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FEATURE
TROUBLE ON THE STREETS
// WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SUSAN MELGREN
From the late 1960s through the 1990s, the tumultuous period of Irish history known as "the Troubles" was marked by civil rights demonstrations, riots and bombings. Those unfamiliar with the Troubles might consider the conflict a religious battle between Catholics and Protestants, and while religion does play an important role, the struggle also has roots in political matters, the main issue regarding the political status of Northern Ireland.
The island of Ireland is split into two countries: the Republic of Ireland, which is an independent country, and Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom. Much of the fight revolves around the relationship between the mostly Protestant Unionists (in favor of remaining with the UK) and the mostly Catholic Nationalists (in
favor of uniting all of Ireland).
The small, picturesque city of Armagh is located in Northern Ireland, close to the border with the Republic. The town has two prominent cathedrals, both by the name of St. Patrick; one for the Church of Ireland and one for the Roman Catholic Church. Because of its proximity to the Republic and its strong Protestant and Catholic communities, a number of violent incidents regarding the Troubles have happened here. Although the Troubles officially ended with the Belfast Agreement in 1998, tension remains high and remnants of this violent period can still be seen around Armagh.
Susan Melgren, 2009 graduate, spent time in Armagh this summer in a journalism study abroad program. These photos comprised part of her final project.
- Above: Storm clouds pass over a graffiti-covered wall along a sidewalk in a Catholic neighborhood.
Graffiti expressing anti-British sentiments covers the side of a wall in a Catholic neighborhood.
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