Bloody Sunday 2002

Don Mullan’s politically significant book, Eyewitness Bloody Sunday (Wolfhound Press, 1997), provides a harrowing account of the tragic events that unfolded through the perspective of Ivan Cooper, a Member of the Parliament for the SDLP in Northern Ireland. He played a pivotal role in organizing the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association march that took place in Derry on January 30, 1972. This peaceful demonstration was marred by violence when British Army paratroopers opened fire on the crowd, resulting in the immediate deaths of thirteen individuals and injuring another, who would later succumb to his wounds 4½ months afterward.

In his quest to raise awareness and fight for civil rights equality, Ivan spearheads a march in Northern Ireland against Unionist rule and British oppression. However, in light of escalating tensions, the British Army imposes a ban on all parades and marches. As the day of the march dawns, British troops line the streets of Derry, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Among the marchers is Jerry, an ordinary Irishman who, despite his simple life and relationship with his girlfriend, is committed to the cause. He joins Ivan and his fellow SDLP members, driven by a shared passion for justice.

As the British commanders mandate the troops to aggressively make arrests and use deadly force in the event of any Irish provocation, Ivan spreads pamphlets encouraging women and children to join the march. Despite his concerns over the vast military presence, he remains steadfast in his commitment to a peaceful demonstration, insisting that the IRA stay clear of the event. However, a British General named Ford arrives to oversee the operations, with a mindset that perceives the Irish as potential troublemakers. As tensions rise, Ford authorizes a strategic pincer movement to encircle the marchers.

The day unfolds as thousands gather, filled with women and children, yet tensions mount when a faction of young marchers veers off towards heavily fortified checkpoints, leading to a confrontation with British forces. Despite Ivan’s attempts to redirect them, stones are thrown, prompting the British to unleash water cannons and rubber bullets in an effort to restore order. The situation rapidly deteriorates when tear gas is deployed, leading to the harrowing deaths of two Irish protesters.

In a desperate bid for peace, Ivan addresses the crowd, advocating for non-violence as the means to secure independence. However, as the British forces initiate their offensive, the breakaway faction returns, resulting in a complete confrontation. The British fire indiscriminately into the crowds, claiming lives with each gunshot, as Jerry and his friends suffer injuries amidst the chaos. The carnage increases alarmingly, as even those trying to assist the wounded fall victim to the merciless shooting.

As the dust settles, the reality of the carnage becomes undeniable. The British Army, realizing the scale of their lethal overreach in front of media cameras, scrambles for justification, but finds none. General Ford insists that the troops acted only in retaliation, albeit acknowledging that none were injured on the British side. Jerry, gravely wounded and in dire need of medical attention, is tragically obstructed by army roadblocks and succumbs to his injuries.

Finally, Ivan makes it to the overwhelmed hospital, where the stark reality of the tragedy is laid bare with 13 dead and 14 injured. In a shocking turn, the British authorities claim Jerry’s body was booby-trapped, seeking to mislead the public regarding the events that transpired. In response, Ivan declares that the British have not only devastated the civil rights movement but unwittingly gifted the IRA with a monumental victory, setting in motion consequences that would forever change the landscape of Northern Ireland.