Are loyalists Catholic?

Are loyalists Catholic?

They are mainly Catholic. The terms “unionist” and “loyalist” are often used interchangeably. However, there are some differences in their usage, with the term “unionist” referring largely to the political position that Northern Ireland should remain a part of the United Kingdom.

Is UVF Catholic?

The vast majority of its victims were Irish Catholic civilians, who were often killed at random. Whenever it claimed responsibility for its attacks, the UVF usually claimed that those targeted were IRA members or were giving help to the IRA.

What religion are Irish loyalists?

Ulster loyalism is a strand of Ulster unionism associated with working class Ulster Protestants in Northern Ireland. Like unionists, loyalists support the continued existence of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom, and oppose a united Ireland.

What is the difference between UDA and UVF?

The UVF was the deadliest of these groups, carrying out 481 killings, while the UDA/UFF was responsible for 260 deaths. 1. Groups and organisations of Loyalist paramilitaries date back to the Ulster Volunteers, an armed militia that resisted the move towards Home Rule in 1913-14.

Who were the loyalist paramilitaries?

The roots of Northern Ireland’s Troubles lie deep in Irish history “In the end it was the IRA that helped create the loyalist paramilitaries.” The other main loyalist group was the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). It emerged in 1971 out of loyalist vigilante groups that were set up as trouble flared between rival communities.

What did loyalists do in Northern Ireland in the 1970s?

Loyalists: Returning the Serve. In the late 1970s the conflict in Northern Ireland reached new levels of brutality. Among those caught up in the violence was UVF member Billy Giles, who retaliated against IRA acts by murdering a Catholic workmate. Loyalists: War and Peace.

Are any Loyalists still alive from the 1970s?

Many of the leading loyalist figures from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s are now dead. Billy Hutchinson is one of the few high-profile loyalists still prepared to talk openly about the past. “I got involved because my community was being attacked by the IRA and nobody was defending it,” he said

What are the best documentaries about the loyalists?

Loyalists: No Surrender. Documentary series presented by Peter Taylor, about the origins and evolution of the loyalist paramilitary movement in Northern Ireland. Loyalists: Returning the Serve.