Reflecting on The Troubles at the Irish Cultural Centre
Charity founded by man in memory of his sister marks a decade
Attendees at the Tragedy and Trauma Northern Ireland UK (TTTNIUK) event
July 13, 2026
Survivors, families and long-time campaigners filled the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith this month for an emotional milestone: the 10th anniversary of Troubles, Tragedy and Trauma Northern Ireland UK (TTTNIUK). The charity, founded by Michael O’Hare in memory of his 12-year-old sister Majella, who was shot dead by a British soldier in 1976, marked a decade of advocacy and support with a full day of reflection, testimony and cultural celebration.
Majella’s bright red bicycle — the one she was riding when she was killed — stood in the foyer throughout the event, a quiet but powerful reminder of the human cost of the Troubles and the personal story that sparked the organisation’s creation.
TTTNIUK was established because, as Michael O’Hare told attendees, “too many people were without a voice.” The charity has spent ten years creating spaces where victims and families can speak openly about trauma that, for many, has remained unaddressed for half a century.
“The trauma is inter-generational,” O’Hare said. “My daughters, my wife and friends all feel my pain. Mainland Britain had no idea what was happening in the dark days — and they were dark days.”
Co-founder Collette Mackin reflected on the organisation’s growth and its ambitions to reach younger people: “We’ve developed a lot over our 10 years and we’re doing what we can within our means.”
One of O’Hare’s most meaningful achievements, he said, was helping Kathy McHale — whose three brothers were murdered in the Reavey killings — to speak publicly about her grief for the first time. Kathy told the audience: “The TTT allowed me to speak. If there’s still people after 50 years who haven’t spoken — you need to open up.”
The day brought together survivors, campaigners and political representatives, including Irish Ambassador Martin Fraser and his wife Deirdre. Keynote sessions chaired by journalist Anne Flaherty explored the enduring impact of conflict-related trauma, while speakers emphasised the need for truth as a foundation for reconciliation.
Irish Senator, author and retired Army Captain Tom Clonan told attendees: “All cultures talk about conflict, but in Ireland it’s a taboo. It’s through groups like TTT that people are now talking. There are many people on our island who are frightened. It will be our children who will be living with this, so let’s talk.”
He added: “There’s been very deep collusion and the Good Friday Agreement is not the full stop. You cannot have closure without the truth.”
Veteran journalist Eamonn Mallie contributed reflections from decades of reporting, including a poem shaped by his experience covering the Omagh bombing.
The anniversary programme included trauma workshops delivered by the WAVE Trauma Centre, examining the physical and psychological effects of long-term stress. Historian Dr Ivan Gibbons offered a lecture on the history and politics of the Irish border, grounding personal testimony in wider context.
A creative wellbeing session led by the Sharon Kelly School of Music introduced traditional instruments and techniques, ending with a performance of Irish tunes. The Martina Hunter Drama Group presented a play reading, In Memory of Majella, based on court transcripts from the case.
International human rights lawyer Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC spoke movingly about how Majella’s story shaped her career, describing meeting Michael O’Hare as “the honour of my life.”
A victims’ platform brought some of the day’s most powerful moments. Kathy McHale spoke of decades of isolation. Laura Burns described survivor’s guilt and her long fight to reopen her father’s murder case: “For a long time I felt I was walking this road alone. But I knew I could pick up the phone to Michael or Collette.”
Audience member Chris Mullan, reflecting on his childhood in Derry, reminded the room that “nobody has a monopoly on grief.”
The day concluded with performances by twice world champion Irish dancer Joe McGeown, pianist Martyn Van Limbeek, and singer Kevin Kearney, former lead vocalist of The Indians Showband. Catering was provided by Mary and Pat Masterson, and the event was supported by Danny Maher, recently retired CEO of Ashford Place.
Ten years on, TTTNIUK continues to stand as a testament to resilience, remembrance and the belief that healing begins when people are finally able to speak.
More information about the charity and its support services is available at tttni.uk.
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