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In the span of a human life, 40 years is a long time. The 40-year period since January 30th 1972 has been compared to a slow, stop-start roller-coaster ride, propelled in speed only at the very beginning and at the very end.
The journey began with ordinary people protesting their opposition to state injustice and being stopped with mass murder on our streets. The next stop was the injustice of Widgery and the connivance of the state judicial system. This laid down a 20-year legacy during which the absence, hurt, loss and the simply ‘not knowing’ revolved year after year until Widgery’s spell was broken.
The impetus for breaking the spell and essentially changing the purpose and nature of the journey was the 1989 release of the Guildford 4, and then the release of the Birmingham 6 in 1991. Suddenly, we could see justice on the return journey home.
Some months following Johnny Walker’s homecoming to Derry, the families set in motion their own campaign which was to take almost another two decades to complete. In April 1992, 20 years after Bloody Sunday and 20 years ago this year, the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign was born, and from that moment in time the vista changed with the demands and expectations of the relatives of the dead.
Essentially, the passing landscape of the next 18-20 years’ journey was one of learning, debating, canvassing, lobbying, refusing to take no for an answer, challenging the powerful, upholding dignity and remaining steadfast. During this long part of the journey the families were buoyed by the support they could rely on from the people of Derry and further afield. This is also what the family of Stephen Lawrence did and what many families in this city and other places in the world are currently doing. Some have succeeded, and others are still fighting, and they will always have our support.
There is widespread belief that the events of June 15th 2010 represent a journey’s end with an outcome previously considered inconceivable. The British Government have been forced to admit their terrible wrong-doing before the world. We are all in a better place because of that. This is what we have achieved together.
Of course, the issue of Gerald Donaghey’s innocence remains crucial and indeed will feature centrally in the 40th Anniversary programme of events. The finding that he was ‘probably’ carrying nail bombs is unbelievable and is palpably wrong, and one that we simply do not accept.
Last January, the vast majority of families decided that the 39th Anniversary would be the last march. The people of Derry and beyond turned out in their thousands in Guildhall Square to support the families, and accept their thanks in return for the support given to them over the long years of campaigning.
The 40th Anniversary will allow us all time to reflect on the entirety of journey we have taken. There are many events, including the launch of Julieann Campbell’s comprehensive book on the history of the campaign, the annual lecture by barrister Michael Mansfield, and a memorial concert by none other than Frances Black, who led the crowd last year in the anthemic Something Inside So Strong at the end of the final rally. On Sunday 29th January come and join us at 1.00pm at the Bloody Sunday Monument for the annual Memorial Service.
Thursday 19 January / An Déardaoin 19 Eanáir
Launch of annual Black Ribbon campaign and 40th anniversary commemorative badge.
Ionad / Venue: Museum of Free Derry, 12.30pm.
Monday 23 January / Dé Luain 23 Eanáir
Launch of an exhibition of photographs by award-winning photographer Guy Smallman. Sponsored by Amnesty International, introduced by NI Amnesty International officer Patrick Corrigan. Exhibition runs until Saturday 4 February.
Ionad / Venue: Pilots Row, 7.30pm.
Tuesday 24 January / Dé Máirt 24 Eanáir
"Rise like lions!" The story of the poet Shelley’s long-ignored but passionate involvement in Ireland, followed by a performance with music of his epic, "Mask of Anarchy", a cry of rage against the massacre by British troops at Peterloo, Manchester, in 1819, of men and women gathered to demand the vote.
With Paul O’Brien, author of "Shelley in Ireland", and performance poet and musician Dave Clint.
Ionad / Venue: Thatched Cottage, Craft Village, 8.30pm.
Wednesday 25 January / Dé Céadaoin 25 Eanáir
Launch of Setting The Truth Free - The Inside Story of the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign, by Julieann Campbell. With Christy Moore. Due to space restrictions public access to this event will be limited. The book will have its Dublin launch on Monday 30 January, Connolly Books, Temple Bar.
Ionad / Venue: Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin , 6.30pm.
Bloody Sunday Memorial Shield: Quiz. Teams of 5, entry fee £10 per team. All welcome.
Ionad / Venue: The Crescent, Beechwood Avenue 10.00pm.
Thursday 26 January / An Déardaoin 26 Eanáir
As we enter the decade of centenaries, of the signing of the Ulster Covenant, the 1916 rising and other decisive events in Irish history, how should we commemorate these events? From poppies to parades remembering the past remains divisive. This event asks how we as a society might navigate our way through our history.
Panel discussion, chaired by Eimear O’Callaghan (former news editor at BBC Radio Foyle). With the Rev Brian Kennaway, (former convenor of the Education Committee of the Orange Order and author of The Orange Order-A Tradition Betrayed), Robin Percival, (Bloody Sunday Trust and Chair of the Pat Finucane Centre), Susan Mc Kay (journalist and author, CEO of the National Women’s Council of Ireland), Dr Johnston Mc Master (lecturer at the Irish School of Ecumenics in Belfast).
Organised by the Pat Finucane Centre.
Ionad / Venue: City Hotel, 8.00pm.
Friday 27 January / An Aoine 27 Eanáir
Bloody Sunday Memorial Concert, with internationally renowned singer Frances Black and special guests. Tickets available from Museum of Free Derry.
Ionad / Venue Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin , 7.30pm. Admission £7.50.
Saturday 28 January / An Satharn 28 Eanáir
Book signing, Setting The Truth Free - The Inside Story of the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign by Julieann Campbell.
Ionad / Venue: Eason’s, Foyleside, 2.00pm.
Uniting Ireland Conference – Towards A New Republic: Panel discussion on the benefits of the reunification of Ireland. High profile speakers from a cross section of Irish society debate the merits of A New Republic. Speakers will include Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness. All welcome. Organised by Sinn Féin.
Ionad / Venue: Millennium Forum, 2.00pm.
2012 Bloody Sunday Lecture, delivered by prominent barrister Michael Mansfield. To be introduced by Geraldine Finucane.
Ionad / Venue: Millennium Forum, 7.30pm. Admission by donation.
The Museum of Free Derry will be open 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Sunday 30 January / An Domhnach 30 Eanáir
40th anniversary Bloody Sunday Memorial Service. All welcome.
Ionad / Venue: Bloody Sunday Monument, Rossville Street, 1.00pm.
The Saville Report and Gerald Donaghey - Unfinished Business: Using the medium of drama this event will examine the conclusions of the Saville Report in respect of Gerald Donaghey. The report was quite unequivocal in finding that there was no justification whatsoever for his murder. However the report came to no firm conclusions on the controversial issue of whether nail bombs had been planted on his body after he was shot. This hour long event will present civilian, British Army and RUC evidence as heard at the Tribunal and examine why this question was not resolved. This remains unfinished business not only for the Donaghey family but for the wider community.
Including Eamonn McCann (Bloody Sunday Trust) and Jane Winter (British Irish Rights Watch) members of the Donaghey family and eyewitnesses.
Soup and sandwiches available.
Organised by the Pat Finucane Centre and the Bloody Sunday Events Committee
Ionad / Venue: Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 2.00pm.
‘Lost Youth - Songs of Solidarity’ - CD launch and Gig: ‘Lost Youth - Songs of Solidarity’ is a benefit CD for a young Palestinian theatre performer imprisoned since 2005. Fifteen year old Mohammed was taken by soldiers as he travelled with other youths to participate in a dance and drama tour of Ireland, Scotland and England. A portion of proceeds will also go towards promoting the child prisoner issue.
Rich, passionate and absorbing, the album contains an eclectic mix of songs and tunes from a variety of genres. Traditional Irish and Basque tracks nestle comfortably between thought-provoking political folk and Palestinian hip-hop. Contributions include: Gráinne Holland, Barry Kerr, Cormac Breatnach, Pól Mac Adaim, David Rovics, Lowkey, DAM, Arramazka, Mickey Coleman, Declan McLaughlin, Kila, Damien Dempsey.
Ionad / Venue: Sandino’s Bar, 6.00pm.
The Museum of Free Derry will be open 10.00am to 12.30pm.
Monday 30 January / Dé Luain 30 Eanáir
Minutes silence in memory of those killed on Bloody Sunday.
Ionad / Venue: Bloody Sunday Monument, Rossville Street, 4.00pm.
Bloody Sunday Memorial Mass: All welcome.
Ionad / Venue: St Mary’s, Creggan, 7.30pm.
First night of the play Heroes With Their Hands in the Air. Adapted from the book The Bloody Sunday Inquiry: The Families Speak Out by Eamonn McCann, this play gives a powerful interpretation of loss alongside the pursuit of justice. Heroes With Their Hands In The Air portrays the families and victims own accounts of the relentless battle to vindicate their loved ones and themselves during the longest legal proceedings in this country’s history.
Ionad / Venue: The Playhouse, Artillery Street, 8.30pm. Also showing Tuesday 31 January 4.00pm, Friday 3 February 8.00pm and Saturday 4 February 8.00pm. Admission £10.00 (Tuesday matinee performance £7.50).