Renewed call for information in relation to bombing which killed Offaly teenager
GARDAI have renewed their appeal for information on the 50th anniversary of the death of a young Clara teen who died following an explosion in Belturbet.
At 10.28 pm on December 28, 1972 a bomb which was contained in a red Ford Escort exploded outside Farrelly’s Bar and McGowan’s Drapery on Main Street, Belturbet, Co. Cavan. Two children, Patrick Stanley (16) from Clara and Geraldine O’Reilly (15), were killed. 8 other people were injured.
Patrick was working as an assistant, delivering gas cylinders to businesses. He and the driver had just one last stop to make but the shop they were due to make a delivery to was closed which meant they had to stay the night.
Paddy went across to a shop to phone his family to let them know he wouldn't be home until the next day. But the phone was busy so he walked to the post office.
Meanwhile a car had been left primed and waiting on the main street. The no warning explosion ripped through the town, killing Patrick and Geraldine O'Reilly. Geraldine was buying chips at the time while her older brother waited for her in the car.
Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern, Cavan/ Monaghan/ Louth Garda Division has made the following public appeal for information:
• To identify individuals who were in Belturbet on December 28 1972, one of whom was wearing a distinctive ‘DUNLOP’ jacket, 25/28 years, 5’11” to 6’0” approx., dark brown or black bushy hair, not too long, sidelocks, broad/round face, fresh smooth complexion, very well built, wore black leather or plastic ‘wet look’ jacket with zip fastener, high collar turned up at back, side pockets, the word ‘DUNLOP’ in white ¾” lettering on breast or sleeve of jacket, large grey or white squares on trousers, spoke with northern accent.
23 to 25 years, 5’7” or 5’9”, straight dark coloured hair, medium length and well groomed, long oval shaped face, pointed chin, light build, wearing expensive looking black jacket, side pockets, bell bottom trousers, collar and tie. He wore a watch with gold bracelet.
Chief Superintendent McGovern said: "There are people out there, who know who carried out these crimes. They may not have been able to speak at that time or since. Perhaps relationships have changed, and with the increasing passage of time, maybe they feel able to speak or as they are getting older, now may want to speak before an opportunity to do so is lost. I ask them to make contact with the investigation team and to help An Garda Síochána get answers for the families of those killed and injured in Belturbet, Clones or Pettigo.”
Appealing to the public Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn added:
"We are appealing for people here and in Northern Ireland to consider the matters raised today – does anything jog a memory? Do you have any information that might assist? 50 years have passed; families have suffered indescribably; parents have gone to their graves without answers! Do you know something you have you held a secret for too long? It’s never too late to talk – please contact us.”
A dedicated investigation team under a Senior Investigating Officer has been established at an incident room at Ballyconnell Garda Station. The Garda investigation team can be contacted at the following numbers; Ballyconnell Garda Station 049 9525580, the Garda confidential line Free-phone 1800 666111, Crimestoppers 1800 250025 or Crimestoppers Northern Ireland 0800 555 111.