Say Nothing

1. The Troubles: A Legacy of Sectarianism and Violence

‘All wars are fought twice, the first time on the battlefield, the second time in memory.’

Deep-rooted conflict. The Troubles in Northern Ireland were fueled by centuries of conflict between Britain and Ireland, and between Protestants and Catholics. This sectarianism manifested in systemic discrimination, political exclusion, and a pervasive sense of injustice, particularly among the Catholic minority. The Easter Rising of 1916 and the subsequent partition of Ireland in 1921 left a legacy of division and resentment that simmered for decades.

Escalation of violence. The civil rights movement of the 1960s, inspired by the American example, sought to address these inequalities through peaceful protest. However, these marches were met with violent resistance from loyalist counter-protesters and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), leading to escalating riots and the deployment of British troops in 1969. This marked a turning point, as the conflict spiraled into a protracted period of paramilitary violence.

Cycle of martyrdom. The violence was perpetuated by a cycle of martyrdom, with each generation staging a revolt, and the cult of martyrdom became a dangerous thing. The ancient quarrel between Britain and Ireland was always there, and it pre-dated the distinction between Protestant and Catholic. It was older than the Protestant Church.

2. The Price Sisters: From Idealism to Armed Struggle

‘For the rest of the family, Ireland came first.’

Republican upbringing. Dolours and Marian Price were raised in a staunchly republican family, steeped in the history of Irish nationalism and the belief that the British were an occupying force. Their father, Albert, was an IRA veteran who instilled in them a deep commitment to the cause of Irish unity. This upbringing shaped their worldview and set them on a path toward revolutionary action.

Turning point at Burntollet. The ambush at Burntollet Bridge in 1969, where civil rights marchers were violently attacked by loyalists and the police, served as a pivotal moment for Dolours. Witnessing the brutality and the apparent complicity of the authorities shattered her belief in peaceful resistance and convinced her that armed struggle was the only way forward.

Frontline soldiers. Dolours and Marian joined the Provisional IRA and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming known for their intelligence, courage, and ruthlessness. They participated in bombings, bank robberies, and other operations, defying traditional gender roles and challenging the notion that women should be relegated to supporting roles in the conflict. They were known as the Crazy Prices.

3. Jean McConville: An Enigma of the Disappeared

‘Watch the children until I come back.’

A life of hardship. Jean McConville's life was marked by hardship and loss. A Protestant woman who married a Catholic, she faced sectarian prejudice and displacement. After her husband's death, she was left to raise ten children alone in the volatile environment of Divis Flats.

Abduction and disappearance. In December 1972, McConville was abducted from her home by a group of masked men and women. She was never seen again. Her disappearance left her children orphaned and traumatized, and her fate remained a mystery for decades.

Conflicting narratives. The IRA claimed that McConville was an informer for the British Army, justifying her execution. However, her family vehemently denied these allegations, and a police ombudsman's report found no evidence to support them. The truth about McConville's disappearance remains elusive, shrouded in a fog of conflicting narratives and unresolved questions.

4. Brendan Hughes: The Enforcer's Moral Reckoning

‘He seemed to be a hundred places at the one time,’

Ruthless commander. Brendan Hughes, known as "Darkie," was a legendary IRA commander, feared and respected for his ruthlessness and tactical brilliance. He led D Company, a notorious unit responsible for numerous bombings and shootings in Belfast. Hughes was a dedicated soldier who demanded unwavering loyalty and obedience from his men.

Guilt and disillusionment. Despite his commitment to the IRA, Hughes was haunted by the violence he had perpetrated and the lives he had taken. He struggled with the moral implications of his actions and the impact they had on innocent civilians. The Good Friday Agreement and the subsequent peace process left him disillusioned, as he felt that the sacrifices he and his comrades had made had been betrayed.

Conflicted legacy. In his later years, Hughes became increasingly critical of Gerry Adams and the Sinn Féin leadership, accusing them of abandoning the principles of Irish republicanism and selling out the armed struggle. He participated in the Boston College oral history project, hoping to set the record straight and expose what he saw as the hypocrisy and betrayal of the peace process.

5. Gerry Adams: The Architect of a Shifting Narrative

‘You are a Dublin communist and we are voting you out,’

Rising through the ranks. Gerry Adams emerged as a key figure in the Provisional IRA, rising through the ranks to become a commander in the Belfast Brigade. He was known for his strategic thinking, political acumen, and ability to mobilize support for the republican cause.

From gunman to statesman. Over time, Adams transitioned from a paramilitary leader to a political strategist, recognizing the need for a political solution to the conflict. He played a crucial role in the peace process, negotiating with the British government and advocating for a ceasefire.

Controversial figure. Adams remains a controversial figure, with critics accusing him of downplaying his role in the IRA and failing to take responsibility for the violence perpetrated by the organization. His legacy is complex and contested, reflecting the deep divisions and unresolved questions that continue to plague Northern Ireland.

6. The Boston College Project: Truth, Lies, and Betrayal

‘To provide the Security Forces with the information they [need] to destroy the Mau Mau.’

Seeking a historical record. The Boston College oral history project was conceived as an effort to document the Troubles from the perspective of those who had participated in the conflict. The project aimed to create a historical record that would be available to future generations of scholars and researchers.

Promises of confidentiality. The project's architects promised participants that their interviews would remain confidential until after their deaths, ensuring that they could speak freely without fear of prosecution or reprisal. However, these promises were ultimately broken when British authorities subpoenaed the archive, seeking evidence for criminal investigations.

Legal and ethical dilemmas. The Boston College case raised complex legal and ethical questions about academic freedom, the protection of sources, and the pursuit of justice. The controversy exposed the fragility of trust in a society still grappling with the legacy of violence and the difficulty of reconciling competing narratives of the past.

7. The Unending Quest for Accountability and Reconciliation

‘We know, when all is said,/We perish if we yield.’

The disappeared. The legacy of the disappeared continues to haunt Northern Ireland, serving as a stark reminder of the brutality and inhumanity of the conflict. The families of the disappeared have fought tirelessly for truth and justice, seeking to recover the remains of their loved ones and bring those responsible to account.

The Good Friday Agreement. The Good Friday Agreement brought an end to the violence, but it did not resolve the underlying issues of sectarianism, division, and historical memory. The agreement left many questions unanswered and many wounds unhealed.

A fragile peace. Northern Ireland remains a deeply divided society, grappling with the challenges of reconciliation and the legacy of the Troubles. The quest for accountability and justice continues, but the path forward is fraught with obstacles and complexities. The past is never truly past.

Last updated: February 24, 2025