Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Sheridan Bar Bombing: Family Memories and Reflections On the 50th anniversary of the tragic Sheridan Bar bombing, families of the victims come together to share their heartfelt memories and reflections. This poignant milestone serves as a reminder of the lives lost and the enduring impact on the community. Through personal stories and shared experiences, the families honor the legacy of their loved ones and highlight the importance of remembrance...
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On January 17, families of victims gathered in Belfast to remember two lives lost in a sectarian bombing at the Sheridan Bar, which occurred fifty years ago. This tragic incident remains a painful memory for those who lived through it, with its impact still felt in the community today.
Tragic events of that night
James Reid, 43, and Sarah O’Dwyer, 46, were killed when the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) detonated a no-warning bomb at the bar in the New Lodge area. James was a devoted father of ten, residing on Upper Meadow Street, while Sarah, a mother of five, lived on Hillman Street.
The brutality of the attack shocked the local community and left enduring scars on their families.
Memories of a haunting night
Hugh Reid, son of James, recalls the harrowing events of that night. Just a week shy of his 15th birthday, he was working in a nearby shop when the explosion occurred.
He described the moment, saying, “It was absolute silence. It was complete silence.” A scientist later clarified that the explosion creates a vacuum that briefly removes oxygen from the air, resulting in a surreal stillness before chaos ensues.
In the aftermath of the blast, Hugh rushed to the scene and witnessed the horrific sight of individuals being rescued from the rubble. A neighbor approached him with devastating news: his father had been injured. As he waited at home with his younger siblings, he faced a barrage of concern from neighbors, unaware of the grave reality that awaited him.
A legacy of loss and remembrance
The Reid family convened at the Wave Trauma Centre in Belfast to mark a poignant anniversary. Hugh Reid, now 65 and practicing law in England, expressed his disbelief that the tragic event occurred fifty years ago. He noted the significant presence of British military forces in the area during the attack, questioning how the assailants could have executed their plan without being apprehended.
In contrast, John Reid, Hugh’s brother, has chosen a different approach to navigating the grief of their father’s loss. He recently released a poetry collection entitled The Pelican, which honors their father’s memory. The title reflects the blood donor pin their father wore, shaped like a pelican, as well as the bird’s symbolic themes of self-sacrifice.
Creating a tribute through poetry
John discussed how the poetry-writing process enabled him to delve into his family’s dynamics, particularly the rift between older and younger siblings. He recognized that many of the younger siblings lacked personal memories of their father. “I aimed to recreate my father for myself and as a gift for my siblings,” he stated, working to capture his father’s essence through verse.
This journey has also guided him toward a path of forgiveness. Inspired by Paddy McGurk, who responded to the McGurk’s Bar bombing with a message of peace, John emphasized his lack of animosity and desire for revenge. While he finds comfort in this perspective, he acknowledges his brother’s frustration regarding the absence of accountability for the tragedy.
Community reflections and the search for justice
Families gathered to remember their loved ones, sharing memories that feel as fresh as if they occurred yesterday. Seamus Reid, son of James, reflected on the chaos that ensued after the explosion. “We were all eating fish and chips when we heard the explosion. I didn’t know my dad was in the bar until the next day,” he recounted, the pain of loss evident in his voice.
Pat O’Dwyer, daughter of Sarah, shared her own harrowing experience of searching for her mother amidst the turmoil. “I remember the panic as people rushed into our house, and I later found my mother’s purse amongst the rubble,” she said, highlighting the lasting impact of that tragic evening.
The commemoration of the Sheridan Bar bombing serves as a reminder of the lives lost and a testament to the resilience of families who continue to seek understanding and healing. Reflecting on the past, the community remains steadfast in its hope for justice and reconciliation.
