‘Our homes are two minutes from each other but a peace wall makes it 20 minutes’
A Friendship Across the Wall
Our homes are two minutes – In the heart of Belfast, two friends who live just two minutes apart by foot are now separated by a physical barrier that stretches their time together to 20 minutes. Lily Brannon, a 73-year-old Protestant, and Michelle Bradley, a 46-year-old Catholic, have built a bond that defies the divisions of their community. Their connection began through a cross-community initiative in west Belfast, which brought together residents from opposite sides of the peace lines. These walls, which once symbolized deep-seated tensions, now serve as a backdrop to their evolving relationship.
The Legacy of Division
Peace walls in Belfast were constructed to partition nationalist Catholic and unionist Protestant neighborhoods, reflecting the city’s historical fractures. For Lily, who was born before the Troubles—a 30-year period of conflict that culminated in the 1998 peace agreement—the walls represented a tangible reminder of the era’s violence. Michelle, on the other hand, grew up during the 1980s, when the tensions were still palpable. Despite their proximity, the physical and psychological barriers between them were significant. “There was a bit of fear in me,” Michelle recalled, “but it was more the fear of the unknown—not a hatred.”
Lily echoed similar sentiments, calling the initial hesitation “suspicion.” The walls, she explained, created an invisible divide that shaped interactions between communities. However, their meeting through the International Fund for Ireland’s (IFI) peace barriers programme helped bridge this gap. The initiative, rooted in the shared space of Black Mountain, fosters dialogue and collaboration among residents. Funding from the IFI, which has raised over £780 million since its inception in 1986, supports such efforts. Contributions come from nations like the United States, the European Union, and Australia, underscoring the global impact of the organisation’s mission.
Breaking Barriers Through Shared Activities
The peace barriers programme is not just about conversations—it’s about creating spaces where differences can be explored. In the Springfield/Springmartin Road area, participants engage in art-based projects and relaxed activities designed to build trust. Michelle and Lily, both creative individuals, found common ground through these events. “That’s something me and Lily are both into,” Michelle said, highlighting their mutual interest in the arts. “We’re very creative people, so it kind of bonded us a bit.”
Despite the progress, the journey has not been without challenges. During critical engagement sessions, opposing views have occasionally led to tense moments. “We’ve had to just learn how to listen to each other,” Lily noted, “understand each other and still walk away with our own identity—but with a better understanding of where somebody else is coming from.” This process of mutual learning has become central to their friendship, which has grown stronger over time.
From Strangers to Supporters
Michelle remembered the first time she met Lily. “There was so much more that joined us together than divided us,” she reflected. The initial interactions were marked by a sense of reserve, but as they spent more time together, that reserve gave way to camaraderie. Lily, who initially viewed the situation with suspicion, now sees Michelle as a trusted ally. “If we need anything done, Michelle will sort it out for us,” she said, briefly holding Michelle’s hand.
Their relationship has also led to personal growth. Lily, who had never been fluent in Irish, has made an effort to learn the language. Michelle, an Irish speaker, is involved with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), a traditional Catholic organization. While Lily has participated in activities at Michelle’s GAA club, the walls still create a daily reminder of the distance between their communities. “We live either side of the peace wall,” Michelle said, “and without the project and the funding from IFI, we would never have met. It’s crazy the fact that we would never have met, but now we would consider ourselves friends.”
The Impact of Peace-Building Efforts
The IFI, which has been instrumental in funding these initiatives, is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. Established by the British and Irish governments in 1986, the organization aims to promote peace through arts, culture, sports, and enterprise. Its work has not only encouraged dialogue but also highlighted the importance of individual efforts in fostering unity. “We seek to unearth quiet peacebuilders,” said IFI chair Shona McCarthy, “individuals and organisations whose work in arts, culture, sport and enterprise contributes to social cohesion, even if they do not traditionally define themselves as peacebuilders.”
The number of peace walls in Northern Ireland has decreased since devolved powers were granted to the Department of Justice in 2010. At that time, there were 59 walls, but new figures show only 39 remain. Some have been reduced in size or redesigned, reflecting a shift in the community’s approach to conflict. However, the walls still stand as a testament to the enduring divisions that once defined the region. For Lily and Michelle, the walls are more than just structures—they are a symbol of how far their friendship has come and how much work remains to bridge the gaps between communities.
As the IFI continues its peace-building efforts, it remains focused on empowering grassroots initiatives. The organisation’s programmes emphasize collaboration, with participants like Lily and Michelle playing a vital role in demonstrating the potential for unity. “It’s amazing how a shared space can change things,” Lily remarked, her voice filled with gratitude. “We’ve built something real, not just in our friendship, but in the way we see each other.” The story of their bond is not just personal—it is part of a broader movement that challenges the legacy of division and inspires hope for the future.
Reflections on a Divided Past
Looking back, both Lily and Michelle recognize the role of fear in shaping their early interactions. Lily recalled, “There was a real fear. You thought they hated you before you met them.” Michelle added, “We were never taught to hate anybody, but there was a sense of uncertainty. It took time to realize that the walls were just a part of our history, not a reflection of who we are.”
These reflections underscore the importance of initiatives like the peace barriers programme in transforming relationships. By creating opportunities for connection, the programme has helped residents move beyond stereotypes. For Lily and Michelle, the experience has been life-changing. “She’s just a great wee girl,” Lily said with a smile, her tone revealing the depth of their friendship. “We’ve become more than just friends—we’ve become a part of each other’s lives.”
As the peace walls stand as a reminder of the past, they also inspire a vision for the future. The IFI’s ongoing work highlights how communities can overcome historical divisions through shared experiences and mutual respect. Lily and Michelle’s story, while unique, represents the potential for change that lies within every individual. Their friendship is a living example of how peace can be built, not just through politics, but through everyday interactions and a willingness to engage with those from different backgrounds.