Probe into Belturbet bombing needs cooperation from all - Smith

A local TD has urged anyone with information on the Belturbet bombing to bring it to An Garda Síochána as they renew their probe into the December 1972 atrocity.

An Garda Síochána announced through The Anglo-Celt that a senior investigating officer has been appointed to head up a further investigation into the loyalist attack which claimed the lives for two teenagers.

"I wish to appeal again to anybody who might have any information to ensure that they contact An Garda Síochána," said Deputy Brendan Smith.

"I sincerely hope that progress can be made in this investigation of this desperate atrocity which took the lives of two young teenagers, Geraldine O’Reilly and Patrick Stanley and injured many others.

"In September 2020 I put on the record of Dáil Éireann information that had come to me through the good investigative work of Professor Edward Burke of the University of Nottingham in relation to the Belturbet bombing. Subsequently the Minister for Justice confirmed to me that she had referred this information to An Garda Síochána for investigation."

Successive UK governments has failed to provide assistance for investigations into the attack which happened almost half a century ago at the height of the conflict. There is significant evidence of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and the security forces operating in the North.

"I wish An Garda Síochána well with this extremely important investigation and I hope that there will be co-operation, North and South, from the public and also from all authorities that will help to identify the perpetrators of that heinous crime.

At this time as we approach the 50th anniversary of this despicable bombing I would like to pay tribute again to the O’Reilly and Stanley families who have always campaigned for justice for their loved ones with the utmost grace and dignity through decades of grief.