Spark

5 October 1986 is commonly held up as the spark for Northern Ireland's 1986. This second ever, and banned, Civil Rights march set off from Duke Street in Derry/Londonderry with the objective of crossing Craigavon bridge. The heady-handed Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUB) response, captured on camera, sparked widespread revulsion and provided the platform for the intensification of protest. 

5 October often overshadows its precursor of 24 August 1986 when the first ever Civil Rights march, from Coalisland to Dungannon, was also prevented from reaching its intended destination. Unfortunately for the organisers of this march, the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia stole the all important media spotlight. The same cannot be said for the vents on Duke Street in October.