October 1978: Not Playing The Game
October 1978 saw Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla elected Pope John Paul II. Meanwhile in Armagh prison, another ‘man of the cloth’ was causing a stir…
Political Developments in October 1978
Politically, there wasn’t much to report on in October. It began with the three leaders of the Peace People, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan, and Ciaran McKeown, announcing on the 5th that they intended to step down from the organisation.
Just 3 days later, several groups in Derry, including Sinn Féin, held a march to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 5th of October 1968 civil rights march. The DUP staged a counter-demonstration attended by Loyalists and led by Ian Paisley. Trouble developed, and 67 RUC officers were injured in clashes with Loyalists. Two RUC officers were also injured in confrontations with Republicans.
On the 14th, the DUP organised another march in Derry to protest against the march in the city on the previous Sunday. There were clashes between Loyalists and RUC officers which resulted in 32 policemen being injured. There was also damage to property in the city.
The most intriguing thing I found was a letter from W.G. James to Mr Jackson regarding the chaplaincy at Armagh prison. The letter read;
Mr Jackson.
I realise it would be rather ham-handed to rush at this thing without considering the possible consequences. On the other hand, Father Murray is not playing the game as an officially appointed Chaplain to the prison; he cannot reasonably fulfil such a role when he is so obviously opposed to 'the system' and its methods of working.
Could we therefore not make an approach to the Bishop of the Diocese in which Armagh Prison is situated, quoting examples of Father Murray's efforts in the past and asking the Bishop if, in his opinion, Father Murray is the most suitable priest to hold such an official appointment? It could be that if we put our case convincingly enough the Bishop might be persuaded to see our point of view and might ask Father Murray to mend his ways and change his opinions - overtly, at least.
It is worth a try anyway and even if it accomplishes nothing it would be a shot across Father Murray's bow.
I accept that if the Bishop in question is Archbishop O'Fee we are not likely to accomplish much; on the other hand, there may be a suffragan bishop to whom we could write.
I find this letter fascinating, especially the piece that ‘Father Murray is not playing the game’. This would imply, to me, that things weren’t exactly being done by the book at Armagh prison.
Shootings in October 1978
06/10/78 - UDR soldier Charles Henning (50) died four days after being shot by the IRA while at a cattle mart in Newry.
08/10/78 - The INLA shot and injured an RUC detective in his car at the Balmoral flyover, near King's Hall, Belfast.
08/10/78 - Civilian William Smyth (54) was shot near his home at the junction of Oldpark Road and Ballynure Street, Belfast. It believed that loyalists were responsible.
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Bombings in October 1978
12/10/78 - Civilian Letitia McCrorry (55) was killed when the IRA bombed a train at Belfast Central station. A bomb warning was given, but there was not enough time to carry out a full evacuation.
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I’ve also recently released Tales of The Troubles: Volume 1. The Early Years - 1960s. Check it out. It would be a great addition to your library or a gift for someone for Christmas. Stay tuned for Volume 2, covering the 1970s.
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Some recommended reading based on research for this instalment.
