Controversial tribute to IRA member sparks outrage before anniversary

A tribute to IRA member Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane has sparked outrage just days before the 50th anniversary of a tragic attack he was involved in.

Féile an Phobail recently paid tribute to the late Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane, a convicted IRA member, just days before the 50th anniversary of the devastating Bayardo Bar attack in Belfast. This tragic incident, which took place on August 13, 1975, resulted in the deaths of five people, including a 17-year-old girl.

The tribute has sparked significant controversy and backlash from victims’ families and political leaders alike. Can we really honor someone associated with such a dark chapter in history?

Background of the Bayardo Bar Attack

The Bayardo Bar attack was a horrific event that left lasting scars on the community.

On that fateful day, gunmen opened fire on patrons, leading to the immediate deaths of William Gracey (63) and his brother-in-law Samuel Gunning (55). Following the gunfire, a bomb was detonated inside the bar, claiming the lives of Joanne McDowell (29) and Hugh Harris (21), while 17-year-old Linda Boyle later succumbed to her injuries.

Over 50 others were injured in this brutal act of violence. How do we process the pain of such loss?

Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane was convicted for his role in this attack. Earlier this year, at the age of 74, he passed away. His image was prominently displayed during the closing night of Féile an Phobail, where a band performed “Marcella,” a song McFarlane had penned in memory of his comrade Bobby Sands. Is it appropriate to celebrate someone whose actions caused so much suffering?

Political Reactions and Public Outrage

The tribute to McFarlane has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, especially from North Belfast DUP MLA Phillip Brett. In a statement, Brett called the homage “deeply offensive to victims and their families,” asserting that it romanticizes the actions of the IRA. He emphasized that such gestures are an insult to those who have suffered due to the violence of the past. Can we afford to overlook the feelings of those still grappling with their grief?

“Victims deserve better than selective outrage and silence from those who claim to hold truth to account,” Brett added, highlighting the ongoing pain experienced by families affected by the violence. The controversy surrounding this tribute is intensified by the upcoming anniversary, a stark reminder of the tragic events that unfolded in 1975.

McFarlane’s Legacy and Historical Context

During the 1981 hunger strikes, McFarlane served as officer commanding in the H-Blocks, further entrenching his involvement in the IRA’s activities. His historical significance is marked not only by his convictions but also by his alleged participation in other notable incidents, including the Maze prison escape in September 1983 and the kidnapping of businessman Don Tidey shortly thereafter. Despite being suspected in various crimes, McFarlane was never successfully prosecuted, allowing him to maintain a controversial legacy within the context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. How does one reconcile a legacy that is as complex as it is contentious?

As the anniversary approaches, the city grapples with its complicated history, balancing remembrance with the painful memories of violence and loss. The reactions to the tribute at Féile an Phobail underscore the ongoing divisions within the community, where the past continues to shape present-day sentiments. What does it mean to truly remember, and can we find a path forward together?