´óÏó´«Ã½

Troubles: Sean Graham bookmakers attack remembered 30 years on

  • Published
Related topics
Shootings at Sean Graham bookmakers
Image caption,

Five people were killed and several others were injured in the 1992 gun attack

Several hundred people have attended a memorial event for the victims of the Ormeau Road bookmakers murders in 1992.

It took place at Sean Graham's bookmakers at 14:20 GMT, the exact moment Ulster Defence Association (UDA) gunmen struck 30 years ago.

Five people were murdered in the attack and seven others were injured when two masked UDA gunmen opened fire indiscriminately.

Flowers were placed at a memorial plaque by relatives of the victims.

Survivors were also in attendance.

The five people killed were all Catholics: Jack Duffin, 66; Willie McManus, 54; Christy Doherty, 52; Peter Magee, 18; and James Kennedy, 15.

Image caption,

Bosco Kennedy's brother James was killed in the attack

On Friday, settlements were reached in High Court actions over alleged state collusion.

Bosco Kennedy's 15-year-old brother James was one of those killed in the attack.

Speaking to ´óÏó´«Ã½ News NI he said: "My mother died within two years, my mother died of a broken heart.

"My dad only died seven years ago and he was the one who took over the mantle and was always looking for the truth.

"When he died it was myself that took over and tried to go along with the rest of the families and get the truth for all of us."

A long-awaited report into the attack will be published by the police ombudsman on Tuesday.

It has previously emerged that one of the weapons used had been given to a police agent within the UDA by the Royal Ulster Constabulary's Special Branch.

Mr Kennedy said while the report "won't make the families happy", he believes it will be a "stepping stone" towards justice.

The police ombudsman has been investigating allegations of collusion for many years and the report will also deal with seven other attacks.