Emotive Ballymurphy Massacre Talk Inspires Support for Campaign

Relatives of those murdered in the Ballymurphy Massacre from the 9 - 11 August 1971, recently addressed a public meeting in the Omagh Strule Arts Centre raising awareness and support for their campaign to demand an Independent International Inquiry into the state murders of their loved ones.

The relatives, Liam Quinn and John Taggert, and campaigners Maureen McGuinness and Liam Stone where introduced by West Tyrone MLA, Barry McElduff.

Maureen set the context of that time, of what life was like for Ballymurphy residents in the lead up to the massacre which cost the lives of eleven civilians. Liam Stone then continued on speaking about the militarization of the area by the British paratroop regiment in the days leading up to and during the massacre and updated the assembled crowd on the progress of the campaign so far. John Taggert and Liam Quinn then spoke very emotionally about their personal loss and how their loved ones where murdered.

Following these very raw and touching addresses by the relatives, a question and answer session teased out more interesting personal stories but also developed ways in which people can assist in the family’s campaign for truth and justice.

Encouraging people to support the families and campaign, West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin chairperson Kerry McColgan said,

“The deeply emotive talk delivered by the families and campaigners have touched those gathered, and has ensured they will get active on the campaign to achieve truth and justice for the families, through an Independent International Inquiry. Many ideas where developed throughout the discussion on ways on which people can support the campaign, through fundraising, letter writing to papers, public vigils, public talks, mural unveilings, and also supporting the online petition which the families have established at http://www.petitiononline.com/Bmurphy/petition.html.”

“We in Ógra Shinn Féin are committed to assisting the families every step of the way and we encourage everyone to do their utmost to ensure that the many years of heartache and denial of even the most basic truth and justice for these families are ended.”