Camp Gagnon CATHOLIC v PROTESTANT: Ireland’s War Was Never About Church
Dec 4, 2025
Vittorio Angelone, a Belfast native and comedian, shares his poignant yet humorous memories of growing up during the Troubles. He dives into the IRA’s guerrilla tactics, recounting his family's ice cream shop bombing and discussing key events like Bloody Friday and the role of Gaddafi in arming the IRA. Vittorio explores the impact of the conflict on daily life, community resilience, and the lingering trauma in Northern Ireland. With his unique perspective, he sheds light on the complexity of Irish culture amidst a turbulent history.
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Family Ice Cream Shop Bombed
- Vittorio recounts his family's gelato shop in West Belfast being bombed in 1975, injuring 39 people and permanently damaging his cousin's ear.
- The attack happened during a ceasefire and highlighted how civilians and small businesses were targeted in the Troubles.
Guerrilla Tactics Out Of Necessity
- The IRA used guerrilla tactics because standing in open battle against the British was suicidal.
- They relied on improvised weapons, local couriers, and hit-and-run strikes rather than conventional warfare.
Partition Locked Political Power
- Partition in 1921 entrenched political power by design, creating a Protestant-majority Northern Ireland.
- Gerrymandering and property-based voting excluded Catholics from democratic remedies, fueling later violence.
