Ireland: The A-Z Irish Glossary - 'U' is for Ulster
'Ulster' and many more 'U' words from the North..
This is a word that means many different things to different people. Geographically and in it's simplest terms, it refers to the most Northern part of the island of Ireland, one of the four historical provinces (the other three being
Connaught, Leinster and Munster). It also generally refers to the
nine counties (Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Antrim, Armagh, Down,
Fermanagh, Derry, and Tyrone) that were in that province.
However,
the last six of these counties now constitute Northern Ireland, and
Northern Ireland, because of this, is colloquially known as Ulster - which, by the way, is now divided politically in 26 districts rather
than six counties! But wait, there’s more! The three Ulster counties
remaining in the Republic of Ireland are collectively known as the
Ulster Province. The following are but a few 'U' terms/organisations to come out of Northern Ireland...
UDA: Ulster Defence Association, a loyalist paramilitary organisation in the 6-Counties, synonymous with the UFF; worked largely in co-operation with undercover British forces.
UDP: Ulster Democratic Party, small unionist party with one or two elected councillors. Associated with the UDA/UFF.
UDR: Ulster Defence Regiment, Now renamed - a regiment of the British Army which operates in the 6 Counties. Amalgamated into the RIR.
UFF: Ulster Freedom Fighters, A loyalist paramilitary organisation. Synonymous with the UDA.
UKUP: United Kingdom Unionist Party, Small new unionist Party. Led by Bob McCartney.
Unionism: A Political philosophy supporting maintainence of British rule of the 6 Counties.
United Kingdom: Defined by British government as Britain and its offshore islands but also the 6 counties.
UUP: Ulster Unionist Party, largest unionist party. Led by David Trimble
UVF: Ulster Volunteer Force, Loyalist paramilitary organisation. Allied to the PUP.
Got it? There’ll be a test later.. yuy, yuy, yuy, yuy...