Co Derry man seeking release from jail to watch Slaughtneil in All-Ireland final

A Co Derry man serving a life sentence for the killing of an RUC Reservist over 30 years ago is looking to be released from jail to watch his club play in next week’s All-Ireland senior football final. 

Seamus Kearney (57), from Swatragh, is challenging his temporary release arrangements.

He wants freed to watch Ulster champions Slaughtneil take on Corofin, from Galway, at Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day.

It is the Derry club’s first ever appearance in the final.

Kearney was jailed in 2013 for the killing of John Proctor (pictured above) in September 1981. 

The 25-year-old was shot dead by the IRA in the car park of the Mid-Ulster Hospital as he visited his wife and new-born son.

Kearney, who denied the killing, was jailed for more than 20 years.

An appeal against the conviction was dismissed by the High Court last year.

His case to be released for next Tuesday’s Croke Park clash will be heard on Friday.