address the issues that really go to the heart of this.”
Mr Dodds, who had attended the scene, said that as far as he could see there was no violence directed at the children.
He said: “The reality is that what was happening was that a lot of abuse and provocation was being directed by people who had no association with the school –who were not parents, who were not relatives, but were known republicans - towards residents in the upper Ardoyne.”
Mr Dodds said such scenes of sectarianism could not be justified. He called for further urgent resources to be put towards resolving the underlying issues.
Earlier on Monday morning, shortly after the protest, SDLP assembly member for North Belfast Alban Maginness condemned the situation at the Holy Cross Girls Primary School.
Mr Maginness said that the protests outside the primary school were unacceptable: “What is happening at Holy Cross is an affront to decency and cannot be tolerated or allowed to continue.”
At a meeting of the schoolchildren’s parents to be held on Monday evening, the school’s Board of Governors are to ask parents to use the alternative entrance to the school from the Crumlin Road on Tuesday morning.
Police moved in during an early morning operation to erect a security barrier and impose a cordon to keep back around 200 loyalist protestors outside the school’s main entrance. (SP)
As the Catholic school adjacent to a mainly loyalist area reopened on Monday morning, loyalists claimed that the protest outside Holy Cross was peaceful until police attacked them.
Later in the day, loyalist community representatives met with the RUC Chief Constable. North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds, PUP assembly member Billy Hutchenson, community representative Mark Coulter, and Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers attended the meeting with Sir Ronnie Flanagan to protest about the police action in Ardoyne.
Following the meeting in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster Mr Dodds said: “Nobody in their right mind wants to see a situation in Ardoyne, but people have to realise that this is not a simple issue – it is extremely complicated. What people need to do is to address the issues that really go to the heart of this.”
Mr Dodds, who had attended the scene, said that as far as he could see there was no violence directed at the children.
He said: “The reality is that what was happening was that a lot of abuse and provocation was being directed by people who had no association with the school –who were not parents, who were not relatives, but were known republicans - towards residents in the upper Ardoyne.”
Mr Dodds said such scenes of sectarianism could not be justified. He called for further urgent resources to be put towards resolving the underlying issues.
Earlier on Monday morning, shortly after the protest, SDLP assembly member for North Belfast Alban Maginness condemned the situation at the Holy Cross Girls Primary School.
Mr Maginness said that the protests outside the primary school were unacceptable: “What is happening at Holy Cross is an affront to decency and cannot be tolerated or allowed to continue.”
At a meeting of the schoolchildren’s parents to be held on Monday evening, the school’s Board of Governors are to ask parents to use the alternative entrance to the school from the Crumlin Road on Tuesday morning.
Police moved in during an early morning operation to erect a security barrier and impose a cordon to keep back around 200 loyalist protestors outside the school’s main entrance. (SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
09 November 2001
Residents resume school protest in Ardoyne
Protestant residents in the Glenbryn area of north Belfast have resumed their protest outside the Holy Cross Primary School in Ardoyne on Friday afternoon.
Residents resume school protest in Ardoyne
Protestant residents in the Glenbryn area of north Belfast have resumed their protest outside the Holy Cross Primary School in Ardoyne on Friday afternoon.
15 October 2001
Priest urges Holy Cross parents to use cars
A priest at the centre of the Holy Cross school dispute in north Belfast has suggested parents should consider using cars or buses to take their children to school. Father Aidan Troy, chairman of the board of governors at Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School in Ardoyne, said he would be enhancing efforts to find a resolution to the dispute.
Priest urges Holy Cross parents to use cars
A priest at the centre of the Holy Cross school dispute in north Belfast has suggested parents should consider using cars or buses to take their children to school. Father Aidan Troy, chairman of the board of governors at Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School in Ardoyne, said he would be enhancing efforts to find a resolution to the dispute.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
