The Story The Story presents: The Poppy Day Bomb
Oct 20, 2025
Clive Armstrong, a local resident of Enniskillen, shares his heartbreaking journey of losing his father, RUC officer Ted Armstrong, in the 1987 Poppy Day bombing. He recounts the poignant memories of family life before the tragedy struck. The discussion delves into the chaos and devastation wrought by the bomb, the long-lasting impact on the community, and the struggle for accountability as unanswered questions linger in the air. Through personal stories, grief, and anger, Clive illuminates the profound scars left on his community.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Night Before The Explosion
- Mario Ledwith recounts the card players and the creaky community centre the night before the bombing, setting the scene for the atrocity.
- He links the building's basement bingo and the war memorial above to the explosion that followed the next morning.
Why This Attack Shocked The World
- The Enniskillen bombing stood out during the Troubles because it targeted a Remembrance Sunday crowd and caused worldwide revulsion.
- Mario highlights that, despite routine violence, this atrocity was uniquely depraved and widely condemned.
A Son's Memory Of An RUC Father
- Clive Armstrong describes family photos and childhood memories of his father Ted, an RUC officer, grounding the personal cost of the attack.
- He explains how being an officer's son shaped his family's life and perceived security in a Protestant area.