On This Day / August 21, 1920

Terror in Banbridge

THE Banbridge boycott against Catholics appears to be even more stringent and comprehensive than that which prevails in Belfast.

In the town there is a population of just over 5,000 people and about 1,200 of that number profess the Catholic religion.

All the Catholic operatives in the weaving factories, which are the mainstay of Banbridge industrially, have been prevented from working ever since the disturbances of July 21st.

In the case of one firm, the bar against Catholics is an absolute and unconditional one.

In regard to the others, no Catholic worker will be taken on who does not sign a document the terms of which have been dictated by the mob who have stirred up the violence.

The outburst commencing on that day resulted in the complete burning out of five shops belonging to Catholics – Miss McMahon’s, Mr T McMahon’s, Mr Byrne’s, Mr B Flanagan’s and Mr D Monaghan’s.

Mr James McMahon, a respected and well-known businessman, aged 70, was most savagely assaulted by roughs and sustained injuries, including a fractured arm.

[Dr Phoenix notes: A normally quiet industrial centre, Banbridge experienced serious sectarian violence, directed at the local Catholic community following the IRA’s assassination of Lieut.-Col Gerald Smyth in Cork in July 1920.

As in other towns, Catholic businesses were burned and looted and workers expelled from the mills.]

Lord mayor on hunger strike

THE condition of the Lord Mayor MacSwiney, a hunger strike prisoner in Brixton Prison, is reportedly very serious.

He is, however, in good spirits and determined to maintain his protest.

[Dr Phoenix notes: The leader of the Volunteers in Cork in 1916 and a Sinn Féin TD, Terence MacSwiney had succeeded the murdered Tomas MacCurtain as Mayor of Cork.

Arrested and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, he immediately went on hunger strike. He died on October 1920 24, the 74th day of his fast.]