Come December 19 it will be 50 years since bombs exploded in Crowe Street, Dundalk, and at Donnelly’s Bar in Silverbridge, killing five people. No one has ever been brought to justice for these horrific murders.
County Council driver, Jack Rooney, and well-known and highly respected local tailor, Hugh Watters, died in the Dundalk bombing, which happened when a device placed in a car outside Kay’s Tavern went off.
A short time later, three people, including a father and son, were murdered just across the border. The notorious Glenanne Gang, said to be responsible for over a hundred murders during the Troubles, have been linked to the local atrocities.
In the Dail last week, Deputy Erin McGreehan asked if the Department of Justice had taken direct engagement with the Northern Ireland authorities in relation to these crimes.
“Next December marks 50 years since the Dundalk bombing, in which two people were killed and many injured. In the light of this enduring trauma, many unanswered questions remain.
“What actions has the Department taken to secure some release of information and accountability, particularly regarding the long-standing allegations of collusion,” she asked.
Replying, Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, said that, regrettably, nobody has been brought to justice for the murders.
“Technically, it is an ongoing Garda investigation, but the reality is that we are going to have to try to get some mechanism to deal with this and others as legacy issues.
“There are ongoing discussions between the Irish Government and British Government as to how best address legacy issues. It is certainly the case that the Dundalk bombing would be a crime within the parameters of the types of events that need to be investigated.”
The Minister added he would keep Deputy McGreehan appraised on any developments.
Speaking since the Dáil debate, Deputy McGreehan said she always thought that the Dundalk bombing was being overlooked in the commentary on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. “They were horrendous events in which many lives were lost. I think that what happened in Dundalk should be included in whatever action the Government takes in trying to find who were responsible,” she said.
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
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