Latest news with #BrendanMcFarlane
Irish Times
13-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Victim's family condemns ‘disgusting' Féile na Phobail tribute to Brendan ‘Bik' McFarlane
The family of a young woman murdered during the Troubles has called the tribute paid to her killer at Féile an Phobail as 'absolutely disgusting'. An image of Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane appeared on the screen during a show by Scottish band Shebeen at the closing night of Féile an Phobail in Belfast on Sunday night. Féile an Phobail , which bills itself as Ireland's biggest community arts festival, is partially funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs ' Reconciliation Fund, which gave €157,704 in 2022. Linda Boyle (17) was killed during a machine gun and bomb attack on the Bayardo Bar on the Shankill Road in August 1975 McFarlane, who died earlier this year, was convicted and sentenced for the Bayardo Bar massacre which occurred 50 years ago on August 13th, 1975. READ MORE Then aged 23, he and two others, Peter Christopher Skeet Hamilton (22) and Séamus Joseph Clarke (19) carried out a bomb and gun attack on the pub they suspected of being used by UVF members. A tribute to Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane on the screen at the Falls Park tonight as Shebeen sing Marcella, the song Bik wrote in memory of his friend and comrade Bobby Sands. — Féile an Phobail (@FeileBelfast) Two civilians were machine-gunned to death outside the pub while three more died in the subsequent explosion which injured dozens of people. Among those killed in the Bayardo Bar massacre was 17-year-old Linda Boyle. In a statement marking the 50th anniversary, Ms Boyle's family said what happened on Sunday night – which was shared on the Féile an Phobail social media channel – was a 'sick tribute'. They added: 'We can barely find the words to express how we feel about what happened. It's so depressing that these things happen, and it's not an isolated incident, almost weekly we see instances of glorification of terrorism and what's done about it? 'We rejoice in how Linda lived and the values she represented, and no one will ever take that away from us.' They stated that Linda was a 'stylish young woman who was caring and friendly and who had a real zest for life. 'She would now be of retirement age and would be at a point where she should be relaxing and exploring a further chapter of life, Linda's storybook was ended before she got beyond her first chapter.' The South East Fermanagh Foundation, which supports victims of the Troubles, said the events of Sunday night were part of a 'concerted campaign on the part of Irish republicans to infiltrate the genre of traditional Irish music, to integrate what was once fringe rebel music into the mainstream'. McFarlane was officer commanding in the H Blocks during the hunger strikes of 1981. According to David Beresford, the author of the 1987 book Ten Men Dead, McFarlane's crimes were such that it would have been a 'one-man public relations disaster' had he gone on hunger strike too. McFarlane escaped from the Maze Prison in September 1983. He was later charged in connection with the kidnapping of businessman Don Tidey , a case that went on for nearly a decade. Mr Tidey was kidnapped in November 1983. He was kept in a hideout in Derrada Wood outside Ballinamore in Co Leitrim until December 16th of that year when it was discovered by a search party involving gardaí and army personnel. Pte Patrick Kelly and recruit Garda Gary Sheehan were shot dead by the IRA gang when they came across the hideout 23 days after Tidey's abduction. The gang also shot and seriously wounded Det Sgt Donie Kelleher before fleeing. McFarlane was named by gardaí as a suspect in the aftermath of the events of Derrada Wood even before forensic evidence confirmed that his fingerprints were found in the hideout. A garda at the scene later identified McFarlane as one of the gunmen who shot directly at him during the escape. McFarlane allegedly confessed to the kidnapping and murders at Dundalk Garda station after being arrested in 1998. After a lengthy trial process, the confession was deemed as inadmissible and the case collapsed.
BBC News
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Féile an Phobail: Family of IRA victim call Féile tribute 'sick'
The family of Linda Boyle, who was killed in a bomb in west Belfast in 1975, have said they are "absolutely disgusted" by the "sick" tribute to former senior IRA member Brendan McFarlane at this year's Féile an Phobail event. McFarlane was jailed for the gun and bomb attack on the Bayardo Bar on Belfast's Shankill Road, which killed five people, including Ms Boyle, and injured 60 Boyle was 17-years-old when she died from the injuries she sustained in the attack. The tribute to McFarlane took place during a performance by the band Shebeen during the Féile an Phobail festival in Falls Park on Sunday. On Tuesday, speaking ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Bayardo pub bombing, the family of Linda Boyle issued a statement which said: "Wednesday will be a particularly difficult day although there have been few easy days since the Provisional IRA stole away our beautiful Linda and the others that fateful day." It went on to say how Linda would now be of retirement age and should be "relaxing and exploring a further chapter of life". "Linda's storybook was ended before she got beyond her first chapter," it added. 'Cruel and crass' It's understood that during the event on Sunday, the band Shebeen performed a song called 'Marcella', written by McFarlane in memory of hunger striker Bobby Sands. A picture of McFarlane was then projected onto the stage screen behind the band to a crowd of thousands. Linda Boyle's family described the tribute as "absolutely disgusting, especially as the 50th anniversary was only a few days away". "Why do some within this society continue to stoke the fires, why do they want to continue to hurt the innocent?" they added. Kenny Donaldson from the South East Fermanagh Foundation, a terrorism victims advocacy group, said that for this tribute to come just days before the anniversary of the bombing is "particularly cruel and crass". He said it was "shameful" and those involved "will have been very aware of what they were doing". Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane died in February. He was the leader of IRA prisoners in the Maze during the 1981 hunger strike, where he was serving five life sentences for also led a mass escape of 38 inmates from the prison near Lisburn in prison officer died of a heart attack after being stabbed and six other officers were stabbed or shot during the was later caught in Amsterdam and extradited to Northern Ireland along with fellow escapee, Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly. Féile an Phobail have been contacted for a response.
Belfast Telegraph
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
DUP MLA hits out at big-screen tribute to former IRA prisoner during closing Féile event
On Sunday night at Falls Park, the band Shebeen played a song written by Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane in memory of hunger striker Bobby Sands. McFarlane, who died earlier this year following a short illness, was sentenced to life in prison in 1976 for his role in an attack on the Bayardo Bar on Aberdeen Street in Belfast which killed five people and injured more than 60 He was Officer Commanding of the IRA in the Maze Prison during the 1981 hunger strikes and in 1983 he took part in a break-out from the prison and went on the run. McFarlane was re-captured in 1986 and was released from prison in 1997. During Shebeen's performance on Sunday night, an image of McFarlane was also projected on a large screen on the stage to the 12,000-strong crowd in attendance at the event. Speaking about the scenes, the DUP's North Belfast MLA Philip Brett said: 'McFarlane was not a hero. 'He was a convicted terrorist who bore responsibility for murder and destruction, including his role in the Bayardo Bar bombing, which claimed the lives of five people and injured many more. 'Such attempts to romanticise the actions of the IRA are an insult to the families left bereaved and communities still dealing with the scars of violence. 'When Sinn Féin previously attempted to eulogise Brendan McFarlane, I set the record straight — and I will continue to stand up for victims every single time. 'Victims deserve better than selective outrage and silence from those who claim to hold truth to account. 'We owe it to victims to tell the truth: Brendan McFarlane was part of a campaign of violence which devastated lives. No amount of music, speeches, or banners will erase that reality.' Watch: Kneecap member makes surprise appearance at Féile concert In a statement, Féile an Phobail Director Kevin Gamble said: 'This year's Féile an Phobail saw the biggest Féile ever held. "In total around 130,000 people attended this year's August Féile. 'This year was a record year with record attendances across all our events. 'Over 600 events took place at 50 venues, including over 90 debates and discussions, 130 Trad Trail music sessions, 90 art exhibitions, a host of literary, sporting and theatre events, a massive carnival parade with over 6,000 people in attendance, and a series of family events. 'Our Falls Park events space hosted six 12,000 capacity outdoor concerts. 'Our nature and environment events, children's events, tours and walks also had record attendances this year. 'Also significantly, due to the hard work and commitment of Féile staff and volunteers, community organisations, political representatives and Belfast City Council, and the support of our young people and the local community, Belfast was bonfire free on 8th August. "All those involved in achieving this deserve praise. In past years these unwanted bonfires have brought destruction and an increase in anti-social behaviour to the areas in which they were held. 'The benefit of the absence of these unwanted bonfires on 8th August is significant. As well as the positive images emanating from the festival events showcasing Belfast in a positive light, there is also the considerable benefit to the city's economy which the associated increase in visitor footfall and spending over the duration of the festival brings to the city, over £6 million last year alone. 'Over the last 37 years, Féile has a proven track record of delivering significant social, cultural and economic benefits to the city of Belfast, and this increases year on year. 'This year, representatives from all communities were welcomed to Féile to have their voice heard, both as spectators and participants. 'All political persuasions attended and participated in various panel discussions, as did representatives from minority ethnic communities, and international visitors. "Féile an Phobail includes all opinions and provides a platform for many different views."
Telegraph
26-02-2025
- Telegraph
Celtic fans under fire for banner glorifying convicted IRA terrorist
Celtic are facing calls from politicians in Northern Ireland to take action against fans who held up a banner 'glorifying convicted IRA terrorist Brendan McFarlane'. The banner, which hailed McFarlane as a 'hero' following his death on Friday, was unfurled at Celtic Park on Tuesday night ahead of the Scottish champions' 5-1 win against Aberdeen. 'Bik' McFarlane was jailed in 1976 for a gun and bomb attack on the Bayardo Bar on Belfast's Shankill Road, which killed five people and injured 60 others. He was also the leader of IRA prisoners in the Maze during a 1981 hunger strike and led a mass escape of 38 inmates two years later which saw seven prison officers stabbed or shot, one of whom died from a heart attack. He was later caught in Amsterdam and extradited to Northern Ireland before being released on parole in 1997. DUP MP Gregory Campbell tabled an early day motion at Westminster raising concern about Tuesday's banner and calling on Celtic to take action against those responsible, while party colleague Phillip Brett MLA wrote to the club's chairman, Peter Lawwell, copying in the Scottish Football Association and Uefa. They also called for the University of Glasgow to take action against a professor they say shared the display on social media. Campbell said: 'The display at Celtic Football Club's match against Aberdeen last night, where a banner was exhibited glorifying convicted IRA terrorist Brendan McFarlane, has caused great hurt and offence. This was an abhorrent act that disrespects the memory of his innocent victims and causes deep hurt to those who suffered at the hands of terrorism. 'Brendan McFarlane was a cold-blooded terrorist, who was responsible for numerous murders, including the 1975 Bayardo Bar Massacre, where five innocent people were killed – among them 17-year-old Linda Boyle. He later led the 1983 Maze Prison escape, which resulted in the murder of a prison officer and injuries to others. That same year, McFarlane is widely believed to have been involved in the kidnapping of a supermarket executive, during which a Garda officer and a member of the Irish Defence Forces were killed. 'Those Celtic supporters involved must be dealt with by the club, and by the law, but so too should those who shared the display on social media, including a professor at the University of Glasgow. Similar investigations must be made by university leaders and appropriate action taken.' Brett added: 'That anyone with any sense of morality would seek to define such an individual as a hero is beyond comprehension, but given the display at their stadium, it is incumbent on Celtic Football Club to take immediate action. Those responsible for this disgraceful display must be identified, and Police Scotland should investigate the matter under the Terrorism Act 2006. The steps they take now will be a clear indication of how seriously they treat the hurt and offence caused to innocent victims of terror. 'I have written to Celtic Football Club to express my revulsion, and the revulsion of the wider community of the Shankill, at this display and to demand that firm action be taken. 'There can be no place in football, or in society, for the glorification of terrorism. We await evidence that Celtic Football Club will act decisively.' Celtic have been repeatedly fined by Uefa down the years for pro-IRA banners and chanting, as well as pro-Palestinian displays. Their latest controversial tribute came less than a month after they sang 'Lizzie's in a box' and 'If you hate the Royal family, clap your hands' in front of the Prince of Wales during their 4-2 Champions League defeat at Aston Villa. They also unfurled a banner glorifying Michael Fagan, who broke into the bedroom of Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Yahoo
Celtic fans under fire for banner glorifying convicted IRA terrorist
Celtic are facing calls from politicians in Northern Ireland to take action against fans who held up a banner 'glorifying convicted IRA terrorist Brendan McFarlane'. The banner, which hailed McFarlane as a 'hero' following his death on Friday, was unfurled at Celtic Park on Tuesday night ahead of the Scottish champions' 5-1 win against Aberdeen. 'Bik' McFarlane was jailed in 1976 for a gun and bomb attack on the Bayardo Bar on Belfast's Shankill Road, which killed five people and injured 60 others. He was also the leader of IRA prisoners in the Maze during a 1981 hunger strike and led a mass escape of 38 inmates two years later which saw seven prison officers stabbed or shot, one of whom died from a heart attack. He was later caught in Amsterdam and extradited to Northern Ireland before being released on parole in 1997. DUP MP Gregory Campbell tabled an early day motion at Westminster raising concern about Tuesday's banner and calling on Celtic to take action against those responsible, while party colleague Phillip Brett MLA wrote to the club's chairman, Peter Lawwell, copying in the Scottish Football Association and Uefa. They also called for the University of Glasgow to take action against a professor they say shared the display on social media. Campbell said: 'The display at Celtic Football Club's match against Aberdeen last night, where a banner was exhibited glorifying convicted IRA terrorist Brendan McFarlane, has caused great hurt and offence. This was an abhorrent act that disrespects the memory of his innocent victims and causes deep hurt to those who suffered at the hands of terrorism. 'Brendan McFarlane was a cold-blooded terrorist, who was responsible for numerous murders, including the 1975 Bayardo Bar Massacre, where five innocent people were killed – among them 17-year-old Linda Boyle. He later led the 1983 Maze Prison escape, which resulted in the murder of a prison officer and injuries to others. That same year, McFarlane is widely believed to have been involved in the kidnapping of a supermarket executive, during which a Garda officer and a member of the Irish Defence Forces were killed. 'Those Celtic supporters involved must be dealt with by the club, and by the law, but so too should those who shared the display on social media, including a professor at the University of Glasgow. Similar investigations must be made by university leaders and appropriate action taken.' Brett added: 'That anyone with any sense of morality would seek to define such an individual as a hero is beyond comprehension, but given the display at their stadium, it is incumbent on Celtic Football Club to take immediate action. Those responsible for this disgraceful display must be identified, and Police Scotland should investigate the matter under the Terrorism Act 2006. The steps they take now will be a clear indication of how seriously they treat the hurt and offence caused to innocent victims of terror. 'I have written to Celtic Football Club to express my revulsion, and the revulsion of the wider community of the Shankill, at this display and to demand that firm action be taken. 'There can be no place in football, or in society, for the glorification of terrorism. We await evidence that Celtic Football Club will act decisively.' Celtic have been repeatedly fined by Uefa down the years for pro-IRA banners and chanting, as well as pro-Palestinian displays. Their latest controversial tribute came less than a month after they sang 'Lizzie's in a box' and 'If you hate the Royal family, clap your hands' in front of the Prince of Wales during their 4-2 Champions League defeat at Aston Villa. They also unfurled a banner glorifying Michael Fagan, who broke into the bedroom of Queen Elizabeth II in 1982. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
