Northern Ireland

Cross-community carol service held at the Ardoyne flashpoint in north Belfast

Community carol service and Christmas tree lighting at Ardoyne in north Belfast organised by Rev Harold Good and Fr Gary Donegan Picture Mal McCann
Community carol service and Christmas tree lighting at Ardoyne in north Belfast organised by Rev Harold Good and Fr Gary Donegan Picture Mal McCann Community carol service and Christmas tree lighting at Ardoyne in north Belfast organised by Rev Harold Good and Fr Gary Donegan Picture Mal McCann

A CROSS-community carol service was held at the Ardoyne flashpoint in north Belfast at the weekend.

The carol service and funfair were held in the grounds of the Ambulance Service - an area which has been the scene of bitter sectarian disputes - and there was a symbolic switch on of Christmas tree lights.

A banner was made for the occasion, reading: "The people of Crumlin, Ardoyne and Twaddell wish everybody a very happy Christmas and we're moving on together."

The Salvation Army accompanied a cross-community choir, with politicians from across party divides invited to the event.

It comes 18 months after a resolution to the long-standing parading dispute in the area was brokered by Derry businessman Jim Roddy and Methodist minister and peacemaker Reverend Harold Good.

Reverend Good and Fr Gary Donegan, who is closely associated with nearby Holy Cross Catholic Church, joined Santa to spread Christmas cheer in front of the brightly-lit tree.

"So much good will and so much joy and so much happens here that never really gets attention," Fr Donegan said.

"Today this tree is bringing everyone together."

Previous carol service at the ambulance station have attracted dignitaries including US Envoy Richard Hass.

The first was held in 2011 and hailed as "a symbol of hope in a place known for its conflict".

First ever cross community carol service and Chritmas tree lighting at Ardoyne in north Belfast orginsied by Rev Harold Good and Fr Gary Donegan Picture Mal McCann
First ever cross community carol service and Chritmas tree lighting at Ardoyne in north Belfast orginsied by Rev Harold Good and Fr Gary Donegan Picture Mal McCann First ever cross community carol service and Chritmas tree lighting at Ardoyne in north Belfast orginsied by Rev Harold Good and Fr Gary Donegan Picture Mal McCann
First ever cross community carol service and Chritmas tree lighting at Ardoyne in north Belfast orginsied by Rev Harold Good and Fr Gary Donegan Picture Mal McCann
First ever cross community carol service and Chritmas tree lighting at Ardoyne in north Belfast orginsied by Rev Harold Good and Fr Gary Donegan Picture Mal McCann First ever cross community carol service and Chritmas tree lighting at Ardoyne in north Belfast orginsied by Rev Harold Good and Fr Gary Donegan Picture Mal McCann