The Bloody Sunday Trust has a number of events today to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday murders.
The annual Memorial Service will be held as usual at the Bloody Sunday Monument at 1pm and there will be a special dramatisation of The Saville Report and Gerald Donaghey - Unfinished Business at the Culturlann at 2pm
Adrian Kerr of the Bloody Sunday Trust says: "Essentially, the passing landscape of the next 18-20 years’ journey was one of learning, debating, canvassing, lobbying, refusing to take no for an answer, challenging the powerful, upholding dignity and remaining steadfast. During this long part of the journey the families were buoyed by the support they could rely on from the people of Derry and further afield. This is also what the family of Stephen Lawrence did and what many families in this city and other places in the world are currently doing. Some have succeeded, and others are still fighting, and they will always have our support.
"There is widespread belief that the events of June 15th 2010 represent a journey’s end with an outcome previously considered inconceivable. The British Government have been forced to admit their terrible wrong-doing before the world. We are all in a better place because of that. This is what we have achieved together.
"Of course, the issue of Gerald Donaghey’s innocence remains crucial and indeed will feature centrally in the 40th Anniversary programme of events. The finding that he was ‘probably’ carrying nail bombs is unbelievable and is palpably wrong, and one that we simply do not accept.
"Last January, the vast majority of families decided that the 39th Anniversary would be the last march. The people of Derry and beyond turned out in their thousands in Guildhall Square to support the families, and accept their thanks in return for the support given to them over the long years of campaigning. The 40th Anniversary will allow us all time to reflect on the entirety of journey we have taken."
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FOR SUNDAY...
Sunday 29 January / An Domhnach 29 Eanáir
40th anniversary Bloody Sunday Memorial Service. All welcome.
Venue: Bloody Sunday Monument, Rossville Street, 1pm
The Saville Report and Gerald Donaghey - Unfinished Business:
Using the medium of drama this event will examine the conclusions of the Saville Report in respect of Gerald Donaghey. The report was quite unequivocal in finding that there was no justification whatsoever for his murder. However the report came to no firm conclusions on the controversial issue of whether nail bombs had been planted on his body after he was shot. This hour long event will present civilian, British Army and RUC evidence as heard at the Tribunal and examine why this question was not resolved. This remains unfinished business not only for the Donaghey family but for the wider community.
Including Eamonn McCann (Bloody Sunday Trust) and Jane Winter (British Irish Rights Watch) members of the Donaghey family and eyewitnesses.
Soup and sandwiches available. Organised by the Pat Finucane Centre and the Bloody Sunday Events Committee
Venue: Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 2pm
‘Lost Youth - Songs of Solidarity’ - CD launch and Gig:
‘Lost Youth - Songs of Solidarity’ is a benefit CD for a young Palestinian theatre performer imprisoned since 2005. Fifteen year old Mohammed was taken by soldiers as he travelled with other youths to participate in a dance and drama tour of Ireland, Scotland and England. A portion of proceeds will also go towards promoting the child prisoner issue.
Rich, passionate and absorbing, the album contains an eclectic mix of songs and tunes from a variety of genres. Traditional Irish and Basque tracks nestle comfortably between thought-provoking political folk and Palestinian hip-hop. Contributions include: Gráinne Holland, Barry Kerr, Cormac Breatnach, Pól Mac Adaim, David Rovics, Lowkey, DAM, Arramazka, Mickey Coleman, Declan McLaughlin, Kila, Damien Dempsey.
Venue: Sandino’s Bar, 6pm
The Museum of Free Derry will be open 10am to 12.30pm.
Monday 30 January
Minutes silence in memory of those killed on Bloody Sunday.
Venue: Bloody Sunday Monument, Rossville Street, 4pm
Bloody Sunday Memorial Mass: All welcome.
Venue: St Mary’s, Creggan, 7.30pm.
First night of the play Heroes With Their Hands in the Air. Adapted from the book The Bloody Sunday Inquiry: The Families Speak Out by Eamonn McCann, this play gives a powerful interpretation of loss alongside the pursuit of justice. Heroes With Their Hands In The Air portrays the families and victims own accounts of the relentless battle to vindicate their loved ones and themselves during the longest legal proceedings in this country’s history.
Venue: The Playhouse, Artillery Street, 8.30pm. Also showing Tuesday 31 January 4pm, Friday 3 February 8pm and Saturday 4 February 8pm. Admission £10 (Tuesday matinee performance £7.50).