Kingsmill anniversary ‘a reminder of sectarianism’
FIRST Minister Arlene Foster has said the anniversary of the IRA Kingsmill massacre serves as a reminder of the sectarian bloodshed that blighted Northern Ireland.
Yesterday marked 45 years since the murders of 10 Protestant workmen.
They were shot dead when their minibus was ambushed by the IRA near the Co Armagh village on January 5 1976.
Just one survived — Alan Black, who was shot 18 times. He was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours last week.
Speaking yesterday, Mrs Foster and local MLA William Irwin said the atrocity remained one of Northern Ireland’s darkest days. Mrs Foster said: “Despite the passing of so many years, the pain felt by those who lost loved ones at Kingsmill remains undiminished.
“The sectarian slaughter witnessed at Kingsmill was undoubtedly one of the darkest days of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and reminds us all of why we must never return to such times again.
“Unfortunately many of the relatives have passed away without ever seeing justice served for the murder of their loved one.”
Mrs Foster said that the murders were one of the many unanswered questions in relation to the Irish state and its relationship with the Provisional IRA.
The getaway vehicle used at Kingsmill was dumped in the Republic and the suspects took refuge there afterwards.
The DUP leader added: “Just last month I raised the Kingsmill case amongst others with the Taoiseach. The Irish Government must play its role in getting to the truth in such cases.
“Ultimately these cases are also a test of commitment to the values which are so often raised in other cases.
“I look forward to discussions with the Taoiseach on these cases in the near future.”
Mr Irwin, a DUP MLA for Newry and Armagh, said that after 45 years, the families of the dead deserve justice.
“Forty five years on from the murders, the families continue their long and dignified battle for truth and justice. They deserve nothing less.”
The Kingsmill attack came the day after the Reavey brothers were shot dead at nearby Whitecross by the UVF’S infamous Glenanne gang.
John Martin (24) and Brian (22) were killed by loyalist gunmen who burst into their home. A third brother, Anthony (17), was also shot and died later in hospital.
Ten minutes after the attack on the Reaveys, other members of the Glenanne gang burst into the O’dowd home, 15 miles up the road in Gilford, Co Down.
The gunmen killed Barry O’dowd (24), his brother Declan (19) and their uncle Joe (61).