September 1978: Members Only
September ‘78 saw Muhammad Ali beat Leon Spinks in 15 rounds for the heavyweight boxing title. In Northern Ireland, Gerry Adams landed a knockout blow of his own to his accusers…
Political Developments in September 1978
September started with a court case involving Sinn Féin Vice-President Gerry Adams. He was cleared of a charge of membership of the IRA on the 6th when the Judge hearing the case ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove that he was a member of the organisation.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Roy Mason and Conservative Party spokesperson on Northern Ireland Airey Neave issued statements on September 22nd rebuffing calls in Britain for a British withdrawal from Northern Ireland.
2 days later, DUP Leader Ian Paisley held a religious service in Dublin, at the Mansion House, for the first time.
September finished with Democrat Congressman Joshua Eilberg and Republican Congressman Hamilton Fish spending five days in Northern Ireland. The two men later argued that the US should play a role in finding a political settlement in the region. Twenty years on, Bill Clinton’s involvement in the peace process would become pivotal. Thankfully, he took that ‘leap of faith’ that he speaks about today.
Shootings in September 1978
04/09/78 - Official IRA volunteers fired several shots at Gardaí during a robbery on a dairy at Tramore Road, Cork before surrendering.
05/09/78 - British soldier William McAlpine (46) was shot dead by the IRA in Newry.
08/09/78 - The UVF shot dead Protestant civilian William Crawford (17) in Lawnbrook Social Club, Belfast. He died 5 days later. The Intention was to scare the patrons, after an earlier fracas at the social club.
11/09/78 - The IRA shot dead off-duty RUC officer Howard Donaghy (24) in Loughmacrory, County Tyrone.
28/09/78 - The IRA launched a gun attack on a British Army foot patrol on Waterloo Place, Derry. Civilian Brian Russell (30), who helped the British Army search people, was shot dead.
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Bombings in September 1978
21/09/78 - The IRA carried out a bomb attack on Eglinton Airfield, County Derry. The terminal building, two aircraft hangers, and four planes were destroyed in the attack.
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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.
