Richard Moore, Blinded During The Troubles, to Speak in Worcester

“It’s one thing to be able to forgive somebody. It’s another thing to be able to tell them you forgive them.”

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-submited

Worcester, MA- Richard Moore was just ten years old when his life changed forever.

In 1972, Moore was playing on a school playground in Derry, Ireland when a British soldier fired a rubber bullet that struck the bridge of his nose, permanently blinding him.

Moore recently joined Talk of the Commonwealth from Derry to discuss the experience and how it shaped the course of his life.

Less than a year after the incident, Moore traveled to the United States for medical treatment thanks to the efforts of the Worcester Irish immigrant community. A local family led by Dan Herlihy hosted Moore during his stay.

Doctors ultimately were unable to restore his vision, but Moore says he and his family never forgot the kindness shown by the people of Worcester during that difficult time.

Years later, Moore made an extraordinary decision: he sought out the British soldier responsible for firing the rubber bullet that blinded him.

The two men eventually met, spoke, and formed an unlikely friendship.

Moore chose a path of forgiveness and non-violence and went on to found the nonprofit organization Children in Crossfire, which works to support vulnerable children in some of the world’s poorest communities, particularly in Africa.

Moore will visit Worcester on Thursday, March 26 at 6 PM to speak about the charity’s work.

The event will take place at Fiddler’s Green Pub at the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 19 Temple Street in Worcester.

More information about the organization can be found at:
https://www.childrenincrossfire.org/