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2 October 2016

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Backlash against GARC protesters after venomous abuse of Holy Cross priest in Ardoyne

Fr Gary Donegan in Ardoyne on Saturday (still from video by Vincent Kearney @vincekearney, BBC)

THE VENOMOUS HARANGUING of Holy Cross priest Fr Gary Donegan by leaders of GARC (Greater Ardoyne Residents’ Collective) after their protest on Saturday has brought a social media backlash against the ‘dissident’ group.

The verbal assault on the priest came after GARC staged demonstrations on Friday and Saturday against the agreement between residents and the Orange Order that saw a parade go ahead on the Crumlin Road, the dismantling of ‘Camp Twaddell’, and a dialogue that seeks to resolve future parading issues.

But the language filmed by reporters and bystanders by GARC leader Dee Fennell and his followers against a priest who stood amongst the Holy Cross schoolchildren who ran the gauntlet of unionist bigotry, bricks, bottles and pipe-bombs in 2001/2002 brought a strong reaction on social media.

As Fr Donegan himself said about GARC leaders in a video posted by the BBC’s Vincent Kearney (@vincekearney):

“I stood down that road for two and a half years – where were they? When I stood there every night, trying to keep youngsters out of harm’s way, where were they? They weren’t to be seen.”

Press Association reporter Lesley-Anne McKeown also tweeted:

“Huge reaction to footage by @niallcarsonpa of @garynewtown1 being verbally abused in #ardoyne by GARC protesters after Orange Order parade.”

Commentator Danny Morrison said in a tweet showing Holy Cross schoolchildren during the UDA-backed siege:

“Fr Gary Donegan – there when needed. Fearless, consistent, fair and honest, charitable.”

Fr Gary Donegan, Ardoyne 2016 Morrison tweet Holy Cross 620

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín tweeted:

“Residents really angry at the treatment of @garynewtown1 & behaviour of those claiming to have their interests at heart #eyeswideopened.”

Responding to claims that GARC represents the people of Ardoyne, one amongst a number of people said:

“I’m an Ardoyne resident and GARC don’t represent me, my family, friends or the majority or Ardoyne.”

Another added:

“Absolutely horrified to watch the abuse thrown at Fr Gary in Ardoyne – they should be totally ashamed of themselves.”

Sunday Life re Ardoyne 1 Oct 2016

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