The Great Conflict

For Tom Murray life changed dramatically at the age of eleven. His previously quiet neighbour in the Bogside, Derry, erupted into full scale rioting on 12th August 1968. It would have a lasting effect on his life, and on many others like him. Disaffected Catholics and nationalists fought for nearly three days with the police. It became known as The Battle of the Bogside. It ended as spectacularly as it started. In an extraordinary move by the British government, the Army were called in to quell the rioting. The Catholic community acrosss the province gave a hero's welcome to the British troops. But this would not last long. IRA militants started a terror campaign that would tear Northern Irelans apart for three decades. Tom would go on to experienceBloody Sundayon 30th January 1972, when 14 civil rights protesters were killed by Britiah troops. While others joined the IRA, Tom joined the First Aid post to help those that got injured in the Bogside. It didn't matter to Tom who needed help - whether a British soldier or an IRA member, he would go to their aid in the midst of a conflict. He saved many lives, although many also die in his arms. Yet sadly, Tom would end up in the Maze Prison, locked up for a terrorism offence that brought shame to his parents, family and most of all - himself. However, a life-changing moment came when a medical officer (ex-RAFMedical Corps) gave him a Christian leaflet that would change his life for ever. The Bible says: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new 2 Corinthians, chapter 2 verse 17