Cross-religious service held in Ardoyne

Loyalists held a silent protest and turned their backs on Catholic parents bringing their children to Holy Cross school in the Ardoyne today.

The protestors, who were dressed in black as a symbol of mourning, were angry that the parents refused their request to take a different route as a mark of respect for 16-year-old Protestant youth, Thomas McDonald, who was knocked down and killed during rioting on Tuesday.

A woman has been charged with his murder.

About 140 parents and children moved up the road after holding a minute's silence on their side of the police barricades.

Another cross-religious service was held at the school, before the parents walked back down the road to a short rally.

Rev Norman Hamilton, a Protestant minister, joined Father Aidan Troy, chairman of the Governors at Holy Cross, and parents, in reciting the Lord’s prayer outside the school.

Fr Troy sounded a note of guarded optimism after the cross-community prayer.

He said: ‘‘It’s certainly a gesture but I don’t know if it’s a turning point.

‘‘We were deeply touched by the young boy’s death (Thomas McDonald) and when I asked the community for a minute’s silence with the Reverend Norman Hamilton they said go ahead.’’

Turning to the silent loyalist protesters, he added: ‘‘These people have also treated me with dignity today and that’s not bad when you consider what has happened.’’

Mr Hamilton was quick to praise the priest’s idea.

"I think that’s a very bold initiative by Father Troy,’’ he said.

‘‘The community has asked me to say they deeply appreciate it, it’s one step on the road to getting a solution to this.’’