It's worth noting that in 69 the Army was sent into Ireland to protect the Catholics. It was only after we arrived that they started getting uppity. Mind you exceptionally bad ideas like internment and Bloody Sunday didn't help. Nevertheless, the vast majority of soldiers killed were young lads who had joined up to avoid the dole queue and were patrolling the streets.


EDIT: One important point. 99% of the IRA's activities were nothing to do with republicanism, they (and the UDA/UVF) were and remain nothing but gangsters. The pound note is the only thing most of them were interested. All the army council lived in big houses especially the likes of Cahill and Murphy who own almost entire towns.

Joe Cahill? He died five years ago.

99%? Do you really believe that? I'm seeing a girl from South Armagh: one of her uncles spent 18 years behind bars for IRA activities. He was first locked up at the age of 18. Her other uncle served 7 years and is now a Sinn Fein MLA. I'm not disputing gangsterism was and still is prevalent, but these are principled blokes who steadfastly stand by what they did, rightly or wrongly, 25 years ago. I'd argue that would be the case for the majority of the rank-and-file.

I didn't know Cahill had died but now I do my weekend has improved.

Maybe 99% is a bit strong but certainly the majority and bear in mind I'm talking about the upper echlons of PIRA. I know nothing of this character of yours but the majority of the rank and file are principalled - thats pure tripe. Murdering, extorting scumbags certainly but principalled patriots... naw.

Who is Joe Cahill?

Former Chief of Staff Provisional IRA and arguably the key figure in the activities of PIRA since it's inception in 69. Compared to Cahill, Martin McGuiness was a pussy cat. Mind you [grits teeth] despite the fact that he became very rich, Cahill did spend his life fighting for what he believed in.