Kilkeel attacks lasted seven hours
Violent attacks against Catholic homes and businesses went
unabated for seven hours in the South Down town of Kilkeel on
Friday 10 July following what the media described as an
``impromptu parade'' which had taken place through the town
earlier.
The Catholic owned Riverside Bar was firebombed by loyalist
rioters causing extensive damage to the upstairs lounge. This was
the latest in a series of attacks on the premises over the past
four years.
The owner, Eamon Cunningham, said he had been targeted a number
of times and as recently as last week the bar was attacked by
youths who smashed a number of downstairs windows. ``But this was
the worst one to date,'' he said. Cunningham had asked his
customers to leave at around 11pm for their own safety. He was
then contacted by the RUC at around 3:30am after the bar was
attacked but was advised not to go into town because it was too
dangerous.
Other Catholic owned businesses in Newry Street were also
targeted, including the Archways Bar and Interflora shop, causing
minor damage.
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