Abercorn Restaurant (Belfast)
Encyclopedia
The Abercorn Restaurant was a restaurant in Belfast
, Northern Ireland
.
On 4 March 1972, the restaurant was bombed without warning, killing two young women, Anne Owens (22) and Janet Bereen (21), and injuring more than 130; many of the injured lost limbs. The nature of the bombing and the extent of the injuries suffered meant that the attack left a lasting impression on the public in Northern Ireland. No paramilitary organisation claimed responsibility but it is widely accepted that the Provisional Irish Republican Army
was responsible for the bombing. It is believed the attack was carried out in retaliation to loyalist killings of Catholic civilians.
On a separate occasion, Michael McGuigan, a Catholic working in the restaurant, was abducted by Loyalists
, shot and left for dead.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
.
On 4 March 1972, the restaurant was bombed without warning, killing two young women, Anne Owens (22) and Janet Bereen (21), and injuring more than 130; many of the injured lost limbs. The nature of the bombing and the extent of the injuries suffered meant that the attack left a lasting impression on the public in Northern Ireland. No paramilitary organisation claimed responsibility but it is widely accepted that the Provisional Irish Republican Army
Provisional Irish Republican Army
The Provisional Irish Republican Army is an Irish republican paramilitary organisation whose aim was to remove Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom and bring about a socialist republic within a united Ireland by force of arms and political persuasion...
was responsible for the bombing. It is believed the attack was carried out in retaliation to loyalist killings of Catholic civilians.
On a separate occasion, Michael McGuigan, a Catholic working in the restaurant, was abducted by Loyalists
Ulster loyalism
Ulster loyalism is an ideology that is opposed to a united Ireland. It can mean either support for upholding Northern Ireland's status as a constituent part of the United Kingdom , support for Northern Ireland independence, or support for loyalist paramilitaries...
, shot and left for dead.