From the I.R.A. to the Principal’s Office, a Life’s Evolution Echoes Belfast’s

• Education (K-12)  

Tumult

By JAMES BARRON

BELFAST, Northern Ireland — The first time he was arrested, he was 16, a member of the Irish Republican Army, and he was caught with a gun.

The second time, he was 17, and he was caught with a bomb.

The third time, he was 18, and he was caught with a gun again.

The fourth time, he was 19, and he was caught with a bomb again.

The fifth time, he was 20, and he was caught with a gun yet again.

The sixth time, he was 21, and he was caught with a bomb yet again.

The seventh time, he was 22, and he was caught with a gun yet again.

The eighth time, he was 23, and he was caught with a bomb yet again.

The ninth time, he was 24, and he was caught with a gun yet again.

The 10th time, he was 25, and he was caught with a bomb yet again.

The 11th time, he was 26, and he was caught with a gun yet again.

The 12th time, he was 27, and he was caught with a bomb yet again.

The 13th time, he was 28, and he was caught with a gun yet again.

The 14th time, he was 29, and he was caught with a bomb yet again.

The 15th time, he was 30, and he was caught with a gun yet again.

The 16th time, he was 31, and he was caught with a bomb yet again.

The 17th time, he was 32, and he was caught with a gun yet again.

The 18th time, he was 33, and he was caught with a bomb yet again.

The 19th time, he was 34, and he was caught with a gun yet again.