The Belfast Telegraph once ran an article entitled The Town That Is Called Sandy Row, describing a vibrant community that was entirely self-sufficient, boasting an abundance of shops, pubs, and churches to meet all of its residents' needs. At the time, the population of Sandy Row was 7,500, but it would eventually plummet to under 2,000 due to a redevelopment project that involved the demolition of many homes in the 1980s. As a result, countless locals were forced to leave the area, never to return.
Compounding the effects of redevelopment was the ongoing conflict known as The Troubles, which caused great hardship for the community. It was during this time that Gordon, a proud native of Sandy Row, felt compelled to document his experiences and share them with future generations. Though his dream of publishing a book about his beloved Sandy Row was delayed for many years, now may be the perfect time, given the current push to rebuild the community and provide much-needed social housing.
Every effort has been made to preserve Gordon's original wording, with only a few unavoidable changes made. The hope is that the publication of this book will serve as a fitting tribute to all those who have been a part of Sandy Row over the years. Any profits generated will be put towards the valuable community work carried out by the Blackstaff Residents' Association.