Anti-racism groups stand with Mcclean
James Mcclean JAMES Mcclean has been supported after claiming he is facing discrimination.
The Professional Footballers Association of Ireland has joined with Show Racism the Red Card to call on the English FA to investigate all anti-irish incidents.
On Monday, the 29-yearold accused them of overlooking abuse directed at him by fans because he is an Irish Catholic.
In a joint-statement, the anti-racism groups and the PFAI backed the Derryman’s stance.
It read: “James Mcclean has stood in solidarity with teammates who have experienced racism.
“We stand in solidarity with James Mcclean, Neil Lennon and all those who experience racism.” Kenneth O’brien was cut up
The 50-year-old, caged for life yesterday after butchering his friend and neighbour Kenneth O’brien, was quizzed over the shooting in May.
A source said last night: “He remains the chief suspect and was arrested, along with another man, as part of the investigation into Mr Fox’s death.”
The bookie, 47, was killed on September 30, 1990, after his white Mercedes was intercepted by armed men in Co Kildare as he drove to a race meeting at The Curragh.
Mr Fox, from Dungannon in Co Tyrone, was shot before the gangsters stole a briefcase containing a large quantity of cash.
Wells – previously sentenced to seven years in Portlaoise Prison after being found with guns and ammunition – finally faced justice yesterday for the murder of 33-year-old Mr O’brien in January 2016.
He was shot dead and his body cut up with his own chainsaw at Wells’ home in Finglas, Dublin, before the remains were put in a suitcase and dumped in the Grand Canal.
In Garda interviews, the killer described the scene as “pure carnage” and “smelling of death” but said he was convinced he’d saved the life of Mr O’brien’s partner Eimear, whom he claimed his neighbour had wanted dead.
TRAUMA
As Wells was convicted at the Central Criminal Court yesterday, the victim’s family said the image portrayed of him during the trial was not of the man they knew and loved.
His father, Gerry O’brien, and his wife Susan added in a statement: “There are no words to describe the trauma and desolation felt.
“We have been left without our first-born child and his own son has been left without his father for the rest of his life.
“The utter disregard shown for our child as a human being and the barbaric nature in which he was treated and discarded – it was an affront to all who knew him. He will be always on our minds and in our hearts.”
Mr O’brien’s partner Eimear Dunne told the court he went to Australia to earn money for the family. She said when he returned in 2015, it had been a “fresh start” for the couple and their four-year-old.
Ms Dunne added: “Kenneth was a family man who idolised our son. They were like two peas in a pod.”
Before being led away to begin his life sentence, Wells turned to face his victim’s loved ones.
He said: “I’m very sorry.”