Funeral of Uel Cooke: A Polarizing Chapter Closed in Belfast

Belfast – The funeral of Uel Cooke, a notorious figure from Northern Ireland’s troubled past, took place on Tuesday, drawing a stark line in the community and igniting discussions about a legacy marked by violence and division. Cooke, known as "Cookie", was a one-time second-in-command of the East Belfast Battalion of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), a loyalist paramilitary group. His death not only highlights the continuing complexities of Belfast’s sectarian history but also resonates with many who remember the profound tragedies that scarred the nation.

A Dark Legacy

Originally from the Shankill Road area, Cooke’s life was entwined with the violent narratives of the Troubles. His coffin was ceremoniously adorned with a Union flag, a poignant reminder of his paramilitary affiliation. As mourners filed past his Ardgowan Street home, they reflected not just on personal loss but on the turbulent backdrop against which Cooke’s life unfolded.

Uel Cooke’s notoriety stems from a long history of violent acts, including the murder of IRA leader Brendan Davison in 1988, and even earlier, the brutal slaying of Anne Marie Smyth in 1982, a victim of mistaken identity and sectarian hatred. As a veteran of the paramilitary conflict, Cooke is a figure of reverence for some and revulsion for others.

A Funeral Divided

The atmosphere at Cooke’s funeral revealed deep-seated divisions within the community. Mourners were separated into factions reflecting loyalties to different leaders within the UVF. While some old comrades from the Shankill Road chose to pay their respects, others remained distant, highlighting a fragile peace amidst historical animosities.

Attendees included Cooke’s wife Jacqueline and their children, Samantha and Aaron, who were consoled by friends, albeit amid an unmistakable tension. With the UVF leadership opting to stay away, the funeral was a simple family affair, marked by flowers, some familiar, and an unusual touch — a green parrot — among the arrangements.

A Paramilitary History Unraveled

Throughout his life, Uel Cooke was embroiled in activities that left lasting scars on the community. His involvement in the UVF, especially the sectarian crimes he committed, casts a long shadow over the mourning process. Statements made at the graveside by Christian friends underscored Cooke’s later commitment to faith, attempting to reconcile his past actions with a narrative of redemption.

In stark contrast to the emotional well-being of his immediate family, broader sentiments were centered around Cooke’s past, particularly regarding his involvement in heinous acts like the murder of Anne Marie Smyth. Accounts of her unfortunate end reveal the chilling realities of violence during the Troubles: a young mother of two misled into a trap simply because of her Catholic faith.

Comparing Perceptions: Cooke vs. Smyth

The perspectives surrounding Uel Cooke’s funeral illustrate the ongoing struggle over how to remember figures associated with the Troubles. While Cooke’s supporters might view him through the lens of a complex, albeit flawed, loyalty to his community, figures like Anne Marie Smyth remain casualties in an ongoing conflict that does not exhaust itself in the past.

• Anne Marie Smyth:

  • A mother from Armagh traveling to Belfast for a concert.
  • Misled about the intentions of those who invited her to their home.
  • Subjected to a brutal hate crime that culminated in her death.
• Uel Cooke:
  • Key figure in the UVF and involved in multiple violent acts.
  • Respected and reverenced by some loyalist circles despite his violent past.
  • His funeral reflects ongoing political and social divisions in Northern Ireland.

Perspectives from Experts

Local historians and sociologists weigh in on the broader implications of Cooke’s life and death. Dr. Fiona Montgomery, a political analyst from Queen’s University Belfast, states, “Cooke’s funeral is emblematic of the unresolved tensions that define Northern Ireland. While some may seek closure, for many, this event revives memories of loss and pain.”

The contrasting viewpoints on figures like Cooke and Smyth reveal fluid narratives shaped by individual and collective memories, thus complicating the quest for reconciliation in a post-Conflict Northern Ireland.

Looking Ahead

Uel Cooke’s funeral is a reminder of the ongoing need for dialogue and understanding among communities in Belfast. As individuals, families, and factions navigate their complex histories, the city must grapple with its past while striving for a more cohesive future.

The pain endured remains vivid; Cooke’s death rekindles discussions about how history is recorded, perceived, and memorialized in communities still divided by powerful legacies of violence.

As the years pass, the efforts to bridge divides will remain paramount. Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable — we encourage you to share your perspectives on how Northern Ireland can move forward and heal in the wake of a troubled past.