Second arrest over newtownbutler wedding shooting
Detectives from Serious Crime Branch in the North investigating the murder of 63-year-old Bernard McGinley at a wedding in Newtownbutler last month have arrested and charged a second man in connection with the incident.
Patrick McGinley (46) from Longford has already been charged with the murder of his uncle Bernard 'Barney' McGinley moments before a family wedding at St Mary’s Catholic Church in the Fermanagh village on February 11 last.
This evening, the PSNI released a statement, with Detective Chief Inspector Una Jennings saying that officers investigating the murder had arrested and charged a second man, aged his 20's, also with 'Barney' McGinley's murder.
The person involved in the second arrest has also been been charged with the attempted murder of 'Barney' McGinley's son who was also attending this wedding.
“He is due to appear at Omagh MC tomorrow, Saturday, 7 March.
“Our thoughts and sympathy continue to remain with the McGinley family at this time,” Det Inspct Jennings said.
As is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by the PPS.
Survived by his wife of 41-years Bridget, nine children and 49 grandchildren, 'Barney' McGinley was laid to rest in his native Athlone on February 16 last, amid a large garda presence.
In his Homily, Father Turlough Baxter told the congregation of more than 500 attending the funeral at Saint Mary's Church in the town: “Violence can never be the answer, because all that it does is foster more hurt and violence and delays the day of Justice.”
Quoting the words of Jesus as written in the Bible, ‘love your enemies, and do good to those who hurt you', Fr Baxter said: “These words may seem hard to live by when we feel such pain and anger. But they are the only way to truly find a new way of life.
With fears of an all-out feud within the Travelling community, Fr Baxter added: “Our life is such a precious gift, so often it is only when someone is taken from us that we come to truly appreciate what they have meant to us. Today all you who shared so much of life with Barney have come to see that.”
The couple whose wedding 'Barney' McGinley was attending, between Matilda McGinley (17) and Jimmy Connors (16) went ahead as planned at the request of the couple despite the violent incident taking place on the main street, and next to a local primary school.
PSNI subsequently cordoned off the area where the incident took place, and the road through the town was closed for some time as members of the force carried out detailed forensic of the scene.
Fr Michael King, the priest who conducted the wedding said the bride was “a bit traumatised”, but he had reassured her she would be safe inside the church.
It is understood after the wedding, the bride, groom, their families and guests left the scene and crossed the Border towards Co Cavan where the wedding reception is reported to have taken place.
Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Tom Elliott described the attack as “horrific”, saying that it was “very worrying” certain people have access to firearms and are willing to use them in such circumstances.
“There is a significant onus on police to ensure that these criminals are caught and that the courts ensure they are locked up for a long period,” he said.