Protestant Celebration Sparks Catholic Protests in Northern Ireland

July 14, 2004

Source: Voice of America

http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=55C5237A-383D-4382-9C063652B9903509

On July 14, 2004 Voice of America reported, "British soldiers and police in Northern Ireland have clashed with protesters during a second night of violence following parades commemorating a 17th century Protestant victory over Catholic forces. Catholic protesters threw Molotov cocktails and rocks Tuesday night at a police station in Lurgan, west of Belfast. Earlier the protesters had hijacked a car and set it on on fire on the main railway line between Dublin and Belfast, briefly cutting train service. Police say that last night's violence was not as serious as the rioting in Northern Belfast Monday night. Catholic and Protestant authorities have accused each other of mishandling the large crowds and inciting violence. The violence is a continuation of centuries-old conflicts between the two groups."