Life in Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh, Ireland 1977

The people of Crossmaglen in South Armagh talk about life in their town and how it has been affected by the conflict in Northern Ireland.
At the end of summer of 1976, the programme ‘Next Stop’ went to Northern Ireland to make two documentaries one about the Shankill and another about South Armagh where the majority of the population are Nationalist and pro-Republican.
South Armagh is primarily a rural community, with farming the principal industry. However, since what became known as ′The Troubles′ began, Crossmaglen has gained a reputation as a gunslinging border town.
The British Army has a major presence in the area and Catholics object strenuously to their presence and feel they are being harassed.
They’ve no time for the Irish and we’ve no time for them.
More members of the British Army have been killed in the square in Crossmaglen than in any other urban thoroughfare in the North since the violence started.
A visit to a pub in Crossmaglen shows people listening to a céilí band. One man says while they may not have the Irish language, they have the culture.
We are like the people of the Republic in many ways, we are more like, I would say, the people of the West of Ireland, than perhaps the more industrialised parts of the Republic of Ireland.
As the Catholic population of South Armagh see it, they should really be a part of the Irish Republic. They tend to look south rather than north for their daily needs. Rather than do their shopping in Newry they prefer to go to Dundalk in County Louth and Castleblayney in County Monaghan. They feel they stand out in Newry but can mingle more freely in the towns south of the border.
Most of them also prefer to socialise across the border and almost 300 people from South Armagh work in factories in the Republic. South Armagh is part of Dundalk’s natural hinterland and buses bring workers to and from work across the border.
Crossmaglen has no nightlife suitable for young people, but as Dundalk is only seven miles away, it is often the destination of choice for young people wanting to socialise without the fear of violence.
‘Next Stop’ was a weekly programme from and about the provinces highlighting items of general interest of concern. Programmes included a viewers’ service with an exchange of ideas as a way of comment and reaction.
This episode of ‘Next Stop’ was broadcast on 13 April 1977. The reporter is Nicholas Coffey.

[@kitsilanomusician2669]

Congrats to All Ireland Champions Armagh

[@brianmccabe2430]

I was at the All Ireland in 1977 ! Remember! A very different story now. Congrats.

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

I am a little sad that Galway lost but I am also very happy that Armagh won the All Ireland final, good on you the boys in orange

[@dodi1986]

tough times and tough men

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

They were forced to become tough when the brutal invading British army of thugs and armed police gangsters started reaming around, the good people of this and other places in the northern part of Ireland had to change quickly, they were forced to do this which were against their nature and religious believes

[@Janet4021]

​@@jamesbradshaw3389There were thugs on all sides...

[@allureofthelens8858]

@@Janet4021 And thug is putting it lightly, anyone who is able to beat another person so bad they break every bone in their body is an utter psychopath.

[@conorgribbin3928]

Don't forget the women the backbone of resistance for centuries

[@stephensmith4480]

@@Janet4021 💯%👍👍

[@corkboy4523]

Mighty Irish men!

[@gburahbondo2948]

I ❤ Ireland

[@tommykavanagh1189]

Proud People

[@brianallen858]

Your Ma, your Da, or Armagh ❤❤🇮🇪🇮🇪💯💯

[@darrenfarrell-bn2cb]

Youngsters couldn’t even go for a Dance or Curt each other to be friends He is Correct on his Accent, Monaghan/ Dundalk for Sure , northern armagh Tyrone its Different accent. Even weddings funeral after ‘s Held in the South just in case there was Trouble awful way to live No Doubt about that.

[@seandelap8587]

This is what it should be all about

[@Irelandforever609]

Ireland belongs to the Irish

[@user-zu6qn9ux9n]

Not according to Sinn Fein.

[@horatiotodd8723]

? Sinn fein is a republican party and has never been in government in the south?

[@Irelandforever609]

@@horatiotodd8723 lie's They not republican they're owned by the wef Catch yourself on

[@gerard1965able]

Is that Slabs on the Harmonica?

[@robertdoyle687]

Nothing better than a few pints on market day.

[@dogSaysGRRR]

Can someone please reupload the footage of the Battle of the Newry Road, Crossmaglen 23/9/1993

[@conormcauley2934]

mon the town

[@tomryan4501]

This is our country.brits out!

[@williamroberts7919]

And africans and rest of the world in, Thanks sinn fein

[@horatiotodd8723]

@christophersmith8990 You invaded our country for 800 years and caused multiple genocides?

[@fyrdman2185]

@@horatiotodd8723 So what? Irish out of Britain.

[@thomasreilly6362]

Spent many a good night in the Oasis in Carrickmacross in the company of the good youngest from Armagh dancing the night away.

[@michaelmcmullan2300]

Smugglers are us

[@ducati916SPS]

Smuggling Men.....🚗💨💨 Raise a Glass !! 🍻🍻

[@glennford1442]

Crossmaglen, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom to be more accurate. I'm sure you won't mind my correction for the sake of truth, accuracy and factual credibility on your channel.

[@jimmymcjimmyvich9052]

I think you will find the actual postal address is Newry. When you know you know.

[@paulgalligan1916]

Go down to the square in cross an scream it..

[@dianen2344]

IT WAS NEVER PART OF UK. IT NEVER WILL BE. IT WAS TAKEN BY BRUTE FORCE AND ETHNIC CLEANSING. READ A HISTORY BOOK, YOU IDIOT.

[@sinbadthesailor1109]

😂😂 I’ll watch

[@Corc-Duibhne]

The legal/political jurisdiction is UK/Northern Ireland. The geographical location and culture is very much Ireland. Hope that clears up your attempts to 'correct' the title.

[@johnmccasthy6153]

Crossmaglen there's a place you will meet real men

[@gerryhanly3194]

Cross met some real men last Sunday v Clan na Gael.

[@johnmccasthy6153]

Maybe clan na gael tony mc manus country maybe but when it comes to te real men Crossmaglen had them and still do