Strangford’s window on history

Strangford’s window on history

2 September 2015

SOME of the most iconic images captured by Northern Ireland press photographers which have made headlines across the globe over the past four decades have been on public display in Strangford.

The photographs range from the Queen shaking hands with Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness in Belfast to Northern Ireland striker and Killyleagh’s very own David Healy scoring a goal against the mighty England at Windsor Park.

The images formed part of a display in Strangford Castle on the shores of Strangford Lough to coincide with the village’s annual summer festival. 

The arrival of the photographic exhibition in the village was made possible by renowned local photographer Bill Smyth, the current chairman of the Northern Ireland Press Photographers’ Association and a Strangford native.

Included among the 40 images on display are one of his own taken at a U2 concert in Belfast after the victorious “yes” campaign in support of the Good Friday Agreement. The image shows the Dublin band’s frontman Bono holding aloft the arms of former UUP leader David Trimble and his SDLP counterpart John Hume.

The exhibition images provide a fascinating insight into the highs and lows of Northern Ireland across the past four decades and have gone on public display for the first time, with Strangford one of the first stopping points.

“To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Northern Ireland Press Photographers’ Association the pictures are going on tour for the first time to let people enjoy some of the best images ever seen in the country,” explained Bill.

“I am delighted visitors to Strangford festival had an opportunity to view them. The photographs date back to the 1970s and include many historical events, including that handshake between the Queen and the Deputy First Minister.”

Bill revealed the images also include a striking of one of George Best in action for Northern Ireland and boxer Barry McGuigan’s triumphant home coming to Belfast in 1985 after he secured a world title.

Other images on display recall the events of Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1972 depicting a priest waving a blood-soaked handkerchief as a victim of the shooting is carried to a waiting ambulance.

An image of some members of the so-called Guildford Four, convicted of the 1975 pub bombings in Guildford and Woolwich, leaving the High Court in London after they were cleared of all charges, also features in the exhibition.

There are also a number of light-hearted images with one depicting three PSNI officers on top of their Land Rover after it become stuck in a flood.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, who viewed the Strangford exhibition, said she was pleased local people and visitors to the village for the recent festival had an opportunity to view such iconic images.

Because of the success of the exhibition it will be staged again on Sunday in the Castle. Also on display will be photographs taken throughout the weekend’s Strangford Festival.