A notorious loyalist paramilitary figure, known for his brutal attacks and bombings during the Northern Ireland conflict, including the Milltown Cemetery attack that killed three people.
Michael Stone, a British former militant, is notorious for his involvement with the Ulster Defence Association, a loyalist paramilitary group in Northern Ireland. His conviction for three counts of murder committed at an IRA funeral in 1988 sent shockwaves throughout the region, earning him the label of one of the most infamous figures in the country's recent history.
Born on April 2, 1955, in Harborne, Birmingham, Stone's early life was marked by abandonment and uncertainty. His mother, Mary Bridget, left the family soon after his birth, leaving his father, Cyril Alfred Stone, to care for him. The family's dynamics took another turn when Cyril remarried and had two more children, leaving Stone with a blend of biological and foster siblings.
The Greggs, Stone's foster family, raised him in Ballyhalbert, where he attended Braniel Primary School and Lisnasharragh Secondary School. During this time, he developed an affinity for firearms, enrolling in the Army Cadet Force at 14. This early fascination with weapons would eventually play a significant role in his later life.
Stone's involvement with the Ulster Defence Association began in the 1980s, a time of great unrest in Northern Ireland. As a member of the group, he participated in various acts of violence, including the aforementioned murders at the IRA funeral. This heinous act led to his imprisonment, but it was not the only time he would find himself behind bars.
In 2000, Stone was released from prison under the Good Friday Agreement, a milestone in the Northern Ireland peace process. However, his newfound freedom was short-lived, as he was arrested in 2006 for attempting to assassinate Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams, two prominent Sinn Féin leaders. This attempt led to a further 16-year prison sentence, of which he served until his release on parole in 2021.
Throughout his life, Stone has been driven by a strong sense of loyalism, which he believes is rooted in his Protestant upbringing. Despite his troubled past, Stone has professed a desire for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. In a 2008 interview, he stated, "I want to see a united Ireland, but I want to see it through peaceful means."
Stone's actions have had a profound impact on modern Northern Ireland. His involvement with the Ulster Defence Association and subsequent convictions have served as a rallying cry for both loyalist and republican factions. While his crimes have caused immeasurable harm, they have also sparked essential conversations about the region's tumultuous past and the importance of reconciliation.
Michael Stone's life has been marked by controversy and violence, yet his story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of Northern Ireland's recent history. While his actions have caused immense harm, they have also sparked essential conversations about the region's past and the importance of reconciliation. As the region continues to navigate its path towards peace, Stone's legacy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the need for forgiveness.
96 Years Old
A South African cricketer who played 50 Tests and 247 first-class matches, known for his impressive batting average and century on debut.
92 Years Old
A Northern Irish loyalist and politician who played a key role in the Ulster Volunteer Force and later became a prominent figure in the Northern Ireland peace process. He's known for his transformation from a militant to a peacemaker.
Born in 1926
A firebrand Protestant leader who played a key role in Northern Ireland's turbulent politics, known for his strong anti-Catholic stance and later, his surprising shift towards power-sharing.
