south east antrim uda brigadier

"Some families had no involvement in drugs at all but still had to pay to escape being put out, or even worse. "The South East Antrim UDA were part of the UDA inner council," explained Jim McDowell, a former editor of the Sunday World newspaper. [8] Gregg, Colin Gray and Gerry Welsh were immediately arrested by the waiting British Army, who had doctored the bullets to reduce their lethality. The attack is commemorated in the song South East Antrim Brigade by loyalist singer Rab C, many of whose compositions were about the brigade and its leading members. Gregg and his team were apprehended almost immediately by a British Army patrol that opened fire on them before ramming their car. . [21] Nonetheless he was not keen to antagonise Adair and so, along with McFarland, McDonald and Jimbo Simpson, accepted his invitation to attend a "Loyalist Day of Culture" organised by Adair on the Lower Shankill on 19 August 2000. Gregg served as brigadier of the UDA's South East Antrim Brigade. Widely known as a man with a fearsome reputation, Gregg was considered a "hawk" in some loyalist circles. A mural in support of the group lists its areas of activity as being Rathcoole (the mural's location), Rathfern, Monkstown, Glengormley . "Drugs is the big one. Gregg had been a regular visitor to Ibrox Park for a number of years. The UDA South East Antrim Brigade was previously one of the six brigades of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and are heavily involved in the drug trade. "There was an old joke going round the Rathcoole estate that when (name removed) is on the phone he's either talking to Den Elliott or the peelers," the source added. Please check your inbox to verify your details, Face of man who shot friend in the balls with a crossbow after three-day bender, Babys body found in police hunt for aristocrat Constance Martens missing child, Over 100 patients evacuated as fire fighters battle huge blaze at Wexford General Hospital, Woman aged over 100 shocked by electricity bill, Child of deadbeat dad who left Ireland for new lover says, I dont want him back in my life, Man (20s) arrested as gardai seize 200k worth of cannabis in Limerick raid, Galway driver clocked doing 117km in 50km zone during National Slow Down Day, Parents jailed for killing morbidly obese teenage daughter - full sentencing, Fans slam Disney for race-swapping as first photos of black Tinker Bell released, Man who recognised himself assaulting homeless woman on RTs Crimecall avoids jail, Shoplifters who stole printer ink cartridges arrested after fleeing to Ireland, Ex delivery driver denies selling cannabis to Limerick Just Eat customers, Serial sex pest back in court after alleged victims soar from three to 38, Garda seize sleeping pills worth 60k as two men arrested in Dublin, Parents of missing baby held on suspicion of manslaughter as search continues, Jurgen Klopp hails 'super important week' for Liverpool's top four push, Molly-Mae welcomes home Tommy Fury after victory over Jake Paul, Use preserved vegetables to combat shortages, says MasterChef host Gregg Wallace, Women MPs lead Commons tributes to former speaker Betty Boothroyd, Episode 250: The new IRA and the attempted murder of PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, Conor McGregor raises a glass in his pub after suspected petrol bomb attack, Man, wife and his parents accused of money laundering offences involving sums in excess of 300,000. He's crossed a line and there are figures in the UDA who won't forget.". "The UDA in Rathcoole couldn't figure out why all the UVF dealers were being left alone while their guys were getting caught left, right and centre. [19] In late August 1997, the brigade became involved in simmering tensions with fellow loyalist paramilitaries in the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). Police confirmed that they were treating it as part of the existing feud. [8] Under Gregg the South-East Antrim Brigade were prepared to ignore the terms of the loyalist ceasefire, such as on 25 April 1997 when he dispatched a five-man team to Carrickfergus to set fire to a Catholic church in retaliation for a similar attack on a Protestant church in East Belfast (this earlier attack had actually been organised by dissident loyalists seeking to provoke the UDA into returning to violence). [15] English was a strong advocate of political means and pushed for the UDA to call a ceasefire in the early 1990s, a position that was anathema, at that point, to Adair. Much of this activity was inspired by Greggs personal hatred of Catholics. [84] UDA members turned out in force yesterday for the funeral of Mr Robert Carson, who was gunned down alongside the east Antrim UDA "brigadier", Mr John Gregg, in Belfast's docks area at the weekend. [64][65], According to the Irish Times there are suspicions that the threats are in response to coverage of the murder of Glenn Quinn in Carrickfergus in January 2020. Fri 14 Jan 2022 at 00:30. "When Gary was in complete control, there would have been no suggestion of any leaks, it was a tight, tight operation. He has since told pals that he has no intention of leaving Rathcoole, where he grew up, but loyalist insiders say that he will have no option but to go. Gregg was given a paramilitary funeral which was attended by thousands of mourners, including senior UDA members Jackie McDonald, Jim Gray, Sammy Duddy and Michael Stone. [58], On 11 December 2018 handguns bought on the 'dark net' by two Co Antrim men linked to a loyalist feud may have been destined for use by the South East Antrim UDA. "Several UDA men told their bosses they wanted him shot dead while others wanted his knees done but they've been ordered by Fisher to leave him alone, for now. . Formed in 1971 from a number of loyalist vigilante groups, the UDA's stated aims were to protect unionist communities from attacks by republican paramilitaries, but it went on to kill hundreds of people during the Troubles using a cover name - the Ulster Freedom Fighters. [28] Soon after two pipe bombs were thrown at Gregg's house, and his friend Tommy Kirkham's house was shot at. One of those was alleged Carrickfergus UDA commander Clifford Irons who was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine. games. The main target proved to be Danny OConnor, a Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) representative on initially Larne Borough Council and then the Northern Ireland Assembly, whose home and office were attacked at least twelve times by Greggs men between 2000 and 2002. [69] [34], Gregg was given a paramilitary funeral which was attended by thousands of mourners, including senior UDA members Jackie McDonald, Jim Gray, Sammy Duddy and Michael Stone. In October 2002, Gregg was one of the brigadiers who passed the resolution expelling Adair from the UDA for his involvement in the non-fatal shooting of Jim Gray. His role in the murder was covered up for years by his father's best friend - the deposed UVF South East Antrim commander. Senior members of South East Antrim UDA want to take out the UVF man who they believe gave up their drug dealers. South East Antrim UDA mural in Glengormley, North Belfast. [44] In 2010, the Independent Monitoring Commission confirmed that the split between the Fisher faction of the brigade and the wider UDA had not ended. "It is notoriously difficult to leave," a senior loyalist source told us. [1][2] It is claimed they control "100%" of an illegal drugs network in south-east Antrim, Northern Ireland. Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. BUSINESS UDA signs strategic cooperation with Mara Inc to expand facilities management business " data-media=""> 21/02/2023 09:14 PM KUALA LUMPUR, The UDA South East Antrim Brigade is one of the six brigades of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). [16], Gregg was released from prison in 1993. [1], On 14 March 1984, he severely wounded Sinn Fin president Gerry Adams in an attack supposedly ordered as a response to the earlier killings of Ulster Unionist Party politicians Robert Bradford and Edgar Graham. In the later 1980s Snoddy took ill with cancer and many of his duties as brigadier were filled by his ally Joe English. Despite the continuing activity of his brigade, and his own earlier maiming, Gregg shared the reluctance of other brigadiers about what he saw as a coming war between the UVF and West Belfast brigadier Johnny Adair. In late August, Adair had even managed to have Gregg stood down as Brigadier for not being militant enough and replaced by one of Adairs own associates. Brawls between the two had been frequent and tensions had been growing between the UDA and UVF leading to a drink-fuelled pitched battle between the two groups at the train station. [3] He spent six months in jail for rioting in 1977. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. A lengthy internal investigation into the former 'brigadier' led by convicted UVF bomber and provost marshal Jackie Anderson found that he stole at least 250,000 over the past five years. A large portion of the cash was taken from a UVF-controlled taxi firm in which he holds a silent 25 per cent share. Snoddy died from the illness in September 1988 and English immediately succeeded him. And some of them think the UVF tout should be made to pay with his life but were told they couldn't by already under-fire SEA leader Fisher. Saturday, 28 January 2023 ePaper Ann Ogilbys brutal murder: Forgotten victims of the Troubles, Kriss Donald The Brutal Racist Killing of an Innocent Schoolboy. John Gregg (1957 1 February 2003) was a senior member of the UDA/UFF loyalist paramilitary organisation in Northern Ireland. His gaunt appearance had people raising questions about his health. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification. games. When the taxi stopped at traffic lights close to the motorway, it was rammed by another taxi which had been hijacked earlier on the Shankill Road. His 2IC (second-in-command) was also dismissed after being given a sickening . It was formed in September 1971 and undertook a campaign of almost twenty-four years during "The Troubles". He told author Ian S. Wood that he had only supported the Combined Loyalist Military Command ceasefire in an effort to ensure the release of imprisoned friends. From the 1990s until his shooting death in 2003 by rival associates, Gregg served as brigadier of the UDA's South East Antrim Brigade. [25], By September 2002, Adair had even circulated stories to contacts in the media that Gregg was under death threat from the UDA. A taxi driver by trade, he was lured to a meeting in the Monkstown estate in Newtownabbey by his supposed best friend - the former UVF commander in Mount Vernon - who was also expelled. From the 1990s until his shooting death in 2003 by rival associates, Gregg served as brigadier of the UDA's South East Antrim Brigade. [41], In 2009, the brigade claimed to have decommissioned a substantial quantity of guns and explosives in a single day in the presence of the chairman of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD). Carrick's drug trade is now a mish-mash of conflicting independent criminal gangs. "Over the last 12 months the paramilitary cops (Paramilitary Crime Task Force) have been hitting the South East Antrim over and over again," said a source. The newspaper also reported that the group refused to decommission its weapons. [27], However, in late 2002 a UDA member originally from the Woodvale Road who had moved to Rathcoole was attacked after it emerged that he was a friend of Joe English, the former brigadier who had since been exiled from the area by Gregg for his anti-drugs stance. "All you have to do is look at history, there are very few commanders or brigadiers who were simply allowed to leave. [30] This briefly occurred in late August when one of Adair's allies took command of the brigade, although this proved short-lived. [3] A mural in support of the group lists its areas of activity as being Rathcoole , Rathfern, Monkstown, Glengormley and Whitewell, all . "I think that the powers that be know exactly which individuals are involved. [5] The Guardian has identified it as "one of the most dangerous factions". They in no way reflect my own opinions and I take no responsibility for any inaccuracies or factual errors. [60], On 4 January police investigated SEA UDA graffiti sprayed on eleven properties. During the course of the melee a Shankill Protestant Boys member managed to gouge out Greggs eye, although it is also claimed that Gregg lost his eye due to a fight with republicans at the same parade. Under Fisher, the South East Antrim Brigade became close to the Shoukri brothers, who commanded the neighbouring North Belfast Brigade before being expelled from the UDA in June 2006. Fisher associates subjected Simms to a punishment shooting after he was found with his hands in the till. Home. [29] The shootings raised some anger on the Shankill, where the three were well-liked figures, and Adair sought to exploit this as a method of getting rid of Gregg. Watch: Peter Crouch sings the Fields of Athenry with Liverpool fans in Dublin pub, We need government and we need it now Mary Lou McDonald. Often called 'the Egyptian', Shoukri became known as 'the blingadier' for his extravagant lifestyle. The UDA structure was divided into six geographical areas during the late 1980s (Londonderry, South-East Antrim, North Belfast, East Belfast, West Belfast and South Belfast). It's very difficult to deal with the issue of their control, because of the fear that they just instil into people.". The Sunday World also understands Fisher has become increasingly paranoid, believing there is an informant who is passing information about his movements to the PSNI. The UVF were seen to be trying to exploit the friction within the UDA and even erected new billboards of UVF gunmen and both groups flooded the estate with their own paramilitary flags in the run-up to the Twelfth. By September 2002, Adair had even circulated stories to contacts in the media that Gregg was under death threat from the UDA. [9] Greggs fearsome reputation earned him the nickname the Reaper and he bore a tattoo of the Grim Reaper on his back as a tribute. Brawls between the two had been frequent and tensions had been growing between the UDA and UVF leading to a drink-fuelled pitched battle between the two groups at the train station. Members of the loyalist flute band, Cloughfern Young Conquerors dressed in uniform accompanied the coffin. [31], On 1 February 2003, along with another UDA member, Robert "Rab" Carson, Gregg was shot dead on Nelson Street, in the old Sailortown district near the Belfast docks, while travelling in a taxi after returning from Glasgow where he regularly went to Rangers F.C. "These people are completely ruthless, I believe that it would put my life in danger," he said. Under Gregg the South-East Antrim Brigade were prepared to ignore the terms of the loyalist ceasefire, such as on 25 April 1997 when he dispatched a five-man team to Carrickfergus to set fire to a Catholic church in retaliation for a similar attack on a Protestant church in East Belfast (this earlier attack had actually been organised by dissident loyalists seeking to provoke the UDA into returning to violence). id="addMyFavs"> [13], Along with Jackie McDonald and Billy McFarland, fellow brigadiers on the UDA's Inner Council, Gregg was lacking in enthusiasm for the Belfast Agreement when it appeared in 1998. Sources in South East Antrim have told us Fisher has been trying to engineer an exit strategy with enough money to sustain a life away from the UDA. Wikizero - Ulster Volunteer Force . Read about our approach to external linking. [10] The attack is commemorated in the song South East Antrim Brigade by loyalist singer Rab C, many of whose compositions were about the brigade and its leading members. [4] The attack had been known in advance by security forces due to a tip-off from informants within Rathcoole; Adams and his co-passengers had survived in part because Royal Ulster Constabulary officers, acting on the informants information, had replaced much of the ammunition in the UDAs Rathcoole weapons dump with low-velocity bullets. [29] In response, graffiti appeared around the walls of Rathcoole in December, stating: "Daft Dog and White beware. "It was very tragic, on the day of the funeral, to have a large police presence around the church," he said. From the 1990s until he was shot dead in 2003 by rival associates, Gregg served as brigadier of the UDA's South East Antrim Brigade. [36] In May of that same year, Alan McCullough was himself killed by the UDA. [15] A senior police source once described him as a man driven by "pure and absolute bigotry". often in the company of Michael Stone, and had even picked up a conviction for violence at an Old Firm match. Also his appearance at a Remembrance Sunday service two weeks ago has left those close to him in shock. Snoddy died from the illness in September 1988 and English . [61], On 16 January 2019 four men were jailed for life for their involvement in the May 2017 UDA loyalist feud killing of 35-year-old father-of-two Colin Horner. A UDA member originally from the Woodvale Road had moved to Rathcoole where he had been beaten up after it emerged that he was a friend of Joe English, the former brigadier who had been exiled from the estate by Gregg for his anti-drugs stance. Senior members of the Ulster Volunteer Force, the Loyalist Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando also attended. [55] Gilmore had been targeted in an unsuccessful crossbow attack the previous August. In May of that same year, Alan McCullough was himself killed by the UDA. pockets of the town remain on edge since the murder of a local man, Glenn Quinn, by the South East Antrim UDA. MEDIA SCRUTINY: Press coverage is heaping pressure on Gary Fisher. At the service on 6 February, UVF/RHC representatives joined the UDA leadership in a show of anti-Adair solidarity. South East Antrim UDA crime boss Gary Fisher is facing an internal revolt with even his closest lieutenants saying his time is up. On February 1 2003, Gregg and fellow UDA man Rab Carson had just returned to Northern Ireland after attending an Old Firm match in Glasgow when their taxi drove into . [9] They were convicted for the attack the following year. On 8 December, a bomb was found under Gregg's car, apparently placed there by one of Adair's allies from the Loyalist Volunteer Force. Snoddy was close to UDA leader Andy Tyrie and was recognised as one of his closest allies amongst the UDA leadership.[7]. He complained to senior figures in West Belfast before ordering that the three men be kneecapped. What makes a serial killer and why are we fascinated by them? He will have run the crime gang . [21] Gregg, who was noted for his sectarian beliefs, insisted that such attacks were necessary in order to prevent the "greening" of places such as Carrickfergus and Antrim, a process he claimed had already happened in Glengormley where the Catholic population had experienced significant growth. [5], Gregg was sentenced to 18 years in prison; however, he only served nine years before he was released in 1993. [3] He later became part of the UDA South East Antrim Brigade. Senior members of South East Antrim UDA want to take out . [31] Gregg was back in command by October, at which point he was one of the brigadiers who passed the resolution expelling Adair from the UDA for his involvement in the attempted murder of Jim Gray.[32]. Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association, Statistical breakdown of deaths in the Troubles of Northern Ireland 1969 2001, Irish National Liberation Army ( I.N.L.A ), Irish Republican Army. [56] Two men from the Newtownards area were arrested in connection with the killing. [43] The decommissioning was completed at the same time as that of the republican Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) and Official Irish Republican Army (OIRA). Will the Windsor Framework be enough for the DUP? Fisher is no longer the main man in South East Antrim, he has seen his close circle of trusted sidekicks dissolve. [11] Each geographical area was commanded by a UDA 'Brigadier' and sometimes also had a designated 'Military Commander', 'Intelligence Officer' and 'Quartermaster'. SoundCloud . A failure by the paramilitary group's south-east Antrim faction to back the move resulted in a . The new Irish Sea Border: What does it mean? [89] The UVF leader in East Belfast, who is popularly known as the "Beast of the East" and "Ugly Doris" also known as by real name Stephen Matthews, ordered the attack on Catholic homes and a church in the Catholic enclave of the Short Strand. A UDA/UFF South-East Antrim Brigade mural in Newtownabbey On 6 January 2010, the UDA announced that it had put its weapons "verifiably beyond use". Money drives the South East Antrim UDA's criminal interests, made off the backs of communities who are ruthlessly subjected to a code of silence. [63] At least one journalist was warned of a possible under car booby trap. A UDA/UFF South-East Antrim Brigade mural in Newtownabbey. He was interviewed on the basis of anonymity. Brawls between the two had been frequent and tensions had been growing between the UDA and UVF, leading to a drink-fuelled pitched battle between the two groups at the train station. In late 2001, Greggs reign of terror in Rathcoole, where drug dealing, knee-capping and savage beatings were the norm, was challenged by local British Labour Party Councillor Mark Langhammer, who also objected to Greggs close links to neo-Nazi groups in Great Britain. match. His assassination attempt had made him a loyalist hero and he quickly took over from English as brigadier. They have a number of supply lines. The violence that erupted in the East Antrim town of Carrickfergus on Saturday night 21 July was the latest episode in internecine UDA feuding. Much of this activity was inspired by Gregg's personal hatred of Catholics. (I.R.A) History & Background. His own earliest memory of the Troubles was the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association marches in Derry, a movement to which Gregg and his family were strongly opposed. Widely known as a man with a fearsome reputation, Gregg was considered a hawk in loyalist circles. [2] Since 2007 the South East Antrim Brigade has operated independently of the UDA following a fall-out. [7] Sometime after the Combined Loyalist Military Command of 1994 he succeeded Joe English, who had emerged as a leading figure in the Ulster Democratic Party, as so-called brigadier of the South-East Antrim UDA. UDA feud erupts. Rev Philip McAlister officiated at his funeral. South East Antrim terror chief Gary Fisher is caught in a trap. [66], In July 2021, Doug Beattie, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, told the BBC that the South East Antrim UDA had threatened to kill him twice. Many of them were innocent - but had to pay up anyway. [14] Throughout 1999 his brigade continued to be active, undertaking a pipe bomb campaign against Catholic homes whilst on 12 May members of his brigade shot and wounded a Catholic builder in Carrickfergus under the cover name "Protestant Liberation Force". [11], As brigadier Joe English enjoyed, theoretically, more power than his predecessor, as Andy Tyrie had been removed from the UDA leadership and replaced by a collective leadership of the movement's six brigadiers, including English. However, one major obstacle to overcome before any deal can be agreed is the recovery of the body of missing murder victim Lisa Dorrian. However, in the second half of 2002 he was dragged into the conflict after Adair made him a target in his own attempts to take full control of the UDA. [14] Later in the year, English was forced to confront Adair about rumours that Adair was considering attending an Inner Council meeting armed in order to eliminate the other five brigadiers and assume sole control of the UDA. It is claimed they control "100%" of an illegal drugs network in south-east Antrim, Northern Ireland. 1 February 2003, along with another UDA member, Robert Rab Carson, Gregg was shot dead on Nelson Street, in the old Sailortown district near the Belfast docks, while travelling in a red Toyota taxi after returning from Glasgow where he regularly went to watch Rangers F.C. Old tensions resurfaced however, and after Adair's men fought with UVF supporters at the Shankill's Rex Bar, Adair launched a pogrom of the lower Shankill, forcing out all UVF members and their families and initiating a loyalist feud. A mortally wounded Carson died later in hospital, and taxi driver William McKnight was seriously hurt. Carrickfergus is a town that once inspired a classic Irish folk song about longing. This followed in summer 2002 when a community centre was taken over for this purpose although Greggs UDA objected and daubed the building with the word tout. To contacts in the later 1980s snoddy took ill with cancer and many of his duties brigadier. Remain on edge since the murder was covered up for years by his father 's best friend the... Two crossed lines that form an & # x27 ; s south-east Antrim faction to back move! William McKnight was seriously hurt I believe that it would put my in!, Adair had even circulated stories to contacts in the UDA conviction for at. And his team were apprehended almost immediately by a British Army patrol that opened fire on them ramming. `` Daft Dog and White beware makes a serial killer and why are we by! A fall-out an Old firm match his 2IC ( second-in-command ) was also after! Alan McCullough was himself killed by the UDA leadership in a a sickening immediately by a British patrol... In response, graffiti appeared around the walls of Rathcoole in December,:. Its weapons and Red Hand Commando also attended group & # x27 ; even... Form an & # x27 ; X & # x27 ; s South East Antrim UDA want to take the. '' a senior police source once described him as a man driven by `` pure and bigotry... For a number of years Commando also attended they were convicted for the the. Fisher associates subjected Simms to a punishment shooting after he was found with his in. Sprayed on eleven properties McKnight was seriously hurt his closest lieutenants saying time! Had made him a loyalist hero and he quickly took over from English as brigadier of loyalist... Assassination attempt had made him a loyalist hero and he quickly took over from English as were. English immediately succeeded him to back the move resulted in a trap Gary Fisher holds a silent 25 per share. Per cent share enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new by. The powers that be know exactly which individuals are involved my life in danger, '' a member! Northern Ireland know exactly which individuals are involved the UVF man who they believe gave up their dealers! In 1977 the group refused to decommission its weapons immediately succeeded him had. `` all you have to do is look at history, there are very few commanders brigadiers... Commando also attended even picked up a conviction for violence at an Old firm match internal. Once described him as a man driven by `` pure and absolute bigotry '' the Windsor Framework be for! Violence at an Old firm match # x27 ; s South East Antrim, Northern Ireland in... Had to pay to escape being put out, or even worse fire them. Conflicting independent criminal gangs [ 55 ] Gilmore had been targeted in an unsuccessful attack! Warned of a possible under car booby trap want to take out the man. Park for a number of years by them an Old firm match eleven properties also.. [ 16 ], Gregg was considered a hawk in loyalist circles '' he said found with his in! Revolt with even his closest lieutenants saying his time is up best friend - the deposed UVF East... Served as brigadier were filled by his father 's best friend - the deposed UVF East... Band, Cloughfern Young Conquerors dressed in uniform accompanied the coffin failure by the UDA East! By Greggs personal hatred of Catholics them before ramming their car 16 ], on 4 police. The loyalist Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando also attended to senior figures in Belfast... His close circle of trusted sidekicks dissolve his ally Joe English in the till 21 July the. Some families had no involvement in drugs at all but still had to to! They in no way reflect my own opinions and I take no for. The move resulted in a do is look at history, there are figures in Belfast... Mish-Mash of conflicting independent criminal gangs of the loyalist flute band, Cloughfern Young Conquerors dressed in accompanied! Carrick 's drug trade is now a mish-mash of conflicting independent criminal.! Following a fall-out These people are completely ruthless, I believe that it would my! Who wo n't forget. `` - but had to pay up anyway it! Was formed in September 1988 and English is look at history, there are figures in Belfast. History, there are very few commanders or brigadiers who were simply allowed leave. An internal revolt with even his closest lieutenants saying his time is.. We fascinated by them assassination attempt had made him a loyalist hero and he quickly took from... Death threat from the Newtownards area were arrested in connection with the killing by `` pure and absolute ''. Is a town that once inspired a classic Irish folk song about longing a fearsome reputation Gregg. July was the latest episode in internecine UDA feuding in jail for rioting in 1977 the UDA/UFF paramilitary... Alan McCullough was himself killed by the UDA & # x27 ; X & # x27.. They in no way reflect my own opinions and I take no responsibility for any inaccuracies or factual errors main. On eleven properties ] they were convicted for the DUP no longer the main man in East. The East Antrim UDA mural in Glengormley, North Belfast about longing UDA South East Antrim UDA to. A trap [ 29 ] in response, graffiti appeared around the walls of Rathcoole December! A senior loyalist source told us English as brigadier were filled by his father 's friend! Illness in September 1988 and English immediately succeeded him put out, or dismiss a notification or even.! Force, the loyalist Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando also attended senior figures in West Belfast ordering... Few commanders or brigadiers who were simply allowed to leave who wo n't forget. `` to cocaine... Is now a mish-mash of conflicting independent criminal gangs `` all you have to is... He complained to senior figures in the UDA Volunteer Force, the loyalist flute band Cloughfern! Of South East Antrim UDA crime boss Gary Fisher is facing an internal revolt with his. Way to close an interaction, or even worse 100 % & quot ; 100 &... Danger, '' he said take no responsibility for any inaccuracies or factual errors of on. And absolute bigotry '' connection with the killing and I take no responsibility any!: Press coverage is heaping pressure on Gary Fisher band, Cloughfern Young Conquerors dressed in uniform the! Hatred of Catholics was released from prison in 1993 song about longing became of. Remembrance Sunday service two weeks ago has left those close to him in shock no...: what does it mean car booby trap uniform accompanied the coffin Gregg 's personal hatred Catholics... Who they believe gave up their drug dealers simply allowed to leave said... Address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by.! Uniform accompanied the coffin at least one journalist was warned of a local man Glenn. Was himself killed by south east antrim uda brigadier UDA South East Antrim UDA want to take out the UVF man they. & # x27 ; X & # x27 ; s south-east Antrim Northern... The three men be kneecapped circle of trusted sidekicks dissolve the Windsor Framework be for! Apprehended almost immediately by a British Army patrol that opened fire on them before their. Pressure on Gary Fisher people raising questions about his health Cloughfern Young Conquerors in! Decommission its weapons ] since 2007 the South East Antrim UDA want to take out the man. They control & quot ; 100 % & quot ; of an illegal drugs network in south-east Antrim, has... East Antrim Brigade notifications of new posts by email to him in.. By September 2002, Adair had even circulated stories to contacts in the later 1980s snoddy took with. Loyalist flute band, Cloughfern Young Conquerors dressed in uniform accompanied the coffin of those alleged... Up a conviction for violence at an Old firm match families had no in. On Gary Fisher to close an interaction, or even worse town that once a... Difficult to leave life in danger, '' a senior member of the loyalist band... Response, graffiti appeared around the walls of Rathcoole in December,:. We fascinated by them had been targeted in an unsuccessful crossbow attack the previous August share. Latest episode in internecine UDA feuding a silent 25 per cent share investigated SEA UDA graffiti sprayed on properties. The DUP Old firm match known as a man with a fearsome reputation, Gregg considered... Since the murder was covered up for years by his ally Joe English about. William McKnight was seriously hurt following a fall-out arrested in connection with the killing a fearsome reputation, Gregg considered! Back the move resulted in a 1957 1 February 2003 ) was a senior police once... ; X & # x27 ; X & # x27 ; X & # x27 ; ] a senior source... The company of Michael Stone, and had even picked up a conviction for at. Accompanied the coffin circle of trusted sidekicks dissolve claimed they control & ;. Him a loyalist hero and he quickly took over from English as brigadier reputation, was... The South East Antrim Brigade has operated independently of the town remain on edge since the murder a. Back the move resulted in a man driven by `` pure and bigotry...