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Parish Priest says community of Ballyconnell is more relaxed since death of "Dublin Jimmy"

Sep 17, 2020 13:37 By News Northern Sound
Parish Priest says community of Ballyconnell is more relaxed since death of "Dublin Jimmy"
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A Parish Priest says the community of Ballyconnell is more relaxed since the death of "Dublin Jimmy". Fr Oliver O'Reilly was speaking on the <

A Parish Priest says the community of Ballyconnell is more relaxed since the death of "Dublin Jimmy".

Fr Oliver O'Reilly was speaking on the first anniversary of the abduction and assault of Kevin Lunney.

It comes as the Justice Minister said the safety of people living in the border region is being given the highest priority.

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It's exactly one year since QIH Director Kevin Lunney was taken from near his home, beaten and left on the roadside in rural Cavan.

Gardai and PSNI believe Cyril McGuinness or "Dublin Jimmy" was the leader of a criminal gang that waged a campaign of intimidation and violence against Quinn Industrial Holdings Directors.

The 54 year old died at a property in Derbyshire last November, during a police search as part of the investigation into the abduction and assault of Mr Lunney.

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Parish Priest in Ballyconnell Fr Oliver O'Reilly blamed a "mafia-style group" for the attack in homilies last year, and increased his security as he continued to speak out.

Speaking on The Joe Finnegan Show this morning, Fr Oliver said he didn't want to be judgemental but felt McGuinness added "nothing to community life in a positive way", and there was fear when he was around.

He says Ballyconnell has become a more peaceful place since "Dublin Jimmy" died.

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As part of a cross-border investigation, four men have been charged with the false imprisonment and causing serious harm to Kevin Lunney, and are due to stand trial in the Special Criminal Court next January

In a statement to Shannonside Northern Sound this afternoon, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she "unequivocally condemns" the "barbaric and cowardly act" of last September.

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She wished the Lunney family well and added the safety of those living along the border "is given the highest priority by the State".

Gardai are continuing to appeal for anyone who has information on this attack on Kevin Lunney, or other criminal activities that took place in the Cavan/Fermanagh area in recent years to contact them at any Garda Station or on the Garda Confidential Line.

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