Gardaí have appealed for information in relation to the Belturbet Bombing that took place 50 years ago on the 28th of December.
Gardaí held a press conference earlier in Belturbet where they have released information into the investigation as it stands almost five decades on.
Geraldine O’Reilly who was 15 years of age and Patrick Stanley who was 16 years of age lost their lives on the Main Street in Belturbet on the 28th of December 1972.
The bomb which was contained in a red Ford Escort exploded outside Farrelly’s Bar and McGowan’s Drapery.
Gardaí today have released photo fits To identify the driver of the stolen red Ford Escort as compiled by the Garda at the checkpoint at Aghalane Bridge on the evening of the 28th December 1972
And also the driver of a Blue Ford Cortina registration number BIA 477 stolen from Main Street Belturbet
Geraldine was in the local take away getting chips for her family while Patrick was ringing home to his parents to explain that he wouldn’t be home that night unfortunately both never returned home after that faithful night.
Shortly before the Belturbet Bomb, at 10.01 p.m. on 28th December 1972, a bomb which was contained in a blue Morris 1100 exploded in Fermanagh Street, Clones, Co. Monaghan. Two men were seriously injured.
Tragically, a local man from Clones, Patrick McCabe died on 4th January 1973 when he fell from a roof that he was repairing that was damaged in the Clones bomb. His death left a widow and eight children without a father.
At 10.50 p.m. on 28th December 1972, a bomb exploded outside a licensed premises called Britton’s in Mullnagoad, near Pettigo, Co. Donegal. The bomb had been left beside the pub in a container. One female was injured in this bombing.
Today Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern, Cavan/ Monaghan/ Louth Garda Division has made the public appeal for information on this Refocused investigation into the bombings on it’s 50th anniversary next week.
