Winston Irvine: Loyalist Feud Killed Seven Men – Ex-Terror Chief Reveals

Shankill Road Divided: Was “Winkie” Irvine the Spark That Ignited a Deadly Feud?

Belfast, Northern Ireland – The legacy of “Winkie” Irvine, currently serving time on guns and ammo charges, is once again under intense scrutiny. This time,it’s not just his recent legal troubles making headlines,but allegations that his actions 25 years ago ignited a brutal feud that tore the Shankill Road community in two.

According to some of Irvine’s former UVF associates,his actions are directly responsible for the deep divisions that continue to plague the area. Their claims are now being amplified by an unexpected voice: former UFF terror chief Johnny “Mad Dog” Adair.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday World on the anniversary of the UVF/UFF feud, adair didn’t mince words. he directly accused Irvine of triggering the violence that ultimately claimed seven lives.

“There’s there’s no doubt whatsoever about it,” Adair stated. “Winkie Irvine kicked off that feud.”

Adair recounted the specific incident that he believes sparked the conflict. As thousands of UFF supporters marched down the Shankill, Irvine allegedly “ran forward and tried to hit one of them with a glass.”

While Adair acknowledged that an LVF flag unfurled during the march could be seen as provocative, he emphasized that the parade was nearly over when Irvine acted.

“If he had ignored it and contacted the people who deal with paramilitary disputes, then no one would have died in that feud,” Adair asserted. “Instead, he was steadfast to attack the parade and as a result, seven men lost their lives.”

These accusations paint a stark picture of Irvine as a catalyst for violence, a man whose actions had devastating and lasting consequences for the Shankill community. As the anniversary of the feud approaches, these renewed allegations are sure to reignite painful memories and spark further debate about the events that shaped the Shankill Road’s troubled past.