15 August 1974: Joseph McGuinness, 13-year-old Catholic civilian, a schoolboy was shot by a UDA gunman in North Queen Street. Around 10:00PM he was going to a fish and chip shop with friend when he was struck by a bullet. The News Letter reported that soldiers had found him lying wounded after hearing gunfire. Joseph McGuinness died at 1:00AM in the Royal Victoria Hospital. He was from Upper Meadow Street in the New Lodge area. His family had moved there from the Crumlin Road after their home was petrol bombed. Describing the events leading up to his death, his mother said: we were watching television when Joe came to the door with some of his mates and got some money for chips. They were going to a shop in York Street but when they got to North Queens Street there was a crowd standing in the mouth of Duncairn Gardens. They shouted abuse at the lads and then called them over. As my son was crossing the road to go to York Street, a shot rang out. My son was hit in the chest. His mates scattered in panic and he managed to stagger into Hillman Street and then into our own street before he fell. He wasnt a bad boy. These troubles affect all the children. It makes them aggressive and wild. It changes them. They just cant settle down. A youth who was with Joseph said that he said to him: the blue nose got me meaning he had been shot by Protestants. A UDA man who was described as the commander was convicted in connection with killing Joseph McGuinness and another man but in 1992 he was released. LEST WE FORGET!
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 06:49:44 +0000
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