Opening the sea cocks

[j.sabourn]

Brian you were probably in Belfast later than me as the last time I was there was in the 80"s. I was in Ma Carrols when I was 16, and then later had my 21st in there. What I can recollect of that night was I finished up with someones else"s carryout and girlfriend. It used to be a spit and sawdust pub near the Docks much frequented by seafarers as well as others. Old Ma herself used to give subs to the boys if she knew you, and repaid her when the old man dished out usually at the weekend. I walked past the place or I think it was the place in the 80"s and it had sandbags etc. placed around the front to minimize I assume anyone wanting to throw a bomb through the door. Did you know the pub? Cheers John Sabourn

[Captain Kong]

Yes John, been in Ma`s a few times many years ago, very popular with the lads off the cargo ships.
But in the 70s and 80s when the `Troubles` were on I was on tankers and we never got ashore in town. We were running fuel for the military and discharged at Moscow Barracks, they had a good Social Club there with some good artistes on. so we went there as it was safer.
I remember the Captain of a ship from Preston, They had those large landing Craft, Atlantic something, they ran from Preston to Belfast, he was sat in the bar at Ma`s and someone come in and shot him in the head.
So sometimes it was not too safe to go ashore there.
Cheers
Brian.