Tag Archives: The Troubles

Working Man Blues …The Troubles 1969-1972

Posted on January 1, 2022 by fitzjameshorse

This is a re-written/edited version of an article I wrote for a USA-based academic website a few years ago. I started work aged 17 on 29th September 1969. My parents were deeply disappointed that I had decided to leave school … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

You Probably Don’t Know What This Is?

Posted on August 6, 2020 by fitzjameshorse

If you are over 50 years old and a Catholic from West Belfast, you may know what this is. Most Catholics will be familiar with prayer cards, typically sold in Catholic “holy” shops. A holy picture, a medal and a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Tale of Two Telephone Calls

Posted on June 27, 2020 by fitzjameshorse

Phone Call #1 It was in the mid 1970s. I had been at an evening class in the College of Business Studies in Brunswick Street.  Following the other students leaving the building and walking along Queen Street to Castle Street … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lost Lives…People I Knew

Posted on May 1, 2019 by fitzjameshorse

Last night, I was talking to my sister on the phone. She has lived in London for forty one years and we talked about my visit to Milltown Cemetery on Good Friday and the old neighbourhood in Greater Ballymurphy/Upper Springfield.. She mentioned Fr … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Pre-Conflict, Conflict and Post-Conflict

Posted on September 4, 2015 by fitzjameshorse

As I have said before, there are only three stages to the Irish (now Northern) “Problem”. There is Pre-Conflict, Conflict and Post Conflict. In terms of a “Problem”….Ireland has always been “A Problem” for England and England has always been … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 8 Comments

2020 Visions

Posted on July 9, 2015 by fitzjameshorse

I couldn’t be bothered listening to news about George Osborne’s Conservative British Budget yesterday. Normally I watch these things “live” on TV but yesterday I just watched westerns on You Tube. And I barely watched the News last night. From … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Fifty Years Ago Today

Posted on September 3, 2013 by fitzjameshorse

Fifty years ago today…3rd September 1963, I was an 11 year old schoolboy. It was my first day at one of Belfast’ two Catholic Grammar Schools ( for boys of course). It was cold and there was a steady drizzle. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Texas Preview

Posted on January 9, 2013 by fitzjameshorse

It is now less than a month until I fly off to the United States …more precisely the liberal part of Texas. Just to recap on what I will be doing. Well for several years I have been contributing off … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Troubles

Posted on July 21, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

Truth…..Anecdote…..we all have a story. Or Three. Or Four. Just ask my sons. They have had to listen for years to what Daddy did in the War. In a way, I cant tell the story of Bloody Sunday without telling … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Bloody Friday July 1972

Posted on July 20, 2012 by fitzjameshorse

“Bloody Friday” was a series of bombings which took place on 21st July 1972. Before talking about the specific event, I want to point out that this was one of a series of traumatic events in the twelve months from … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments