Would you like the PSNI with your Happy Meal?

Warning: The below story may frighten you and I wish I could say "I was safe the whole time" but honestly, I wasn't and neither were the kids we were in charge of. But this is what I came to Ireland for and I will not be ashamed of that.

Last night, we took the Downpatrick group (age 11-15) to some Ice Rink (the only ice rink in NI). It was fairly smooth and I ran into Amber which was a great surprise! I did have to stop a fight during it, but it was nothing more than the usual scream fest with a few pushes and shoving. However, afterwards we decided to drive down the road to McDonald's and that is when the night started to take a turn for the worst.

Once inside, apparently one of the kids thought it would be a good idea to start waving his Celtics scarf around, which is a Catholic team. When I say this, I honestly mean that 99.9% of Catholics support the Celtics. This infuriated a group of younger men (probably age 16-19) who were all wearing Ranger gear (the Protestant team). At first, some words of anger were exchanged (at this point, I finished ordering my food and turned around to see all of this) and the group of Protestants (from now on called Loyalists) left the McDonald's.

I thought everything would be over, but I quickly learned from the banging on the McD's glass, that the Loyalists hadn't left, they were just waiting outside for us to leave. They were egging on our guys and beginning to frighten them. I don't think many of them will admit to this, but they were scared and had no idea things would go this far. The management of McD's eventually went outside to stop them from banging on the glass. So they began to call their friends, and their numbers were growing.

By now, things were really tense. Our guys were all refusing to sit down, cursing under their breaths, getting scared but holding it back by cursing and yelling at the windows and the leaders in charge. We tried to keep them in a small group and stop them from making threatening gestures at the Loyalists. Jonny (the youth worker in charge) called the PSNI (the police), asking for an escort out of McDonald's. The Loyalists were honestly going to jump us once we walked out.

The kids were furious! They absolutely hate the police. It was frustrating watching several policemen WALK BY McDonald's without turning to help us. Sure, they could say they were ignorant of the situation, but that would be a lie! There is no way they missed the yelling and chanting of the Loyalists crying they were going to kill the Fein-ins (Catholic political group). Thankfully, some police showed up, and we were able to get an escort out of the building.

At this point, myself and the other leaders were able to let go of our stress a little. Some of us were shaking and everyone was absolutely terrified and thankful to be safe. It was a very stressful situation and we were honestly thankful to God that no one was hurt. Towards the end, the Loyalists were coming inside and sitting down by our tables.

The situation in Ireland can still, at times, be very bad. However, there is still good going on. I mean, all of the youth worker leaders at the time of this incident were all Protestants protecting Catholic kids. No one knew that of course, but it was true. Thankfully, the kids were safe and that is what matters. And I made it out too (safely, mother).