Statement by President Higgins on the 50th Anniversary of the Birmingham Bombings
The fiftieth anniversary of the Birmingham Pub bombings has been commemorated in the English city with a commemorative event on Thursday, November 21, attended by official representatives from both sides of the Irish Sea.
President Michael D. Higgins, in a statement marking the anniversary said: “Fifty years ago today, the people of Birmingham had inflicted upon them an unspeakable tragedy when bombs exploded in two public houses, the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town.
"We remember with deep sadness the twenty-one people, the seven women and fourteen men aged between 16 and 51, six still just teenagers, who lost their lives on that day, a shocking event uniting our two countries in horror and in mourning. As we honour their unquenchable memory, my thoughts are with their families on the anniversary of what was a horrific loss, the brunt of which was carried by them.
"It is important too to think, on a day like today, of all those who were injured in the violent attacks, and for whom the pain and suffering inflicted upon them still lingers on. The quest for truth and justice for those killed and injured on 21 November 1974 has been a source of further pain, compounding as it does the anguish of those left behind.
"When I visited Birmingham in 2019, on the 45th anniversary of the bombings, paying my respects at the memorial to the victims of that most appalling and evil act, I was struck by the resilient bonds of friendship that have endured between the people of Birmingham, including the large and vibrant Irish community who call the city home, and the people of Ireland.
"May I pay tribute to Maurice Malone, now the chief executive of the Birmingham Irish Association, and to all those who have worked so hard, showing such commitment and dedication to maintain and strengthen relations with the Irish community in Birmingham after the bombings and over the 50 years that have passed since.
"Later that year, in October 2019, I was honoured to host representatives of the victims and survivors of the bombing at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin, to listen to their heart-rending stories of potential lost, of futures destroyed, and to hear about the vibrant lives and tragic deaths of their loved ones, the twenty-one people who lost their lives on 21 November 1974: Michael Beasley, Lynn Bennett, Stanley Bodman, James Caddick, Thomas Chaytor, John Clifford Jones, James Craig, Paul Davies, Jane Davis, Charles Gray, Maxine Hambleton, Anne Hayes, Neil Marsh, Marilyn Nash, Pamela Palmer, Desmond Reilly, Eugene Reilly, Maureen Roberts, John Rowlands, Trevor Thrupp and Stephen Whalley.
"May I pay tribute to the organisers of today's commemorative event. It is an example of the reconciliation that is possible between communities that have witnessed some of the darkest moments of our shared history. I sincerely hope that all those involved in addressing the painful legacy of the Troubles can summon the spirit of understanding in the story of our shared journey towards peace and reconciliation that you have so courageously demonstrated.”
Belfast-based victims rights Campaigner Raymond McCord was among the attendees at the Birmingham gathering.
McCord said after the event: "Fantastic cross community support for the families of the 21 innocent civilians killed by the IRA in two Birmingham pub bombings 50 years ago. At a memorial on the 21st November in Birmingham England remembering the 50th anniversary both Protestant and Catholic victims from Northern Ireland had a wreath laid.
"I laid the wreath in behalf of John Teggart from Ballymurphy families, Kate Nash Bloody Sunday, Michael Gallagher Omagh bomb, Billy McManus Sean Graham's, Joe Campbell father Catholic RUC murdered, Cathy Mcilvenny sister raped and murdered, and myself whose son was murdered.
"A wreath showing solidarity and support for the Birmingham victims families. It was such an emotional occasion also attended by the Irish Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Again it shows the common purpose of truth and justice for all victims.
"No politics and certainly no hierarchy of victims. It was an honour and privilege to be invited and represent some victims from the Protestant and Catholic communities here in Northern Ireland.
"The Irish Ambassador in solidarity shook hands with me and we had a photograph taken together. Julie Hambleton from the Birmingham Pub Bombings families and Maurice from the Irish Association were so friendly and welcoming and the Birmingham Irish Association was the actual main organiser of the memorial. Hopefully the British government will give a long needed public inquiry into the bombings and stop hiding the truth."
