Gerry Collins’ photographs document the devastation of the 1969 Belfast pogroms, capturing the trauma and chaos of the time. The collection serves as a powerful historical record, shedding light on the events that led to decades of conflict in Northern Ireland.
2 Responses
As a 19 year old with a good job , enjoying all that life had to offer.
This program is forever seared in my mind.
Shock , horror and total disbelief ,
Mere words cannot describe it .
Disbelief soon evaporated into fear as I witnessed people trying to defend our people fall as they were shot.
The following days the nationalist communities were devastated , murdered , burned and terrorized by Loyalist mobs .
These events have been well documented.
The consequences would last lifetimes .
2 days later I stood at the corner of Albert St and Divis St viewing they the destruction with the smell of acrid smoke burning my eyes Ana lungs . With anger raging In my heart . I looked down Albert street I saw three young men cross over the barricades at Raglan St pitifully armed with antiquated weapons .
These were the brave young men that defended our people .
I immediately recognized one as a childhood friend . I later approached him and a decision was made that would affect me and my family for the rest of my life.
I meant Pogram