How southern Protestants were affected......

[collina]

On my street there were three Protestant families where I grew up. I didn't actually know they were Protestant until the day of our first Holy Communion. It was the practise then as it is now for kids to get cash on the big day. In spite of the fact that the COI families would never have a day like this, they always gave generously to kids every year.

So far are southerners divorced from the situation in the North, that my friend David(COI) was caught writing "IRA" on the School wall. We all grew up together, played together, worked together, and looked out for each other. Down the street a electrician lived who was COI, he was the only one who knew how to fix the little bulbs in the Sacred Hearts, and never charged for it either.

I think it is very difficult for Northern Protestants to comprehend that by-and-large we all get on down here. A few instances like the Love Ulster march instead of being seen for what they are (cowardly behaviour by a few thugs), are used to firm up ideas about Southern Catholics.

[Wasp]

Collina I have a number of friends who are southern catholics and I dont think any of them match the typical republican up here, I would say that around border areas there would be a higher number of catholics similar to exremists up here and setanta on here proved by his stance, that of his party and their supporters that many hold a deep hatred/loathing for their Irish Protestant neighbours especially concerning fellow Irish citizens celebrating their culture.

But it would be totally unfair to class the majority of Catholics in the south as being similar to those in the north, the ballot box proves that. Thankfully they are in the minority, but equally it is unfair for anyone to put Catholics up here into the same boat as many detest what those are claiming to be doing in their name as much as the communtiy they all to often targeted. The policeman in charge of the Loughgall operation for example was a Catholic so he could hardly be classed as some violent sectarian republican. Another good thing is that more and more people especially young people are beginning to mix with eachotehr in hardline areas which can only be a good thing.

[Jim]

Jul 9, 2010 15:43:38 GMT Wasp said:

Another good thing is that more and more people especially young people are beginning to mix with eachotehr in hardline areas which can only be a good thing.

This is extremely true, but we arent afraid to voice our opinions in each others company.