THIS last week, while two féiles and one Fleadh were taking over our first and second cities, we were reminded that so many people refuse to move on from their bitterness and misogyny.

Féile Derry was forced to release a statement condemning the “misogynistic and sectarian abuse targeting Martina Anderson across ours, and various other social media platforms”.

“Since Wednesday, we have received hundreds of hateful and abusive comments directed at Martina.”

The former Sinn Féin MEP has written a book about her life and her role in the IRA.

Patricia Mac Bride: We’ve spent decades learning how to live with differences. The Fleadh found the rhythms that connect them

Aoife Moore: The abuse aimed at Martina Anderson was a warning to every woman. It won’t work

She also wrote personally about her choice to have an abortion.

Like thousands of women, from all walks of life, she did it in silence, held the secret and went on to live her life, holding back the information due to the opinions of others.

In my younger years, I was the one you asked to organise something that needed to sound more adult.

I filled out application forms for........

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