Your Comments

Read the comments that you have sent in about Holy Cross. If you would like to submit a comment, just email us at dramaonline.ni@bbc.co.uk

Sent: Wednesday 09/06/2004 09:10 PM
G McK
I am an ex-pupil of Holy Cross Girls School and attended the school during the most traumatic times of the conflict here in Northern Ireland (1969 - 1976). I must admit that at no time during this period did I experience any adverse effects from the residents who lived in the Glynbryn area. In fact I have married a boy from Wheatfield school (which is the protestant school situated opposite Holy Cross) and we have too children together.

As a consequence of the conflict here in N. Ireland, we have made a conscious decision not to have our children baptised into any religious denomination. Furthermore, they both attend an integrated school in Belfast and neither of them have names which will stigmatise them as either catholic or protestant. Furthermore, they can choose which religion to study in school, my daughter attending a protestant class one year and then changing to the catholic class the next. Each of my children have both protestant and catholic friends and I am not afraid to let my daughter go to the Shankill area to play with a class mate.

This cross community attitude is also prevalent amongst my friend. My protestant friend (who was originally from the Shankill) has attended the St Patrick's day celebrations with her family and mine, in Belfast city centre, every year for the past three years. She has then organised a party at her home afterwards and both protestant and catholics attend this. I, on the other hand, organised 12th of July parties at my home on a number of occasions and again both protestants and catholics have attended these.

To be honest, I feel I have been 'liberated' from the conflict here, because I have made a conscious decision to cross the divide by embracing both cultures in N.Ireland. This does not mean I have 'sold out' as some cynics will say, neither have my friends. In fact we have many political debates and often differ in our opinion. The difference is, we respect each others point of view, and are broad- minded enough to understand that both our cultures differ in many ways.

Having said that, my friends and I also understand that both our cultures have many things in common. We each want a better future for our children. A future that is secure and free from conflict. We want them to avail of the opportunities that we feel we have been deprived of and grow up in an environment that is free from conflict and aggression. The only way we can secure this is by working together to break down the many barriers that exist between both the protestant and catholic communities today. The first place we started has been our own families.

Anyway, BBC, keep showing your programmes based on the conflict here in N. Ireland, but what about a show demonstrating that marriages and friendships based on mixed denominational individuals can succeed very well in N. Ireland. After all, this Holy Cross Girl who is very happily married to a Glynbryn boy, is proof of that.


Sent: Thursday 13/05/2004 01:39 PM
Anon
This was a really great programme! please make another.

Sent: Tuesday 13/04/2004 02:05 AM
Noleen
The Holy Cross drama was absolutely fantastic. It was so powerful and told the Holy Cross Drama fairly and honestly. There was excellent research done there!!. I'm only 16 but when I watched it I was at Youth Club with my friends. Alot of hard, very rough paramilitaries come into the Youth club to hang out, but when it started they all sat round and watched in silence. They just seemed to be in awe or amazement. Seriously I haven't seen it like that before. I liked Fergal McElherron as Roy. He is a very talented actor and I think should have got more credit on the website, especially as he was a main character. He never even had a picture!.

I think the drama was brilliant and I hope to see more like it in the future!!.

Sent: Wednesday 25/02/2004 09:39 PM
From: Aroosa
I would like to say I really enjoyed Holy Cross.

I am a protestant who lived in the catholic area of ardoyne, I also did my training in Holycross while all the incodents where happening. It really touched my heart when i watched the film on t.v it also brought back alot of scary and upsetting memories. I think your Holy Cross had a large range of audience both protestant and catholics, Who will both still have there on views on "what really happened" even if no one can be 100%!!
Anyway i would just like to say well done! It covered a lot of truth and actual events. Something like this should be done more often.

I think holy cross was fantastic it made you see other people and childrens points of view. I personally loved it as im only eleven years old. Please could you make Holy Cross into a series.


Sent: Saturday 06/12/2003 12:46 AM
From: Thomas
Holy cross was fantastic. Really enjoyed it. Where or when canI get it on DVD. Will it be sold world wide? I have friends who live in Canada who originally came from North Belfast - they are keen to get a copy. Once again really well done to all concerned
Thomas
Thomas, as yet there are no plans to release Holy Cross on VHS or DVD. As soon as we hear anything contrary to this, then we'll have details on the website.

Sent: Wednesday 03/12/2003 07:26 PM
From: Peter Thompson, Londonderry
The recent Holy Cross drama was both compelling and exciting. As someone who
has lived in Northern Ireland all my life I found the Holy Cross dispute hard to understand...What was the point of the demonstration?... What did they think they would achieve?... And why did the parents put their children through such an ordeal? However this well-researched drama helped to clarify some of the arguments on both sides of the dispute... People should have the right in a free and democratic society to walk down any road but on the other hand it demonstrated the violence at the flashpoint areas of Belfast
very well and the oppression the loyaists of the area believe they are subjected to.

I congratulate the BBC for their continued output of world-class entertainment and fact- based programming. Holy Cross was yet another example of the excellent value for money we get for our TV license fee.

Yours Faithfully, Peter Thompson, (Londonderry)

Sent: Friday 28/11/2003 01:42 PM
From: Susan Burke
As an ex resident of Gower Street, St.Helens, I loved the way in which you portrayed the story of Holy Cross and I thought that it was excellent viewing and I hope that you do re release it either on DVD or TV.

Sent: Thursday 27/11/2003 09:46 PM
From: Darren Edwards
Having grown up in the thick of the troubles, I had my fair share of personal tragity, having almost lost my father in a horiffic bomb attack as a teenager and delt with a fair amount of other hard hitting times. You almost forget how terrifying it all was until you're faced with a BBC docudrama to remind you. Perhaps it does cast salt in old wounds, but it also offers a great educations to those who don't understand and those who want to learn more.
It would be wrong to stereotype after seeing the programme. It was a story told from two sides of the fence, focusing just on two families, not a whole nation, after all we are all different in our situation and the ways we choose to live. Which brings me to this point, I saw so many choose the bitter path, people who had no loss, no tragity, and from a young age I knew I didn't want that. So I focused on youth work and cross community projects, to contribute something better to my home, to open my own eyes. What saddens me is that I read through all these reviews, there's no positives from N.Ireland, only negatives. What are we hiding from? Perhaps it's time to face the facts, that seems to be half the problem. Holy Cross was not a drama to make little of us, but a recorded fact so we might see it and open our eyes, if we can't do that, we make little of ourselves....

Sent: Thursday 25/11/2003 16:05 PM
From: Anonymous
I have lived in the area in question based around your comedy of errors programme. Let me set the record straight.
The children were never an issue, these children used to walk up and down the Ardoyne Road without their parents for many years without any problems from the protestant residents of Glynbryn and Alliance. I ask any parent who was not in the actual dilemma "would you subject your child to the torture they went through"?I know I certainly wouldn't.
You portrayed the protestant community as drunken thugs who only wanted to cause mayhem and not to go seeking employment. As I said earlier I have been employed since I left school nearly 20 years ago and I do not belong to a neo nazi group!
The play was based on false reports by the media from republican sympathisers who were well schooled in talking to the media.
The only things that you seemed to try to make clear was that the whole affair started over an attack by a catholic motorist and a flag being put up on a lamp post and that although the media at the time said it was threw at the children the blast bomb was infact directed at the security forces who were man handling the local residents down side streets.
It was very noticeable that you did not show the police beating residents in their own gardens and when a local councillor approached the police he was pushed to the side infront of the cameras.

Further more it did not show a stand off one street back into the protestant community where Billy Hutchinson was head butted. He was down there alone surrounded while he tried to talk to mla Gerry Kelly to calm the situation. To this day no one has been charged with the assault.

Also that the "march of shame" was marshalled by many IRA men, one being that of the Shankill Bomber who stood on top of a military land rover as the entourage took place
What you didn't or refused to mention in your closing that the school children of the Boys and Girls model Schools are still subjected to torture by stone throwing as they pass Ardoyne on route home to the Shankill and that random attacks still occur from Nationalists youths on a regular bases.
Do you not think that the writer of the play AND the BBC should have researched the situation more and had an opinion poll from the locals (both catholic and protestant) before making it?

Sent: 22 November 2003 06:08
From: Dylan O'Neill
I just had to write to say what an absolute joy it was to watch Holy Cross. My friend taped it for me and I just watched it last night. The performances were staggering especially Colum Convery and Zara Turner. As for the kids...Thank you. It was truely a powerful piece of televison.


Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2003 5:54 PM
From: Clayton Zwanenburg, Reading
Thank you so much for Holy Cross. My flatmate and I were riveted! I don't think I have been so impressed with a television drama....ever! Outstanding work by all those concerned in the production of this amazing piece of television. Is it possible to purchase a copy of the show from an outlet or over the web? Thank you again.
Clayton, as yet there are no plans to release Holy Cross on VHS or DVD. However, if this decision changes we'll have news of its availability on this website.
BBCi Producer

Sent: Friday, November 14, 2003 12:57 PM
From: S Leeves, west Sussex
One word to sum up Holy Cross, 'POWERFUL.' It's the first time I have actually been drawn to a programme that has no relevance to my life. I can not even begin to imagine what it was like to live through the events but for me to be interested, that is some achievement. So, thank you BBC for giving me an interest in the passion I have for drama.
S Leeves
PS Will the drama be coming out on video or DVD?
S, as yet there are no plans to release Holy Cross on VHS or DVD. However, if this decision changes we'll have news of its availability on this website.
BBCi Producer


Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 4:48 PM
From: A Belfast Parent
Just would like to express my concerns as to the drama on monday night. I believe that the BBC used the nightmare of what happened at Holy Cross turned it around through it about and came up with a drama which did not really show the real affects which it had on the children, I mean what was with the catholic family...dad a former IRA man? why? son..a hood? why? I , along with other members of my community are saddened by this, the truth did not come out in your coverage at the time and still over 2 years later this is not happening...why? was there really a need for this drama to be made, children and their parents are trying today to still recover from the nightmare, all the BBC did was try to drag up past times, I believe all that you did was open old wounds.

Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 7:01 PM
From: Roisin, North Belfast (Ardoyne)
As a parent of Holy Cross girls school I have never felt so insulted and angry at how the holy cross drama was portrayed. For the past two years we have had to live in turmoil of constant reminders of the 12 week protest against innocent catholic school children without such a so called insight to both sides of this conflict when the majority know that there was only one side to this story. I am totally ashamed of myself for even watching such a load of complete rubbish.

Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2003 2:15 PM
From: S. Brock, London
Having just watched Holy Cross I thought it was a fantastic drama and very moving, could u tell me if the end theme is out on CD or available at all? It was a wonderful and moving piece of music. I just hope people in Northern Ireland see the program and start to understand what these kids went through.
Regards, S Brock
S, The music was part of the special composition for the programme by composer Dominic Muldowny. At the minute, there is no intention to release the music commercially.
BBCi Producer


Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 7:43 PM
From: Adam, Southeast England, London area
I think that monday nights drama on Holy Cross events was a work of art. Being a Catholic myself I was slightly annoyed by the the names the protestants were calling the pupils of Holy Cross primary school. All the actors and actresses where fantastic. And the younger ones too.

Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 10:14 PM
From: Neil Orton, Hereford
Sincere thanks for the balanced and heart-wrenching drama, Holy Cross. I was transfixed and, in many scenes, moved to tears of disbelief. My wife was unable to see it and I wondered if there are plans to screen a repeat on BBC3, for example. I hope you are able to reply.
Neil, the BBC have no plans to repeat Holy Cross at the minute however this is subject to change. If a repeat date is set, we'll have details of time and channel on this website closer to the time.
BBCi Producer

Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 10:00 PM
From: S Perera
I think the Holy Cross drama which was recently broadcast was absolutely brilliant. I am originally from Sri Lanka but was born and have lived in the UK all my life. It was amazing to watch and did bring a tear to my eye at times. Even though I realise the families were fictional, I didn't realise things were so bad. I suppose the mainland England is well sheltered from the continuing problems in Ireland, which is disappointing.

It was a brilliant script and kept me hooked all the way though. The only problem I had was that the BBC decided to interrupt the drama by showing the BBC News at 10 in between it. All praise for the production team and actors and actresses.
S Perera


Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 8:50 PM
From: Colin Graham, Glasgow
I think that Holy Cross was a great program and i'm only 15. I thought it was sad and it hurt me the way the people were acting. Thank you for showing that program and for letting me see the world around me thank you for your time.


Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 9:21 AM
From: Annie Cornford, North Derbyshire
The Holy Cross documentary was brilliant. I would like to know how I can get hold of a copy of this film (to buy, in DVD or video format) for use in English language teaching (specifically for schools in Holland). This film needs to be seen and discussed. I would be most grateful for a contact name or number and any information on how I can proceed. Many thanks. Annie Cornford
Annie, as yet there are no plans to release Holy Cross on VHS or DVD. However, if this decision changes we'll have news of its availability on this website.
BBCi Producer


Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 11:41 PM
From: Ciara Martin, Dublin, Ireland
Well done on your drama Holy Cross - an objective examination of charged and very recent events in our country.
Your neutral stance, while highlighting the complex circumstances each character found themselves in, resulted in compelling viewing. Each character's action had a reason and the writer, director and actors did a remarkable job.

Remembering back to that time, I was adamant that if I was in the same boat, I would walk my children up that road - as it is important to stand up for what you believe in or you risk the continuation of oppression. Your drama illustrated how both sides are oppressed and were standing up for themselves in their own way.

Most importantly I was moved by a constant thought "what are we doing to our children" who obviously should be protected regardless, all over our country.

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 11:23 PM
From: Diffa Ormond, Newport, Wales
What can I say? Well done to The BBC. What a brilliant and outstanding story you brought to viewers all over the UK with that excellent drama Holy Cross. It was amazing to watch and very true and heart gripping about real life happening in Northern Ireland the actors were superb. It was the best i've ever seen from the BBC. Well done. Please keep up the good work well done yet again.

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 11:13 PM
Name: David Jones, South Wales
What a brilliant drama Holy Cross was. Strong writing, cast and filming. It's a pity we cant have more of this type of drama instead of "reality TV"

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 11:06 PM
From: R. campbell, Belfast
I have never seen a more unrealistic and biased view of anything related to feudal Belfast.

Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 8:40 AM
From: Nina Tittershill, Nottingham
I was watching Holy Cross last night but managed to fall asleep while the news was on and I missed the second part. Will this be repeated anywhere and if not how can I obtain a copy. This was an excellant programme and I really want to see the rest of it. Thanks
Dear Nina, The BBC have no plans to repeat Holy Cross at the minute, however this is subject to change. If a repeat date is set, we'll have details of time and channel on this website closer to the time.
BBCi Producer

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 10:22 PM
From: Ashleigh Scott, East Belfast
I would like to comment on the portrayal of the Protestant community represented on tonight's program, Holy Cross. I feel it is a disgustingly stereotypical view, one-sided and grossly inaccurate.
It depicts the protesters as lolly sucking buffoons complete with combat 18 clothing.
I am very disappointed at the whole program and the BBC itself.


Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 10:17 PM
From: Mrs Neill, Belfast
I would just like to comment on the programme about the Holy Cross .I thought it was very bias. It was put across as if the Protestant people where drunken louts with no jobs and that the Catholics where all hard working people and did not stand at street corners drinking and starting trouble.
Yours Mrs M Neill

Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 1:11 PM
From: Shirley Morrissey, Cheshire
After listening to the review of Holy Cross by Terry Cafolla on this morning's BBC 1 news. I will avoid watching this programme tonight.
Over the past few years there is an increasing trend towards making use of true and upsetting events and feeding them back to us labeled as 'entertainment'.
Northern Ireland featured in the news for more than 30 years on an almost daily basis giving us harrowing situations of violence between the opposing factions there. I do not want to here any more about it.
It is difficult to understand the mentality of people who behaved that way when the cause is so far back in history that the reasons for it are now obscure.
The street and playground rhetoric voiced in the Irish accent spewing out alarming threats is very unpleasant and not acceptable entertainment, however good you think they are at displaying it.

Shirley Morrissey