CONFLICT RELATED DEATHS
1998

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Date

Name

Age

Sex

Reli-gion

Affili-ation

Alleged Perpe-trator

Location Town / Area

Location County / Country

Details

Category

Arrests / Prosecutions

Sources

Arrest / Prosecution Details

11-Jan-98

Terry Enright

Civilian

LVF

Belfast city centre

Co Antrim

Community worker shot four times outside a club in Belfast where he was working as a doorman. A car parked outside the club, which served both sides of the community, and one gunman pointed a gun at the door while the other got out and fired over the top of the car. The LVF claimed the killing, saying it was in revenge for the killing of Billy Wright. He was married to the niece of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams[1]

Revenge for Billy Wright

A senior LVF paramilitary who was killed in 2002 was reportedly questioned about the murder but was never charged[2].

[1] Lost Lives, no. 3574

[2] Drug feud motive suspected in shooting of loyalist paramilitary, by Rosie Cowan, Guardian, 14 September 2002

Stephen Warnock, killed in September 2002

18-Jan-98

Fergal ‘Rick’ McCusker

Civilian

LVF

Maghera

Co Derry

Abducted and shot at close range as he walked home from a night out. His body dumped outside youth club in Maghera. The LVF claimed the killing as revenge for Wright.[1]

LVF claimed that the victim was involved in the shooting of Alan Smyth and John McCloy in Garvagh in April 1994. They also alleged that he was involved in gun-running from the US for the republican movement but this was denied by his family [2]

Following evidence that the weapon used was similar to, or the same as the one used in Sean Brown's murder (12/05/1997), the Police Ombudsman recommended that an independent review be opened [3]

Revenge for Billy Wright

As of January 1999, no one had been charged with the murder[2].

[1] Fourth victim of LVF terror, by John Mullin, Guardian, 19 January 1998

[2] LVF victim’s American fiancée calls for justice, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 19 January 1999

[3] Random killing...RUC forensic officers examine the body of LVF murder victim Fergal McCusker shot dead in Magehra, Picture, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News Online, 19 January 1998

[4] Serious Questions, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News Online, 20 January 2004

19-Jan-98

Jim Guiney

UDA

INLA

Dunmurry

Co Antrim

Senior loyalist South Belfast Commander of UDA shot several times in his Dunmurry shop. The killing was supposedly timed to correspond with the arrival of Sinn Féin leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at Downing Street for a meeting about Tony Blair’s blueprint for a political settlement to the conflict.[1]

[1] Tit-for-tat fear grips Ulster, by John Mullin, Guardian, 20 January 1998

19-Jan-98

Larry Brennan

Civilian

Loyalists

South Belfast

Co Antrim

Catholic taxi-driver shot four times in the chest by single loyalist gunman as he sat in his car on Ormeau Road in Belfast shortly before 7.30pm. Speculation was that he was either killed by the LVF in reprisal for the death of Billy Wright or by the UDA in retaliation for the killing of UDA member Jim Guiney.[1]

Ronnie Flanagan, then Chief Constable of the RUC, announced that the UFF were responsible for the killing of Larry Brennan. The UFF at the time was on a self-proclaimed ceasefire [2]

His funeral was attended by many Protestant ministers [3]

Revenge for Billy Wright?

A 26-year-old Belfast man was charged with the murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life on 11 March 1998[2].

[1] Tit-for-tat fear grips Ulster, by John Mullin, Guardian, 20 January 1998

[2] Man charged on taxi-driver death, Irish Times, 12 March 1998

http//www.cain.ulster.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch98.htm

Final Journey...the coffin of Ben Hughes is carried from the church of St. Michael and on to Belfast's Miltown cemetery by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News Online, 26 January 1998

Harold Porter

21-Jan-98

Benedict Hughes

Civilian

Loyalists

South Belfast

Co Antrim

Shot by a single loyalist gunman as he left work. Witnesses heard five shots and found Mr Hughes slumped into the car. That same night, two other Catholics were wounded in shootings.[1]

Ronnie Flanagan, then Chief Constable of the RUC, announced that the UFF were responsible for the killing of Benedict Hughes. The UFF at the time was on a self-proclaimed ceasefire [2]

His funeral was attended by many Protestant ministers [3]

[1] One dead, two hurt in night of carnage, by Peter McVerry, Irish Times, 22 January 1998

[2] http//www.cain.ulster.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch98.htm

[3] Final Journey...the coffin of Ben Hughes is carried from the church of St. Michael and on to Belfast's Milltown cemetery by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News Online, 26 January 1998

23-Jan-98

Liam Conway

Civilian

LVF

North Belfast

Co Antrim

Catholic shot twice in the head by a single loyalist gunman as he sat in a mechanical digger as part of a team laying gas pipes on Protestant estate. No group admitted responsibility for the murder, but it was believed to have been carried out by loyalists.[1]

Though the murder was never claimed, it was later attributed to the LVF[2].

However the fact that it took place in Belfast, miles from the LVF heartland of mid-Ulster, heightened fears of UFF involvement [3]

Revenge for Billy Wright?

12 people have been arrested in connection with the murder but released due to lack of evidence[3].

[1] Catholic was ‘easy target for murder’, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 25 June 1999

[2] Tension at highest level in two years, Irish News, 7 December 2000

[3] Police appeal over getaway car, Irish News, 25 June 1999

[4] Calls for UDP talks expulsion, by Una Bradley, Irish News Online, 26 January 1998

24-Jan-98

John McColgan

Civilian

LVF

West Belfast

Co Antrim

Catholic taxi-driver shot and found dead at the side of the road at Hannahstown Hill. No group claimed responsibility but the LVF was thought to have been behind the attack.[1]

Another taxi driver was shot in the head a few days later, but survived the attack[2].

The gun used to kill McColgan was the same weapon used in the murder of Sean Brown in May 1997[3].

In light of evidence that the murder was linked to the murder of Sean Brown (12/05/1997), the Police Ombudsman recommended that a "full independent review" of Brown's murder should be linked with an investigation into McColgan's murder [4]

Lorraine McColgan (widow) contested the Secretary of State's ruling that she was not entitled to compensation because of her husband's paramilitary convictions. The Belfast Court ruled that the Secretary of State must reconsider, and the widow is now awaiting a new decision [5]

Revenge for Billy Wright?

[1] Murder victim’s widow relives the last moment she spent with her husband, by Louise McCall, Irish News, 26 January 1998

[2] Taxi drivers plead for an end to the killings, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 26 January 1998

[3] Gun victim’s wife lodges complaint against RUC, by Martin Anderson, Irish News, 27 March 1999

[4] 'No real effort' by RUC to find loyalist killers, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News Online, 20 January 2004

[5] Widows are step closer to payouts, Irish News Online, 30 April 2005

09-Feb-98

Brendan ‘Bap’ Campbell

Civilian

IRA / DAAD

South Belfast

Co Antrim

Shot near a south Belfast restaurant as he made his way to his car. He was described by police sources as a major drug dealer, and the shooting was thought to be drugs-related.[1] Campbell had been targeted by DAAD previously. DAAD did not claim responsibility for the shooting, and an unidentified source informed the Irish News that he was killed because he put £15,000 on the head of a fellow drugs dealer.[2]

Drugs-related killing

[1] ‘Get dad out of coffin’ pleads shot man’s son, by Nevin Farrell, Irish News, 18 February 1998

[2] Campbell ‘shot by fellow dealer’, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 12 February 1998

10-Feb-98

Robert (Bobby) Dougan

UDA

IRA

Dunmurry

Co Antrim

Leading loyalist shot up to seven times outside a textiles factory, supposedly in direct retaliation for the killing of several Catholics, specifically John McColgan. Mr Dougan had survived two previous assassination attempts.[1] Sinn Féin was temporarily suspended from the Stormont talks following the murder[2].

Four men from west Belfast, ages 26, 25, 25, and 23[3], were charged in connection with the murder, but were released for lack of evidence[4].

[1] Lost Lives, no. 3582

[2] Coroner hears victim was loyalist, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 5 June 1999

[3] Solicitor protests at RUC ‘leaks’ on killing of loyalist, Irish Times, 17 February 1998

[4] Coroner hears victim was loyalist, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 5 June 1999

Samuel Baker, Sean Valente, William Groves, and Ronan Kennedy (26, 25, 25, and 23 in 1998) [4]

17-Feb-98

Kevin Conway

Civilian

IRA?

Aghalee

Co Antrim

Mr Conway's body was found in disused farmhouse with his hands bound behind his back and a gunshot wound to his head. RUC sources laid the blame on republicans, but said the motive was potentially criminal, rather than sectarian.[1] Later reports from the police confirmed that they believed local IRA elements were responsible, but did not know whether there was authorisation from the IRA leadership[2]. Potentially a punishment beating?

[1] Killing ‘down to republicans’, Irish News, 21 February 1998

[2] Unionists call for fresh SF expulsion, by William Graham, Irish News, 13 March 1998

03-Mar-98

Damian Trainor

Civilian

LVF

Poyntzpass

Co Armagh

Shot by a hail of bullets while having a drink in a bar with lifelong Protestant friend Philip Allen[1].

Stephen McClean (31) and Noel McCready (34) were jailed for life in February 2000 for the murders. They were due to be released in July 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, but lost their licences after being charged with attempted murder while out on parole. The charges were dropped and they were due to be released in July 2000, but the Sentence Review Commissioners upheld the Secretary of State's argument that McClean must prove that he was not a danger to the public. This ruling was reversed by the N.I. Court of Appeal, who asked the minister to prove, conversely, that McClean was a danger to the public. However the House of Lords rejected this new appeal and dismissed McClean's case [2]

[1] Lost Lives, no. 3584

[2] Relatives delighted at ruling on killers, by Simon Doyle, Irish News, 29 June 2001

[3] Double killer loses release fight, BBC News Online, 07 July 2005

03-Mar-98

Philip Allen

Civilian

LVF

Poyntzpass

Co Armagh

Shot by a hail of bullets in a bar while having a drink with lifelong Catholic friend Damian Trainor[1]. (see above)

(see above)

[1] Lost Lives, no. 3585

15-Mar-98

David Oliver Keys

LVF

Maze Prison

Co Down

LVF man found strangled to death in his cell in the LVF wing of Maze prison. He was tortured and assaulted before being killed, and his body was hung from the window frame and wrists slit supposedly to feign suicide. He had been accused and was awaiting trial for the murders of Trainor and Allen.[1] After being arrested in the Poyntzpass killings, Mr Keys had taken police to a spot where clothes and weapons were discovered, so he was potentially murdered as an informer[2].

Two prisoners in the LVF wing in March 1998, ages 23 and 36, were tried for the murder, but the case collapsed when the key witness, former Maze prisoner David Patterson, refused to return to the witness box. The judge also cleared another prisoner who had pleaded not guilty to a charge of offering Mr Patterson £5,000 to withdraw his testimony.[3]

Ralph Phillips, one of the accused, was jailed for life in January 2006 for the murder of Adrian Thompson on New Years Day 2004 [4]

[1] Sheet used to strangle LVF man, Irish News, 28 March 2000

[2] Cell death of Poyntzpass accused: evidence heard, Irish News, 23 March 2000

[3] Protected witness ‘still waiting for new identity’, Irish News, 20 January 2001

[4] Killer at centre of high-profile murder case, by Sharon O'Neill, Irish News, 25 January 2006

Robin King and Ralph Phillips (23 and 36 in 2000), John Alexander Ferguson

27-Mar-98

Cyril Stewart

Former RUC

INLA

Armagh

Co Armagh

Retired part-time RUC reservist shot seven times by two gunmen outside a supermarket in Armagh in front of his wife[1].

In July 1999, Barry Paul Morgan (24) was convicted of killing Mr Stewart. A 35-year-old man was acquitted of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to collect information.[2] In 1999, Barry Dinsmore (33) pled guilty to possession of weapons, including the gun used to kill Mr Stewart, membership in the INLA, and communicating information about two UDR soldiers, and was jailed for five years[3]. In February 2001, Neil Sheridan (25) was convicted of killing Mr Stewart and was sentenced to life in prison[4].

On 22nd September 2004, Sheridan was found dead in his cell in Maghaberry Prison; his death was not judged to be suspicious [5]

[1] No judgment yet in murder trial, Irish News, 24 January 2001

[2] Man convicted of killing policeman, Irish Times, 9 July 1999

[3] Killer gang ‘fled RUC trap’, Irish News, 23 September 1999

[4] Man gets life for murder, Irish Times, 27 February 2001

[5] Policeman's killer found dead, BBC News Online, 22 September 2004

Anthony James McElkenny (35 in 1999)

07-Apr-98

Trevor Deeney

Former UVF

INLA

Derry

Co Derry

Derry loyalist shot up to six times outside his home as he was returning from work as a passenger in his wife’s car. INLA claimed responsibility for the murder, saying he was member of LVF. This was denied by his family and LVF, and LVF threatened reprisals.[1]

He was the INLA's final victim before it called a ceasefire in August 1998 [2 ]

[1] Appeal as murder of loyalist is re-enacted, by Seamus McKinney, Irish News, 14 April 1998

17 Apr 98

Mark McNeill

Former INLA

INLA

West Belfast

Co Antrim

Taxi driver shot a number of times in the legs and chest while getting out of his car outside a taxi depot. Family members said he was a former INLA member killed because of an internal feud, but INLA denied responsibility.[1]

Anne McNeill (widow) contested the Secretary of State's ruling that she was not entitled to compensation because of her husband's paramilitary convictions. The Belfast Court ruled that the Secretary of State must reconsider, and the widow is now awaiting a new decision [2]

[1] Cabbie killed over grudge says family, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 20 April 1998

[2] Widows are step closer to payouts, Irish News Online, 30 April 2005

21-Apr-98

Adrian Lamph

Civilian

LVF

Portadown

Co Armagh

Council worker shot in the head and back at close range at a Craigavon borough council depot in Portadown by a gunman on a bicycle[1].

A 52-year-old woman was charged with the murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life in 2001. She was freed on bail in June 2002 because of the length of time she had been in custody.[2]

She has also been charged with a variety of other crimes, including possessing guns and explosives, membership of the LVF, and conspiring to cause explosions in the Irish Republic[3].

Ronald Wesley Allen (47), whose home was used in the murder, pleaded guilty to making property available to terrorists in May 1999. He received a two year term suspended for three years.[4]

The court case against Muriel Gibson (55) and William James Fulton (36) opened in 2005. Gibson denied murdering Lamph and Fulton denied involvement. However, transcripts of them confessing their involvement to undercover police have been brought forward in the trial [5]

[1] Catholic man shot dead, by Jonathan Turner and Steven McCaffrey, Irish News, 22 April 1998

[2] Murder charge mother of six freed on bail, Irish News, 18 June 2002

[3] Brother of dead LVF chief appears in court, Irish News, 14 June 2003

[4] Man freed over use of house in murder, Irish News, 15 May 1999

[5] Loyalists accused 'confessed' part in sectarian murders, Irish News, 09 September 2005

Muriel Gibson (52 in 2002)

25-Apr-98

Ciaran Heffron

Civilian

LVF

Crumlin

Co Antrim

Shot six times in the head while walking home after a night at the pub with friends. His body was found by a taxi driver in front of the local railway station.[1] No one claimed responsibility for the killing, but an investigating officer told the inquest that he was confident it was the work of the LVF because “it had familiar hallmarks to what had been LVF murders.” The murder weapon had been used in six other killings.[2]

Four men were arrested and questioned about the killing, two within hours of the attack and two within the next few days[3]. They were all released without charge, and at the time of the inquest in March 2000, no one had been charged in the murder[4].

[1] Two quizzed over Catholic’s murder, by Ian Graham, PA News, 26 April 1998

[2] LVF killed Catholic because it ‘was time’, by Alan Erwin, Irish News, 7 March 2000

[3] RUC arrests two more over killing of Catholic student, by Theresa Judge, Irish Times, 28 April 1998

[4] LVF killed Catholic because it ‘was time’, by Alan Erwin, Irish News, 7 March 2000

26-Apr-98

Thomas ‘Tucker’ Lockard

Civilian

CIRA?

near Kilcurry, Co Louth

Republic of Ireland

Body was found badly beaten, stabbed through the heart, and dumped in a ditch close to the Louth/south Armagh border. Gardai initially said the killing bore “the hallmarks of a paramilitary-style killing” and speculation linked the murder to the Continuity IRA.[1] His death has also been linked to DAAD[2]. Other speculation was that the killing was part of an internal drugs-gang feud or that Mr Lockard was killed by a hired paramilitary hitman. Mr Lockard was linked to the cross-border drugs trade and had been jailed in 1996 as part of an ecstasy smuggling ring.[3] One source also said he was a Garda informer who was discovered by a Border drug gang[4].

Drugs-related killing?

[1] Man’s body found dumped near border, Irish News, 28 April 1998

[2] Drug war far from over say insiders, by Brendan Anderson, Irish News, 16 June 1998

[3] Gardai name murder victim, by Nevin Farrell, Irish News, 29 April 1998; No one has been charged in relation to 15 killings carried out by gangs involved in drugs or other crime since 1998, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 13 March 2000

[4] Shot loyalist likely victim of drugs feud, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 4 July 1998

01-May-98

Rónán MacLochlainn

RIRA

An Garda Síochána

Ashford, Co Wicklow

Republic of Ireland

Shot during Real IRA robbery of a security van by a GS emergency response unit. The first GS statement said there had been an exchange of gunfire, but it later changed the statement to say officers opened fire when the victim pointed a loaded gun at them. The other five men of the six-man armed gang were jailed for possession of weapons with intent to commit a robbery and assault with intent to rob.[1] Facts behind the killing are in dispute, and this has been further aggravated by the discrepancies in the police reports. Family members are pushing for an independent inquiry to determine whether law enforcement officials used excessive force in the operation.[2]

[1] Judge to sentence gang for fatal heist, by Diarmaid MacDermott, Irish News, 2 December 1998

[2] Report to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extra-Judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions Concerning the Death of Rónán MacLochlainn, by British Irish RIGHTS WATCH, June 1998

01-Jun-98

Charles McConnell-Strain

None

UDA

Carrickfergus

Co. Antrim

Charles Strain was found dead two days after a savage punishment beating. Five men were questioned by police but no-one was charged.[1]

[1] Inquest into death of punishment victim, by Press Association, UTV News, 2 October 2003

03-Jul-98

William Henry ‘Wassy’ Paul

Former UVF

UVF

Bangor

Co Down

Gunned down outside his home as he returned from his daily trip to the newsagents for the morning papers. Mr Paul had left the Shankill Road three years before his murder after allegations that he was involved in dealing drugs. Police originally ruled out a sectarian motive in the murder, but the motive and details around the killing are confusing and controversial. Well-known loyalist Frankie Curry claimed he murdered Mr Paul over a personal feud, but speculation remained that it was a UVF killing.[1] However, Thomas Maginnis confessed to the murder during informal ‘conversations’ with police. In September 2002, the Police Ombudsman’s office admitted it was investigating allegations that police had been given warning the night before the murder. Mr Paul’s family claims that police were told the names of the two gunmen and the registration of their car, and seized clothing and a spent bullet casing within 24 hours of the shooting, but still failed to secure a conviction.[2]

A 38-year-old man was charged with the murders of Mr Paul, William Elliott, Brian O’Rawe, and Mark Sweeney, as well as conspiracy to murder and wound, possessing guns, robbery, theft and arson. He had made admissions during secretly recorded conversations with police about the murders, and confessed to some of the murders on being confronted with the taped admission. In October 2000, however, he was freed by Belfast Crown Court Lord Justice McCollum, who ruled that he would probably not get a fair trial because of inappropriate tactics used by the police in obtaining a confession.[3] A 54-year-old was charged in 1998 with withholding information about a car alleged to have been used in the murder[4].

[1] Murdered man left Shankill over threat, by Martin Anderson, Irish News, 4 July 1998

[2] Probe into evidence about murder claim, by Barry McCaffrey, Irish News, 13 September 2002

[3] Murder accused freed despite confession, by Anne McClean, Irish News, 2 October 2000

[4] Murder ‘by UVF’ alleges counsel, Irish News, 3 December 1998

Thomas Maginnis, John James McCormick (54 in 1998)

12-Jul-98

Richard Quinn

Civilian

UVF

Ballymoney

Co Antrim

Eldest of three children killed in loyalist petrol bomb arson attack on their house during a week of heightened tension caused by Drumcree. The boys, their mother and brother had moved into the house less than a week before the attack. Though firefighters arrived within seven minutes of the alarm being raised, the boys were probably already dead when they arrived.[1] Five Catholic families who lived on the same predominantly Protestant estate supposedly received death threats from the UVF in the days leading up to the attack[2]. The boys’ uncle, Colum Quinn, allegedly had a feud with members of the UVF[3].

Garfield Gilmour (25 in 2000) was originally convicted of murder in the attack, but was cleared on appeal in June 2000. The judges substituted a conviction of manslaughter (14 years) because Mr Gilmour drove other men to the scene, even though he had no knowledge of the intended attack until the last minute. He was denied leave to appeal to the House of Lords, but the court of appeal certified that a point of law of general public importance was raised in the case.[4] Mr Gilmour admitted driving three UVF men to the home[5].

[1] Sickening murders that shocked world, by John Manley, Irish News, 30 October 1999

[2] Catholics ‘targeted’ on Quinn estate, Irish News, 15 September 1999

[3] UVF killed the Quinn boys says accused, Irish News, 14 September 1999

[4] ‘Key legal question’ raised by Quinn trial, Irish News, 1 July 2000

[5] Driver knew of UVF’s evil intent, Irish News, 30 October 1999

The three UVF men named by Mr Gilmour are Johnny McKay, Raymond Parke, and Ivan Parke.

12-Jul-98

Mark Quinn

Civilian

UVF

Ballymoney

Co Antrim

(see above)

12-Jul-98

Jason Quinn

Civilian

UVF

Ballymoney

Co Antrim

(see above)

18-Jul-98

Andrew Kearney

Civilian

IRA

North Belfast

Co Antrim

Bled to death after being shot in both legs during a punishment attack outside his flat. Mr Kearney was left to bleed to death in the lift or stairwell. Attackers ripped out the telephone line and jammed the lift, preventing Mr Kearney’s girlfriend from immediately getting help.[1]

Mr Kearney’s mother said those responsible were not Sinn Féin or the IRA, but rogue elements within the republican movement who attacked Mr Kearney because of a personal feud with a north Belfast republican[2].

Mr Kearney had a reputation for getting into fights. Two weeks prior to the attack, he had a fight with an ex-IRA man, who was reported as being a previous IRA commander in Ardoyne who had been ‘stood down’ a year earlier.[3]

His brother (Joe Kearney) was arrested in March 2000 in possession of 500ibs of explosives. He was believed to be associated with the Real IRA [4]

Two men were arrested on 27 July 1998[4], but as of 7 January 1999, no one had been charged with the killing[5].

[1] Mother pledges to ‘hound’ son’s killers, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 7 January 1999

[2] A mother’s fight against beatings, by Jonathan Turner, Irish News, 19 July 1999

[3] Ardoyne man key figure in Kearney murder, Irish News, 27 July 1998

[4] Two arrested over Kearney killing, Irish News, 28 July 1998

[5] Mother pledges to ‘hound’ son’s killers, by Liz Trainor, Irish News, 7 January 1999

[6] Brother of IRA victim is arrested, Irish News, 17 March 2000

15-Aug-98

James Barker

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

Killed in 500 lb car bomb explosion at 3:10 p.m. on Market Street. A warning was given at 2:30 p.m., but named a different location. 28 people were immediately killed in the blast, one died of injuries three weeks later, and 200 people were wounded.[1]

Omagh bombing

Although more than 80 people have been arrested in relation to the bombing, only one person has been convicted. Colm Murphy was sentenced in January 2001 to fourteen years for conspiracy to cause an explosion. The families of the victims have also begun a £10 million civil case against five suspects.[2] In December 2001, a report was released by the Police Ombudsman’s office that reviewed the investigation of the bombing. The report suggested that the RUC failed to act on warnings before the bombing and criticized the investigation of the incident and the failure to bring the perpetrators to justice. This resulted in a major dispute between the former PSNI Chief Constable and the Ombudsman.[3] In April 2003, the Deputy Chief Constable of the Merseyside force, who was reviewing the investigation at the request of the Policing Board, claimed the issues highlighted by the Ombudsman’s report were being addressed[4].

[1] Lost Lives, nos. 3598-3625

[2] Omagh bombers will be caught, says report, by Dan Keenan, Irish Times, 4 April 2003

[3] Delight at the vindication of Omagh report, by Sharon O’Neill, Irish News, 24 January 2003

[4] Omagh bombers will be caught, says report, by Dan Keenan, Irish Times, 4 April 2003

15-Aug-98

Fernando Blasco Baselga

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Geraldine Breslin

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Deborah Anne Cartwright

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Gareth Conway

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Breda Devine (age 20 months)

###

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Oran Doherty

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Aidan Gallagher

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Esther Gibson

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Mary Grimes

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Olive Hawkes

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Julia Hughes

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Brenda Logue

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Ann McCombe

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Brian McCrory

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Samantha McFarland

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Sean McLaughlin

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Jolene Marlow

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Avril Monaghan – pregnant with twins

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Maura Monaghan (age 18 months)

###

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Alan Radford

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Rocio Abad Ramos

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Elizabeth Rush

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Veda Short

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Philomena Skelton

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Bryan White

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Frederick White

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

15-Aug-98

Lorraine Wilson

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

(see above)

Omagh bombing

05-Sep-98

Sean McGrath

Civilian

RIRA

Omagh

Co Tyrone

Died of injuries from Omagh bombing[1].

Omagh bombing

[1] Lost Lives, no. 3627

25-Sep-98

Billy Giles

UVF

Self inflicted

East Belfast

Co Antrim

Hung himself after his release from prison, having served 15 years for UVF killing of Catholic workmate and friend Michael Fay[1].

[1] Killer’s remorse at Catholic death, by Brendan Anderson, Irish News, 27 February 1999

06-Oct-98

Frank O’Reilly

RUC

LVF

Portadown

Co Armagh

An RUC constable who died a month after being critically injured in a loyalist bomb blast attack during the Drumcree protest in Portadown on 5 September 1998. The Red Hand Defenders claimed responsibility for the killing.[1]

Two men were arrested and a number of weapons were seized in an investigation linked to the murder of Mr O’Reilly[2]. In February 1999, the police revealed that the prime suspect in the case, who they had twice questioned and released without charge, had fled the North and was hiding in the Republic[3].

[1] RUC man’s killers branded ‘worthless cowards’, by Nevin Farrell, Irish News, 7 October 1998

[2] Two men held after weapons are found, Irish News, 20 October 1998

[3] Drumcree murder suspect hiding in republic, by Vincent Kearney, Irish Times, 28 February 1999

31-Oct-98

Brian Service

Civilian

LVF

North Belfast

Co Antrim

Shot five times in the head and back in the Alliance Avenue area on the fringes of Ardoyne in North Belfast as he walked home from visiting his brother. The dissident group Red Hand Defenders claimed responsibility for the shooting and warned there would be more, saying they were carrying out the attacks to register their opposition to the Good Friday Agreement.[1] An Irish Times reporter pins the killing on one of two LVF brothers from Ballysillan[2].

[1] New group threatens campaign of killing, by Michael O’Toole, Irish News, 3 November 1998

[2] Haemorrhage from within, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 16 December 2000

21-Nov-98

Gerard Moran

Civilian

IRA

Dublin

Republic of Ireland

Petty criminal and small-time drug dealer shot by a lone gunman while working as a take-away delivery man[1]. Authorities are pinning responsibility on the IRA because Mr Moran was involved in a dispute with local IRA members[2].

[1] Paramilitaries may have killed Dublin criminal, by Jim Cusack, Irish Times, 5 December 1998

[2] Drug dealers ‘fair game’ to Provos, by Valerie Robinson, Irish News, 17 July 2000

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For Peace Justice & Human Rights

CONFLICT RELATED DEATHS 1998

|17 October, 2003 |

CONFLICT RELATED DEATHS
1998