UDA sectarian attack

[Andropov]

By Lesley-Anne Henry

Tuesday, 26 May 2009


Locals claimed a loyalist “lynch mob” descended on the Heights area of Coleraine in taxis and cars intent on killing a Catholic.

The fatal assault on community worker Kevin McDaid (46), described as “someone who would do anything for anybody”, has left the close-knit community completely stunned.

A plasterer by trade but interested in building community relations, Kevin McDaid strived to make the area a better place for those living in the socially deprived, mixed estate. He was attacked while trying to prevent his children from being caught up in the trouble that flared following Sunday’s Rangers and Celtic football matches.

Throughout yesterday a steady stream of ashen-faced mourners arrived at the police cordon at the edge of terraced row where Mr McDaid, his wife Evelyn and three of their four sons lived. Most people couldn’t comprehend what happened.

Kevin Mr McDaid, described as hard-working and popular, was beaten and jumped on about the head just yards from his house at Somerset Drive. He managed to stagger a few yards but collapsed and died almost on his back doorstep. His eldest son Ryan (22) who had seen the attack found him lying on the ground.

Fighting back tears he said his father’s face had been totally battered, all his teeth were knocked out and he was bleeding badly.

He said: “I was there when it happened. We heard screaming and shouting and Damien Fleming was lying on the ground. There was a gang of about 70 people arrived, they came up in cars and taxis and jumped out.

“We were totally outnumbered. There was nothing we could do, they were local UDA members.”


http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ne...-14313851.html (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/loyalist-lynch-mob-came-in-taxis-intent-on-killing-a-catholicrsquo-14313851.html)

[Andropov]

His wife attempted to stop the attack and was beaten, so was one of their neighbours who was pregnant and she was beaten also.
The PSNI were close enough to witness the attack but yet stood idly by while Mc Daid was used as a football.
Since it has been revealed that the PSNI witnessed the attack there have been news statements released stating that Mc Daid died of a heart attack to try and quel public outrage.

[Dóchas]

why did they want to do this in the begining? was it to do with the rangers match? if so i think thats sickening. did they target him in particualr or did they just want to murder the first catholic they saw? i saw pictures of his wife and she was in a real mess. i dred to think what his body looked like after the mob had gone away

[Sean]

Old time "romperings" are scary business. I could give you a few stories from other people who have escaped them, but never had a crowd of them around me myself that knew what I was.
It used to be a fun thing to find a catholic, take them to a "house party" then call your mates saying that they had a now, pretty drunk, taig in the house. I know one fellow who escaped this kind of craic when the house owner screamed at him to get out of his house quickly when he saw that his "friends" had brought in blades. Man saved his life, but only because he bottled a murder. I make up protestant sounding nom de raves if I'm partying out of my town, personally, but my "dirty taigy eyes" have been called out a few times.

If you've any sense in your head you stay out of mixed bars without bouncers if you're not stone cold sober. Bangor, Coleraine and Portrush are great places to get a hiding if you don't know the towns.

[The Deepest Red]

Another blow for God & Ulster against them rebels in the IRA, eh?

A crowd of Loyalist filth turned up at the courthouse today to cheer on these murdering reactionary scumbags. :(

[Pogue]

fucking loyalist scum

[Andropov]

The family of Damien Fleming have released a photo of him after the attack in which Mc Daid also was killed.
http://img.u.tv/galleries/777/290x160/crop/flemingdamien4.jpg

[gorillafuck]

What is the UDA?

Edit: ^^^Oh my god :(

[Andropov]

What is the UDA?

Edit: ^^^Oh my god :(
Ulster Defence Assosciation.
Probably the worst Loyalist paramilitarys in Ireland.
Word is that the UDA were attempting to stir sectarian violence in the waterside in Derry but the RSM and UVF sorted out the trouble on either sides of the community and the UDA was ran from Derry by the UVF last week.
And so this attack came from a UDA heartland and seems to have been a concerted effort from the UDA to stir sectarian tensions in Ireland once more.

[brigadista]

tragic

[Andropov]

Nine men have been charged in connection with the murder of Kevin McDaid and attempted murder of Damien Fleming in Coleraine at the weekend.

The men, aged between 18 and 50, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday morning.

Mr McDaid died after being beaten by a loyalist mob close to his home in the Somerset Drive area of Coleraine after Rangers won the Scottish league title.

Mr Fleming remains in a critical condition in hospital.

ACCUSED AND CHARGES

David Craig Cochrane, 18, of Windyhall Park, was charged with murder and attempted murder. His father David James John Cochrane, 47, faces a charge of affray.

Ivan Beattie McDowell, 42, of Lisnablagh Road was charged with attempted murder.

John Thompson, 29, of Daneshill Road was charged with murder, attempted murder and assault.

Frank Simpson Daly, 48, of Rosemary Place was charged with murder, attempted murder and assaulting Evelyn McDaid and Leona Whittaker.

Christopher McDowell, 33, of Glebe Avenue was charged with murder and attempted murder.

Aaron Thomas Beech, 23, of Windyhall Park was charged with attempted murder and assault

Paul Andrew Newman, 40, of Grassmere Close was charged with murder and attempted murder.

John McGrath, 50, of Hawthorne Place was charged with murder, attempted murder and assaulting Evelyn McDaid.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_...st/8071388.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8071388.stm)

[Andropov]

Since the average age of the accused is 37 and the fact that Frankie Daly was a prime suspect in the Greysteel massacre, it seems this was not just a drunken mob hunting for a taig, it seems like this is being orchestrated by the UDA's central command.

[Mindtoaster]

Is this supposed to be their retaliation for the shootings of two British *soldiers*?

:(

[Andropov]

Is this supposed to be their retaliation for the shootings of two British *soldiers*?

:(
Hard to say, but given the timing directly after the Old Firm game it smacks of an attempt to stir sectarian hatred and not exactly retaliation.

[Pogue]

Ulster Defence Assosciation.
Probably the worst Loyalist paramilitarys in Ireland.
Word is that the UDA were attempting to stir sectarian violence in the waterside in Derry but the RSM and UVF sorted out the trouble on either sides of the community and the UDA was ran from Derry by the UVF last week.
And so this attack came from a UDA heartland and seems to have been a concerted effort from the UDA to stir sectarian tensions in Ireland once more.

So the UVF oppose the UDA, and are more 'moderate'?

[Andropov]

So the UVF oppose the UDA, and are more 'moderate'?
They despise each other.
As of now it seems like the UVF would be alot more moderate and approachable.
The INLA have a working dialogue with the UVF so as to keep the peace at interface areas.

[ls]

He worked at bringing the community together so they attacked him because he was an 'easy target'. A true tragedy.. RIP and condolences to his family.

[Hoggy_RS]

Absolutley shocking stuff:(

RIP

[Pogue]

They despise each other.
As of now it seems like the UVF would be alot more moderate and approachable.
The INLA have a working dialogue with the UVF so as to keep the peace at interface areas.

Never knew this, thanks

[The Deepest Red]

...are more 'moderate'?

Historically, no.

[Redmau5]

This is very sad.

I'm quite sure that even if these men are convicted of Kevin McDaid's murder, the sentences handed down to them will be laughable.

[Bitter Ashes]

Disgusting attack. I just read the families' full statement on the BBC too. There's a few things worth posting that werent included in the OP:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8073314.stm

"The family are grateful to members of the PSNI who attended to Kevin after this horrific assault and who attempted to administer CPR as he lay dying at our feet.A positive step towards the PSNI working towards helping Catholics? On that level, yes, but there was also concerns raised about whether the PSNI had prior knowledge to the attack that they failed to pass onto the family, as they were questioning the suspects a few days beforehand. The NI secretary has stated that there was no evidence of a tip-off or anything since, but there's still an ongoing investigation.



"Kevin lived helping others.
"His short life was spent trying to bridge the divide that exists in our community.
"His death at the hands of people who have nothing to offer our community should not be allowed to undo his life's work.I'd say she's a brave woman to be able to say that so soon. It's certainly not forgiveness, which would have been unwarranted, but it must have been hard for her to say that she wanted no revenge attacks. I totaly respect her for that, because at some point somebody had to stand up and say that the feud had to end and sadly, the only person who're able to say that with that level of authority are those most hurt by it.

[Dóchas]

did any of you hear the RTE interviews of residents either side of the border? the people in the south were outraged and saddened at mcdaids murder. when the reporter went into the north to interview unionists/loyalists (call them what you want) their views were quite different. one resident said it was a shame that he had been killed but that they (anyone south of the border in the town) had had it coming since they had started flying tri-colours. other responses were the same and many said they were sad about the murder but they didnt condone it at all.

i definitly think the result in the celtic rangers match pushed the mob over the edge but to kill and innocent man is inexcusable. as zoolander said even if the people involved are convicted their sentances will be way too short

[Hoggy_RS]

the flying of the irish flag in Ireland is not an excuse for the murder of a man.

The mob that carried out this killing are animals and should suffer the most severe punishment possible(thought im sure they are unlikely to be convicted)

Sectarianism is still alive and well in the loyalist community.

[Dóchas]

the flying of the irish flag in Ireland is not an excuse for the murder of a man.



they see the north as under the rule of the UK (which it is) so union jacks should be flow there



The mob that carried out this killing are animals and should suffer the most severe punishment possible(thought im sure they are unlikely to be convicted


i agree but if they are going to get convicted with a just sentance is another thing

[redarmyfaction38]

This is very sad.

I'm quite sure that even if these men are convicted of Kevin McDaid's murder, the sentences handed down to them will be laughable.
unfortunately, you are probably right.
both sides of the sectarian divide have been active in the murder of anybody that tries to work for the community rather than their "political ambitions".
both the uda and sien feinn are tied to the politicaL system.

[Starry Plough]

Loyalist Scum

[Andropov]

A positive step towards the PSNI working towards helping Catholics? On that level, yes, but there was also concerns raised about whether the PSNI had prior knowledge to the attack that they failed to pass onto the family, as they were questioning the suspects a few days beforehand. The NI secretary has stated that there was no evidence of a tip-off or anything since, but there's still an ongoing investigation.
The very fact that the family stated.

Mr McDaid’s family has lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman claiming that officers in negotiations with loyalists prior to the attack were warned there would be violence if loyalist demands on the day were not met.
http://www.eveningecho.ie/news/index.aspx?c=ireland&jp=eykfcwqlsnmh
That a member of the PSNI goaded the UDA into attacking the Nationalist Area.
As to why that PSNI member had a UDA man on his phone begs another question.
But I suppose its safe to assume collusion is still safely entrenched in the Colonial Constabulary.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1111/633672659_008b481b55.jpg?v=0

because at some point somebody had to stand up and say that the feud had to end and sadly, the only person who're able to say that with that level of authority are those most hurt by it.
What are you on about feud for?
Sectarianism is a British Construct, all Marxist thinkers who have studied Ireland know this and also know that as long as Britain remains so will Sectarianism.
This isnt a feud, its a by product of Imperialism.

[redarmyfaction38]

The very fact that the family stated.

http://www.eveningecho.ie/news/index.aspx?c=ireland&jp=eykfcwqlsnmh
That a member of the PSNI goaded the UDA into attacking the Nationalist Area.
As to why that PSNI member had a UDA man on his phone begs another question.
But I suppose its safe to assume collusion is still safely entrenched in the Colonial Constabulary.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1111/633672659_008b481b55.jpg?v=0

What are you on about feud for?
Sectarianism is a British Construct, all Marxist thinkers who have studied Ireland know this and also know that as long as Britain remains so will Sectarianism.
This isnt a feud, its a by product of Imperialism.
james connelly,as long as capitalism remains in ireland so will capitalism dictate through british imperialist ownership of the capitalist companies.
ireland caNNOT be free unless it overthrows capitalism, irish nationalism is the choice of those more interested in exploitation than freedom.

[Bitter Ashes]

james connelly,as long as capitalism remains in ireland so will capitalism dictate through british imperialist ownership of the capitalist companies.
ireland caNNOT be free unless it overthrows capitalism, irish nationalism is the choice of those more interested in exploitation than freedom.
Well, it's obvious to most unless they insist on following a chicken and egg policy of saying that neither can happen without the other one happening first. Socialism can take place in both NI and ROI and it probably will result in the border bieng scrapped as a byproduct. The idea that these are somewhat unique contries in that there it is totaly impossible they can gain a class consicous working class simply because of the precense of a border baffles me.

It IS a fued and socialism cannot be achieved while divisions between the people of NI are ripped open on a regular basis and the root cause of suffering ignored. The loyalists need to learn to stop attacking the republicans and get on with unionising and allocating the blame to the bourgeois. And guess what? The Republicans need to exactly the same thing. As long as you two groups keep killing each other then each side is only ever going to see the enemy as each other and never the bourgeois who created the whole mess.

[Andropov]

Well, it's obvious to most unless they insist on following a chicken and egg policy of saying that neither can happen without the other one happening first. Socialism can take place in both NI and ROI and it probably will result in the border bieng scrapped as a byproduct. The idea that these are somewhat unique contries in that there it is totaly impossible they can gain a class consicous working class simply because of the precense of a border baffles me.
Absurd post, really shows a lack of understanding about Ireland.
Firstly Ireland is one country, as a Marxist to recognise Partitioning along sectarian lines is quite frankly ridiculous.
To relegate the issue of the Partitioning of Ireland as merely a border issue boggles the mind.
It is as Connolly himself wrote about the iminent possibility of Partitioning a carnival of reactionaryism.
To recognise the Partitioning of Ireland as somewhat legitimate then you really shouldnt be a Socialist.

It IS a fued and socialism cannot be achieved while divisions between the people of NI are ripped open on a regular basis and the root cause of suffering ignored.
You really dont have a clue do you?
Just more regurgetated British Imperial hogwash.
It is a fight between Imperialism and the right to self determination, simple as that.
The whole "feud" vision has been debunked many times over.
The fact that Loyalists were the extended arm of the British State pays testament to this.

The loyalists need to learn to stop attacking the republicans and get on with unionising and allocating the blame to the bourgeois.
Loyalists rarely attack Republicans.
They attack random Catholics in an attempt to stir sectarian tensions.
This is because sectarianism plays into Imperial interests by divideing the working class and thus why Loyalists were trained, equipped, paid and used by British Forces in Ireland.
Are you beginning to understand it now?

And guess what? The Republicans need to exactly the same thing. As long as you two groups keep killing each other then each side is only ever going to see the enemy as each other and never the bourgeois who created the whole mess.
Ohh dear god.
British Imperialism in all its forms, politically and economically is the enemy.
That includes Loyalists.
Loyalists are just unoficiall agents of the British Empire and enact the exact same role as the Brits Colonial Constabulary or Brit troops.
To misinterpret the conflict as some sort of ethnic dispute shows no understanding of Irish history or Irish politics and is only regurgitating the propaganda of Bourgeois media.

[Hoggy_RS]

The Republicans need to exactly the same thing. As long as you two groups keep killing each other then each side is only ever going to see the enemy as each other and never the bourgeois who created the whole mess.

groups of republicans aren't entering loyalist areas and beating innocent men to death. Nearly all republicans now see that uniting the working class and fighting for a socialist united ireland is now priority. Loyalists however support the British capitalist establishment and the old ***** who represents it. They are the enemy and are the biggest obstacle to socialism growing in the OC6.

Loyalists are the scum of the earth

[Andrei Kuznetsov]

Have they confirmed that the mob was instigated by the UDA, or is that still speculation?

Regardless, I hope those orange scum get their just desserts. Up the INLA!