Derry GAA calls for end to delays in Sean Brown inquest

Derry GAA has pledged its support to the family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown and has called for an end to the ongoing delays into his inquest.

The move comes after it emerged on Friday that the Bellaghy GAA chairman's family are being 'retraumatised' by delays in police making sensitive material available to the inquest.

A barrister representing the family of Sean Brown said their treatment by state agencies was a “public shame and a public disgrace”.
Des Fahy KC also said it was impossible for the Brown family to escape the conclusion that the state parties are “running down the clock” ahead of a cut-off point for legacy inquests imposed by new Government legislation.

An amendment to the Legacy Bill includes a proposal to halt inquests that have not reached verdict or finding stage by May next year.
Belfast High Court was told on Friday that the inquest cannot now resume in January as scheduled.

Mr Brown was attacked and beaten by an LVF gang as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAC on May 12 1997.

He was then taken to a country lane near Randalstown where he was shot six times.

Derry GAA has shown its support and is now calling for an end into the ongoing delays concerning Mr Brown's inquest.

Derry GAA Secretary Sean Keane has outlined their support in his report to the annual county convention due to be held at Owenbeg on December 11.

“It is now 26 years since the brutal murder of Bellaghy GAA chairman Sean Brown,” he wrote.

“Throughout that time the trauma of the Brown family has been compounded by the failure of the authorities to conduct a proper inquiry into his death.

“Derry GAA stands firm in our support for the Brown family and call for an end to the ongoing delays in the inquest process.

“Sean Brown was a faithful servant of the entire community and devoted his life to serving others.

“The Brown family deserve better.

“The Brown family deserve the support of the entire GAA community,” he added.