Holy Cross school dispute was 'hatred at its worst'
Fr Aidan Troy, a priest who protected schoolgirls during the 2001 Holy Cross sectarian dispute in Belfast, reflects on the event's 25th anniversary. He warns that the hatred experienced during that time remains a threat and emphasizes the ongoing need for dialogue and reconciliation.
Why it matters
The article serves as a historical reflection on sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, highlighting the fragility of peace and the importance of community leadership in preventing recurring conflict.
Image caption, Fr Aidan Troy, who was parish priest in Ardoyne at the time, said "none of us want to see hatred"
The priest who helped shield schoolgirls during the 2001 Holy Cross dispute has said the "hurt" of that ordeal could happen again.
Speaking on the 25th anniversary of Holy Cross, Fr Aidan Troy said that possibility is what keeps him "devoted to dialogue, to conversation, to searching for justice and to caring about people".
Fr Aidan said the sectarian dispute was "hatred at its worst".
It happened in north Belfast when loyalist protesters tried to block the route taken by Holy Cross school pupils and their parents, who were from a Catholic background, on their walk to class.
Following the initial violence, the police and Army put up crash barriers to keep a corridor route open for the Holy Cross pupils.
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