Alexandra Park Gate Open

Alexandra Park is tucked in the heart of North Belfast between the nationalist New Lodge community and unionist Tiger's Bay community. The interface between the communities physically manifested itself in a Peace Wall after "peace" was found in Northern Ireland through the Good Friday Agreement.

Shortly after my arrival in Belfast in September, a gate at the center of the park that had been closed for years was opened during certain hours of the day, marking the end to the last public park divided in Europe. However, during my subsequent visits to the area I hadn't experienced the park opened because the gate closes at 3pm on weekdays and is not open over the weekends.

Just a few weeks ago I finally passed through the park when it was open in the early afternoon. There were very few people using the park at that time and, unfortunately, the people we did see using the space turned around when they came to the wall. Essentially, each group continued to use the area of the park that they felt most comfortable with. Even though the gate is open, the peace wall still completely bisects the park and clearly defines whose space you are in. Until the opening is more permanent and people can regularly move throughout the park this will probably remain. However, strengthened mutual trust and diminished (perceived or real) fear in the surrounding residents must first be achieved.

Gaelic Athletic Association

A week ago I ventured to Casement Park in southwest Belfast to watch two of the original Gaelic sports: Hurling and Gaelic Football. Both of the games are played on the same field with the same scoring, but while Football combines hand and foot with a soccer sized ball, hurling includes a field hockey size ash-wood stick and a baseball-size ball. Football is a bruising game full of hits and rugby tackles (without pads), and Hurling is the fastest ball sport on grass.

Gaelic Football:

Hurling:

Yet again, I was very impressed with the sportsmanship involved in the activity. The athletes and the coaches are unpaid/volunteer athletes that play for local club and county and the fans travel from around the country to support their local athletes. This is how sports should be supported.

Titanic Anniversary - "White Star of the North"

Photo from the Guardian

On Thursday I attended a performance at a local theater called "Lyric". The new performing arts center is a building that I see regularly when running along the River Lagan and it inspired me to see a show. The performance on at the moment is "White Star of the North" which was written by Rosemary Jenkinson and is performed by local talent. The play commemorates the centenary of two major milestones in Belfast: the building and sinking of the Titanic, and the Ulster Covenant. The Ulster Covenant was drawn up in opposition of 'Home Rule' in Ireland, essentially proclaiming allegiance to retain the British rule that had existed for the previous three centuries. It was a truly Belfast story in that it celebrated the great achievement of the Titanic as well as a number of perspectives on sectarian issues from the early 20th century.

One hundred years ago today the Titanic was launched from Belfast's harbor on its first and final journey. The Titanic Belfast visitor center opens today to commemorate the ships short life as well as the rich industrial heritage of Belfast.