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Patrick Bolger

Top comments of the week

Here’s our round-up of the most interesting and most popular comments from the past seven days. Did you make it in?

EVERY SATURDAY MORNING we take a look at all the best comments left on the site by our readers over the past seven days.

This week there was a lot of talk about Michaella McCollum, Gaza and the teenage disco.

So here are the standout comments from the week that was.

The 5 most popular comments this week

Peru Airport Drug Arrests Martin Mejia / AP/Press Association Images Martin Mejia / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images

1. Dee4 had this to say about Michaella McCollum Connolly. It’s not the first time we heard that one, but 2,574 readers gave her a green thumb anyway. 

that bun of hers could easily hold a kilo

2. Ah now, Shane Hickey, no need to be so cynical about Jamie and Katie’s #loveatfirstflight fun. But 2,202 of you seemed to agree with him. 

Good on ya Jamie. That’s the Canadian visa sorted….

3. And another comment on Michaella McCollum Connolly that received 2,001 thumbs up. This one by Rob Cahill

Why is the media trying to make her a Celebrity?? I can already see her in Big Brother or the Jungle after her stretch..

4. Fourth slot goes to Tom Toms who taught us all a lesson after a DailyEdge.ie post about the things you learn when you turn 29. He received 1,838 green thumbs. 

I liked this article Emer. I’m 29. And have slight freak outs every now and again where I say to myself JESUS U ARE 29!. I’m loosing hair I’m convinced of it. I’m getting wrinkles on my forehead too….which annoys me. Then I think about my brother who passed away last year and all the people who never made it to 29 and will never have the chance to worry about getting old and wrinkles, who will never worry about having kids or settling down or worry about their kids when they have them. It’s so sad. Ageing and death are the only real certainties in life. Instead of worrying about aging, be grateful that you are. Make it to your 80s if you can. You’ll get there by Doing everything in moderation…including moderation! ;). And what ever age you are reading this..just remember; There are a hell of a lot of people who would have loved to have made it to your age.

(Thanks Tom, I’m 29 too)

5. And sneaking into the Top 5 is another comment about McCollum Connolly. Paul Radford got 1,750 green ones. 

The top 5 articles which received the most comments this week

Mideast Israel Palestinians Palestinian medics prepare the lifeless body of Ibrahim al-Dawawsa, 12, who was killed in an Israeli air strike, in the morgue of the Shifa hospital, before his funeral in Gaza City, Friday. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

1. Here’s how Russia’s ban on most EU food imports affects Ireland… (408 comments)

2. Eight-year-old Palestinian girl killed six minutes into Israeli-declared ceasefire (403 comments)

3. Gaza truce in tatters as 27 are killed by intensive Israeli shelling (386 comments)

4. UN chief says today’s strike on a UN school is “a criminal act” (366 comments)

5. Protesters hold Israel boycott ‘die-ins’ at several Dublin stores (348 comments)

The big issue this week

With the new Health Minister delaying plans for Universal Health Insurance earlier in the week and Ireland’s nurses flagging severe overcrowding problems again on Friday, it looks like a tough first few weeks on the job for Leo Varadkar. We asked you yesterday about your experiences at Irish hospitals. Daniel Jay Kay kicked things off.

My Dad went from getting his last rights in the intensive care unit, where they did pull off miracles, straight into the general ward. He got little or no care there with 16 beds to one nurse. It wasn’t long before he was back in ICU, where luckily there was space. They have a fully rigged multimillion high dependency ward in Beaumont but have no staff for it. In the end we were blessed we had vhi and got him into the matter private, otherwise i don’t think he would have made it.

Read the rest of the Open Thread here.

Pun(s) of the week

PastedImage-50367 Patrick Bolger Patrick Bolger

This little lad was born in Dublin Zoo this year and has just made his debut to visitors. You were all delighted, as was our resident pun-ilist Paul Hosford.

PastedImage-88947

Some of our favourite comments

The Andy Morgan Foundation / YouTube

Alex, the 10-year-old filmed above, talks about the death of her father by suicide. Below is a comment from her mother following some comments from people who have been angered by suicide.

Hi guys… I’m Alex’s mother and thanks guys for your support… I can see where you’re coming from fawzi with your comment. I know lots of people just don’t get it and their reaction is anger towards the poor soul that took their own life.I have met many people who are filled with hurt, anger and pain because they lost a loved one to suicide and they can not forgive. I’m one of the lucky ones…I never felt anger or hatred towards the kids’ dad for leaving us the way he did… instead I have accepted it from the get go… I have no room for hatred in my heart nor would I like my children to grow up with nothing but resentment towards their dad….because at the end of the day the only one they are hurting is themselves.I want my kids to grow up and be proud of who they are…to not carry shame or attach the pain of suicide to them like a life sentence….to hide a secret from every new person they meet throughout their lives….I want the kids to live a beautiful, happy life…as we all know we are only here for a short time and we need to make most out of life…even through the tough times…life is for living…love and light to you all.

We were fondly reliving memories of teenage discos with DailyEdge.ie and Eileen McKenna floored us with this sweet story.

Back in the 70s the disco was in the De La Salle School Hall in Wicklow. Met a guy. Slow danced to Sad Sweet Dreamer. Snogged in the science lab. Fell in love. Broke up. Met up again 30 yrs later. He’s here on the sofa beside me now and still my teenage heartthrob

Finally, TJ Voices asked you during the week for your earliest memories. Here’s a short selection. From Gavin Bailey:

I remember climbing into a sleeping bag with my dad while camping when I was two and a half, summer 1975. He died January 1976 so it’s the most important memory I have from childhood. :)

Another from Jed I. Knight, the little pup:

I can remember falling out of my pram and busting my nose, I’m told I was about a year old when it happened. When I told my mother about this I was in my 30′s, she had difficulty believing I could remember it, and acknowledged that it did happen, she only believed me when I was able to describe the details, from my perspective.
I have a few other memories, from childhood but I think you only remember periods that were very emotive to you, great pain, great sadness, great happiness etc. I’m not even going to try explaining why I remember this one, but I remember standing on the kitchen table as my younger brother crawled on the floor, I couldn’t have been any more than two at the time. As he crawled on the floor beneath me… I pis*ed down on top of him. Ah, happy memories.

And, you have our nodding approval here, Donnsie:

I can remember sitting in the high chair, being fed by my mother and hearing her say “here comes the choo choo” and thinking….that’s not a train, that’s a spoon…this woman is clearly mad…

Spot any good comments? Send them through to us by email at sinead@thejournal.ie. 

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    Mute Sandra Anderson
    Favourite Sandra Anderson
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:52 AM

    The President should be there in person, not a virtual speech,

    Condolences to all the families.

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:45 AM

    @Sandra Anderson: He is at the National Holocaust Memorial. If there is any reason not to be at the Bloody Sunday commemoration, it is that.

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    Mute Jo H
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:21 AM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: an absolutely important event, one also worthy of his attendance, but I have to agree with the OP that if a choice had to be made between the two, in this instance he should have attended the Bloody Sunday Memorial

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    Mute John Mc Auley
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    Jan 30th 2022, 12:29 PM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: No its Not.

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    Mute XvSv
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    Jan 30th 2022, 12:57 PM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: I think the President was very badly advised on this.

    He should have been in Derry today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. It was one the most momentous events of 20th century on the Island Ireland. It was was a catalyst for everything that followed for the next 25 years.

    Of course he should also mark the Holocaust. But United Nations has designated 27th January (last Thursday) as international Holocaust Memorial Day.

    So his advisors / Government should have ensured both Memorial events didn’t clash.This was poor planning by the President’s office, as the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday is a very significant event, the Office of the President is meant to represent all Irish Citizens.

    This was an event the President should have attended.

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    Mute Ger Murphy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:13 PM

    @Sandra Anderson: perhaps for health reasons or covid risk etc he is not there. He is 80+ years of age. I’d doubt there is any intended snub on his part.

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    Mute Jo H
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:30 PM

    @Ger Murphy: he is attending another event, albeit a very important one also, nothing to do with covid

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    Mute OneClubSince1888
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    Jan 30th 2022, 4:04 PM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill:
    Shocking decision by our president.

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    Mute Aidan Haughey
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    Jan 30th 2022, 8:38 PM

    The reason would be that he should be at home mourning his own. 50 is an important number. Wrong decision

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    Mute Gerry Gleeson
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:27 AM

    They were murdered by the British Army.

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    Mute The Grand Nagus
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    Jan 30th 2022, 7:17 PM

    @Gerry Gleeson:
    Are you serious?

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    Mute Doreen Murphy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:03 PM

    @The Grand Nagus: no one can deny that. Total murder and no one held to account.

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    Mute The Grand Nagus
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:33 PM

    @Doreen Murphy:
    Went over your head Doreen sorry

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    Mute Caoimhín Ó Seanáin
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    Jan 30th 2022, 2:07 PM

    I watched wreath-laying ceremony live on Bbc news channel. Every political party in Ireland – except Unionists, not surprisingly – was represented. While the British Broadcasting Corporation provided live coverage of this event, the Irish national broadcaster offered Mass (fair enough), aussie rules women’s football or Junior Bake-off from England. Says it all.

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    Mute doyle
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    Jan 30th 2022, 6:17 PM

    @Caoimhín Ó Seanáin: Doug beattie I know his been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late but his the only unionist leader to show compassion for this on his Twitter page

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    Mute Sue OB
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:27 PM

    @Caoimhín Ó Seanáin: i would say 90% of the british public have no idea about bl@@dy S@@day and the establishment are quite happy to keep it that way

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    Mute Chief Buck Cat
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:33 PM

    Those creatures slithered out Palace Barracks outside Belfast 50 years ago, faces painted black and high-velocity hollow tip rounds in their guns. They drove 85 miles up the road, those that had not already murdered unarmed civilians in Belfast now had a chance to murder in Derry. They laughed in the faces of old men and children as they lay dying and shot more rounds into them. Then they slithered back to Palace Barracks buzzing and congratulating a job well done. British soldiers killing unarmed Irish civilians under order was British policy, it always was and could always be again. The only solution is unity.

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    Mute camio55
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:42 AM

    This appalling event and the prolonged campaign for justice should be remembered with great sadness today. All of the innocent that lost their lives in this conflict must never be forgotten. Those that committed these acts should never delude themselves that they eclipsed the innocent in pursuit of a greater cause, it was simply murder.

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    Mute Declan Edward
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    Jan 30th 2022, 3:03 PM

    Absolutely shocked that Michael Higgins didn’t go to this.

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    Mute John O Mahony
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    Jan 30th 2022, 2:32 PM

    Bad mistake by Michael D no turning up, how can the families get justice if the president rates it as a second class event. Is this the same mehole who laid a wreath for Crown forces awhile ago. What a two-faced individual

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    Mute Daniel Roche
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    Jan 30th 2022, 2:46 PM

    @John O Mahony: If the taoiseach didn’t turn up,you be giving out,not defending wreath laying for British forces but you no reason to have a go at the leader of our government for doing the right thing today,pop away at the president.

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    Mute Madra
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:36 AM

    Mick D is a great man

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    Mute Richard Right
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:48 AM

    @Madra: A true socialist, and man of the common people.

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    Mute Frank Gooding
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:28 AM

    @Richard Right: wealthy socialist ok

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    Mute Cian
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:33 AM

    @Richard Right: surely satire?

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:49 AM

    @Frank Gooding: What is the maximum wage a socialist can earn?

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    Mute iohanx
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:59 AM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill:

    Not more than the next person.

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    Mute Bri Lyons
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:01 AM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: don’t forget the tea parties

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    Mute Frank Gooding
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:43 AM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: some socialists are more equal than others i guess.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:22 PM

    @Madra: On his tour of South America Higgins spoke of social injustice, pity his party agreed and implemented every austerity measure that was inteterduced on the ordinary people who put their faith in them to curb FG. So called Labour became more Blueshirt than the Blueshirts. Their position in the polls reflect their betrayal of those who voted for them.

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    Mute Tom Molloy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:22 PM

    The UN should investigate the curriculum in British and Protestant north of Ireland schools to prevent the sectarian mindset of hate being created in their people.

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    Mute Mentis Green
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    Jan 30th 2022, 3:49 PM

    Time for Ireland to fully highlight the past atrocities of the british state & its army alongside their collusion, gerrymandering, institutionalised sectarianism and abuse of civil rights.
    Not to mention the almost unending occupation atrocities perpetrated in Ireland prior to partition.

    Their “british” colonial state evolved around being a genocidal, ethnic cleansing, sectarian occupying power, a parasitic organism.
    A state that has never really faced or reflected on these past atrocities anywhere which is why their media & political structures today are a cesspit of propaganda that have turned inwards without hosts to feed off.

    Thankfully Ireland today has considerable soft power helping us protect the rights of our citizens who live in the 6 counties and their rights under the GFA

    153
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    Mute Finbar Delaney
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    Jan 30th 2022, 3:31 PM

    Any FG representatives attend?

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    Mute John Meade
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    Jan 31st 2022, 7:04 AM

    @Finbar Delaney: the article doesn’t list every politician that was there but it does have a tweet from Simon Coveney saying he is there

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    Mute Paul Byrne
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    Jan 30th 2022, 3:51 PM

    He laid a wealth for the soldiers that done it a thick

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    Mute The Grand Nagus
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    Jan 30th 2022, 7:23 PM

    What ever about the rights and wrongs of the British Army been based in the North.
    The Paras should never had a role same can be said for the Royal Marine Comandos and the black watch.

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    Mute Kevin50
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    Jan 30th 2022, 7:07 PM

    Spoke to my children in their 20s (I know not children) at meal time today none of them knew anything about Bloody Sunday nor the Troubles. The murders of civil rights protestors, this was not a Republican march, by the British army was as bad as anything in South Africa, India or the southern states of America. It spawned the growth of the provos who themselves were as evil as the British and declared war on this country, every politician, judge Garda, Soldier, prison officer was considered a legitimate target. No wonder SF, who are still the political wing of the provos, are so popular with the young and uninformed. Our teachers and the civil service have downgraded history as a subject, one wonders why. BTW it is not the Taoiseach because he himself is a published historian.

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    Mute Dorothy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 7:40 PM

    @Kevin50: Teachers have not downgraded history as a subject. The belief that “education” is purely utilitarian job training is at the heart of many so called reforms in education.

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    Mute Sandra Duffy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:08 PM

    @Kevin50: Sinn Fein supported murders every bit as heinous.

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    Mute Sonic
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:09 PM

    @Kevin50: Sorry but this comment is nonsense. That your kids know nothing about bloody sunday is an indictment of you as a parent. We should make sure our children know and remember these atrocities else we risk history repeating. As for Micheal Martin being a published historian, please. He will forever be on the wrong side of history. Ever hear of collective cabinet responsibility? Ok now go back to 2008. QED.

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    Mute Liam MacSuibhne
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:22 PM

    @Kevin50: Firstly, history has been upgraded to a CORE subject. Secondly, the fact that your children don’t know about it is an indictment of both their specific teachers and you, sorry to say. As for the rest of your comment, we’ll leave that for now.
    Try to stay on topic and stop referencing other actors in the conflict as some sort of latent excuse for what the British Army did that day and many other days. It was pure, unadulterated evil.

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    Mute Angela McCarthy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:04 PM

    @Liam MacSuibhne: when the conflict kicked off in 1969 and section 31 of the Broadcasting Act was introduced in 1971 by the southern state. It was clear those in power were desperate to stop the general population from joining the dots and linking what was happening in the north to what had happened in the south before partition (1916-22). So Irish history taught in the schools more are less ended with the civil rights movement, and didnt catch up again until 1994 when the peace process kicked in.

    so how could it be the responsibility of parents to teach their kids about Bloody Sunday and the conflict, when many of those young parents had been deprived of that history themselves.

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    Mute Anna Carr
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    Jan 30th 2022, 5:54 PM

    I thought it was a very respectful, solemn service. Everyone there behaved impeccably.

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    Mute Joan Grennan
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    Jan 31st 2022, 11:31 AM

    How well I remember it .50 years ago today I very young then and.very angry left my workplace and.joined the vast crowd heading to the British embassy .There we watched on as it was.set ablaze with the garda standing by and merely observing it all .The feeling was that these paras.were a shower of gurriers like the black and tans of a different era .The British government behind it were devious and dishonest ,gurriers too with posh accents .The.way the Widgery enquiry blackened the names of the murder victims was yet another outrage

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