38th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings - public event details

by Joe Murphy Thu May 10, 2012 00:38

Please find below some additional historical photographs relating to these events.

South Leinster Street in 1974 after the bombing, copyright the owner

Parnell Street in 1974 after the bombing, copyright the owner

Another view of Parnell Street in 1974 after the bombing, copyright the owner

A third view of Parnell Street in 1974 after the bombing, copyright the owner

by BrianClarkeNUJ - AllVoices Thu May 10, 2012 13:27

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice called the attacks an act of international terrorism involving British security forces. No warnings were given before the bombs exploded. Three exploded in Dublin during rush hour killing 26 people and an unborn child with another exploding in Monaghan ninety minutes later killing 7 people. Most of the victims were young women, although the ages of the dead ranged from five months to 80 years. No-one has ever been charged with the attacks.

UNACCOUNTABLE MI5 MASSACRE

by patrick doherty Sat May 12, 2012 11:30

Along with other outstanding issues of concern, such as the Pat Finucane case and the Ballymurphy case, the Dublin and Monaghan bombings were raised during the week in the Dail by SF. Please find edited highlights from the debate below relating to these bombings and the support group Justice For the Forgotten (JFF)

Question
"It is almost a year since there was a big focus on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, yet no progress has been made. I have consistently raised the issue of funding for the Justice for the Forgotten organisation. The campaign group survived on funding it used to get from the Remembrance Commission because its funding from the Department of Justice was withdrawn in July 2009. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Good Friday Agreement made representations to the Taoiseach's office to have that funding restored, but it was not. We are talking about approximately €17,000 at a maximum to keep this campaign group going. It has had to move out of its offices and is currently working out of a portakabin. How seriously is the Government taking this unresolved issue, if that is the case? "

Reply
"The matter of Justice for the Forgotten has been raised by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. The Deputy will be aware that Justice for the Forgotten received funding from the State over the years of about €2.3 million, which now operates under the auspices of PEACE III programme out of The Pat Finucane Centre. I also understand the organisation is looking for additional funding to run an office in Dublin. As we are standing here there is not any line of a Vote in my Department that can accommodate this. While it is difficult to see where this can be accommodated, I want the Deputy to know I am exploring it on the basis of the relatively small amount that is involved. "

Question
"I thank the Taoiseach for that response. Justice for the Forgotten, to whom I spoke this morning, is unable to get EU funding, unless it shifts its office up to the Border, to north Louth or south Armagh, and that is not feasible. I know people from all sides suffered in the course of the conflict but we must remind ourselves that this Oireachtas sought an inquiry and was critical of the lack of co-operation from the British given that there is a very strong belief that this bombing in the town of Monaghan and here in the city of Dublin was conducted with the collusion, support, assistance and direction of agents of the British Government. That is a huge issue to have been allowed to fester as long as it has festered. I asked the Taoiseach what the Government has done on this issue in terms of the diplomatic services of the Department of Foreign Affairs and so on in trying to get the British to change their mind on their position because otherwise the Taoiseach looks as if he is totally impotent. Effectively, he stands up and says "I disagree, I want this to happen" but it does not happen.
Similarly in terms of funding for Justice for the Forgotten, it shows where the Government's heart is - with such a small amount of money being involved. I welcome what I consider to be a positive statement from the Taoiseach on that. . "

Reply contained nothing of note re these bombings or JFF but covered other areas that were raised in the full question around Ballymurphy etc. The earlier reply is a little disingenuous by suggested that they are looking for money to run an 'additional' office in Dublin since JFF have maintained an office in Dublin for many years but have been forced to close it due to lack of funds over the last few weeks. They linked up with the PFC when funds ran out earlier but they are still doing the work from before relating to the bombings and happenings on the southern side of the border as well as some cases with links here such as the Miami Showband Massacre.

Not wishing to derail the thread but I think it should be noted that the same source of funding for much of this type of work, the European based PEACE III programme (as mentioned above during the debate) has recently announced 900,000 sterling to be given to the Orange Order to help address the legacy of the 'Troubles' in the Protestant community. While this community work is important it seems an unusual organisation to pick to do this work, it's not one that I would have associated with a reconciliatory stance.

by Joe Murphy Wed May 16, 2012 12:42

Some photographs of Monaghan after the bombing

An elevated picture of the bomb site, copyright the owner

An up close picture of the aftermath, copyright the owner

Alternative up close pic of the aftermath, copyright the owner

A Third up close picture of the bomb damage, ,copyright the owner

by Joe Murphy Wed May 16, 2012 13:44

Details of the cars used in the attacks:

Parnell Street
The cars that contained the deadly cargo for Dublin were hijacked on the morning of 17 May. The olive green metallic Hillman Avenger, registration number DIA 4063 was, according to its owner, hijacked at the owner's home in Torrens Road in the Oldpark Road area at 10 am by three masked men. He was held by two of the men until 4 pm and made a statement to the RUC at 5 pm. This car exploded in Parnell Street.

Talbot Street
The blue Ford Escort, registration number 1385 WZ, was stolen from outside a firm of haulage contractors and belonging to an employee of the firm, in Duncrue Road in the docks area of Belfast between 8 and 10.30 am. This car exploded in Talbot Street and was more difficult to trace because the registration plates were partially destroyed in the explosion.

South Leinster Street
The third Dublin bomb car was a Lagoon blue Austin 1800 taxi, registration number HOI 2487, which was hijacked at Agnes Street, off the Shankill Road, at 9 am. The owner/driver was held until 2 pm when he was released but ordered to go home and to wait until 3 pm to report his vehicle as missing to Tennent Street RUC station. He made his report at 3.20 pm. This car exploded just over two hours later in South Leinster Street.

North Road, Monaghan
The car for Monaghan, a green Hillman Minx, registration number 6583 OZ, was stolen from West Street car park in Portadown while its owner was shopping. The car had been parked at around 3.30 pm and was missing on the owner's return at approximately 4.20 pm. It was immediately reported missing to Portadown RUC station. This car exploded in Monaghan at 6.58 pm.

People walking over evidence at the Parnell Street scene, copyright the owner

Car on fire at South Leinster Street, copyright the owner

by Joe Murphy Wed May 16, 2012 13:52

The Biographical Details Of The Victims Of The Dublin And Monaghan Bombings as outlined in the Barron Report.

Biographical Details Of The Victims Of The Dublin And Monaghan Bombings

Patrick Askin (44): Forestry worker, married, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan. Killed in the Monaghan
bomb. Survived by his wife, Patricia and four young children: sons Paul and Patrick, aged 6 and
7 and two-year-old twin daughters, Sonia and Sharon.

Josie Bradley (21): Civil Servant, single, Coolfin, Kilcormack, Co. Offaly. Killed in Talbot Street,
Dublin. Survived by her parents, May and Chris, twin sister, Marian and eight other siblings.

Marie Butler (21): Temporarily employed as a shop assistant at Clery’s while awaiting a nursing
place at Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital, single. Vilierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. Killed in
Parnell Street, Dublin. Survived by her mother, Mary.

Anne Byrne (35): Housewife married, Donaghmede, Dublin. Killed in Talbot Street while on a
shopping trip. Survived by her husband, Michael, and two children: Michelle aged 8 and Trevor,
aged 4.

Thomas Campbell (52): Agricultural worker, single, Silverstream, Co. Monaghan. Killed in
Monaghan. Survived by his mother and sister, Mary, also two stepsisters. His mother never
recovered from the shock of his death and died six weeks later.

Simone Chetrit (30): A French citizen visiting Ireland with a number of other French students
on an English language course. She was due to return to her home in Paris the following
morning. She was single and was survived by her parents, brothers Elie, Maurice, Marcel and
Albert and sister, Yvette. She was killed in Talbot Street.

Thomas Croarkin (36): Agricultural worker, single, Tyholland, Co. Monaghan. Seriously injured in
Monaghan and survived until 24th July, 1974 when he died in the Richmond Hospital, Dublin.
Survived by his mother and seven siblings.

John Dargle (80): John was a pensioner, who lived alone at Portland Row, Ballybough, Dublin. It
seems he had served in the British Army and was working at the Corporation Fruit Market in
Dublin. He was killed in the Parnell street bombing.

Concepta Dempsey (65): A shop-assistant at Guiney’s, Talbot Street, Concepta was single, and
lived at Chord Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth. She was seriously injured in Talbot Street and
survived until 11th June when she died in the Mater Hospital. She was survived by five nieces
and nephews: Vincent, Deirdre, Gertie, Raymond and Aidan.

Collette & Baby Doherty (21): Colette ran a shop in Sheriff Street with her husband John. She
was nine months pregnant when she was killed in Talbot Street. She was survived by her
husband, John, daughter, Wendy, aged 22 months, her parents, Michael and Winifred and
siblings. Wendy was with her when she was killed and was found wandering an hour later,
relatively unharmed.

Patrick Fay (47): He was employed in the GPO, married, a native of Ardee, Co. Louth, he lived in
Artane, Dublin. He was survived by his wife, Maura and only son, Pat, who had moved to live in
London. He was killed in Parnell Street, having just filled his car with petrol at Westbrook
Motors.

Elizabeth Fitzgerald (59): She had lived with her husband, Christopher in Phibsborough. Both
were injured in the Talbot Street bombing. She survived until 19th May 1974, while her
husband, Christopher, recovered in the Mater Hospital.

Breda Grace (35): Married, housewife and living in Portmarnock, originally from Tralee, Co.
Kerry. She was survived by her husband, Tim and 12 month-old son, Edward. Breda was killed
in Talbot Street.

Archie Harper (73): An active man who still ran a farm and family pub in his native Co.
Monaghan. He was survived by his wife and only daughter, Iris. He was injured in the
Monaghan bombing and died on the following Tuesday night, 21st May, at 11.45pm.

Antonio Magliocco (37): Italian citizen. Restaurant owner, survived by his wife, Anna, and three
young children, Tommassino, Corrado and Marinella. He was a native of Casalattico, near
Cassino, in Italy. He was killed instantly in the explosion in Parnell Street, while visiting his
brother Mario’s restaurant. His wife and family moved back to Italy a number of years after
his death, but his brothers and sisters remained in Ireland.

May McKenna (55): Originally from Monaghan and Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, but lived in Talbot
Street (over O’Neill’s Shoe Shop). She was employed at Clery’s. She was survived by her
sister, Margaret McNicholl, brother-in-law and three nephews. May was killed instantly in the
Talbot Street explosion.

Anne Marren (20): Worked in Department of Posts and Telegraphs in Hawkins Street. She was
a native of Lavagh, Ballymote, Co. Sligo. She was survived by her father, two sisters and two
brothers. Anne was killed in the Talbot Street explosion.

Anna Massey (21): Worked a Lisney’s Auctioneers and from Sallynoggin, Dublin. Anne was the
eldest of seven girls and was a twin. She was survived by her parents, Frank and Annie, and
sisters. She was engaged to be married and her wedding was due to take place in July 1974.
Anna was killed in the South Leinster Street explosion.

Dorothy Morris (57): Employed at Cadbury’s, Dorothy had five siblings and lived all her life in
Kimmage with her mother and sister, Georgina. She was killed in the Talbot Street explosion.

O’Brien Family – John O’Brien (24), Anna O’Brien (22), Jacqueline (17 mths) & Anne-Marie (5
moths): Lived in Gardiner Street, originally from Finglas. John worked in Palm Grove, the ice-
pop factory. This entire family was wiped out in the Parnell Street explosion.

Christina O’Loughlin (51): Worked in the Shelbourne Hotel as a French polisher. Resided in
Townsend Street, Dublin. She was survived by her husband, Kevin and two adult sons, Kevin
Junior and Pius. Christina was killed in the South Leinster Street explosion.

Edward John O’Neill (39): Self-employed painter and decorator who lived in Dominick Street
with his wife, Martha and five children: Denise, Angela, Billy, Edward, Jnr., and Niall. Edward
was killed and his two young sons were seriously injured in the Parnell Street bombing. His wife
gave birth to a stillborn daughter three months after his death.

Baby Martha O’Neill (stillborn): Stillborn child of Edward and Martha O’Neill, born in August
1974.

Marie Phelan (20): Worked in the Civil Service. Originally from Ballyvoreen, Woodstown, Co.
Waterford and living in Dublin. Survived by her parents, Kitty and Billy, and brothers, Pat and
Anthony. Marie was killed in the Talbot Street explosion.

Siobhán Roice (19): Worked in the Civil Service. Originally from Thomas Street, Wexford
Town and living in Dublin. She was survived by her parents, Johanna and Edward, sisters Aileen
and Elizabeth and brother James. Siobhan was killed in the Talbot Street explosion.

Maureen Shields (46): Originally from Hollyford, Co. Tipperary, Maureen moved to Dublin where
she worked in the Civil Service until her marriage to Leo in 1953. They had one son and two
daughters. Maureen was killed in the Talbot Street explosion.

Jack Travers (28): Self-employed, single and from Park Street, Monaghan Town. Jack still
lived with his family and was very athletic. He was engaged to be married. Survived by his
parents, brother Jim, sisters and fiancée. Jack was killed in the explosion in North Street,
Monaghan.

Breda Turner: Worked in the Civil Service, in the Income Tax Office, she was engaged to be
married the following Easter. Originally from Thurles, Co. Tipperary, she had moved to Dublin
and was survived by her parents, Biddy and Jimmy, and brother and sisters. She was killed in
the Parnell Street explosion.

John Walshe (27): Single, from Crumlin, Dublin. He was survived by his father and mother,
sisters Anne and Mary and girlfriend Joan. He was killed in the Talbot Street explosion.

Peggy White (45): Part-time restaurant worker. She was survived by her husband, Joe, a
daughter and three young sons. She lived in Belgium Park, Monaghan town. Peggy was injured in
the bomb in North Road, Monaghan town and died on the night of the bombing.

George Williamson (72): A bachelor farmer from Castleshane, Co. Monaghan. George was
survived by his sister. Margaret and two brothers, Isiaiah and Jesse, as well as nieces and
nephews. He was killed in the explosion in North Road, Monaghan.

by Rational Ecologist Thu May 17, 2012 09:27

Today, the 38th anniversary of the Dublin/Monaghan bombings, is one that in my family, there will be an atmosphere of longing and sadness, mostly unspoken, a day of private reflection for a fallen member of our Family. 38 years ago my cousin, Marie Butler, was murdered. Today is a day for grieving and remembrance. Marie was not single; she was in fact engaged to be married.
A murder such as thing one, with the collusion of our state and others, should be described as a murder and nothing else.
38 years later my family still grieve, as I am sure all the other families do.
Today our thoughts and prayers should be with the families of those who perished on that day.
Thanks.

by joe murphy Fri May 25, 2012 17:07

Just over a week ago a crowd of relatives, survivors and supporters gathered on Talbot Street to remember the events in Dublin and Monaghan of 38 years ago.

Pat Fay was the master of ceremonies for the events at Talbot Street. His father, Patrick, was killed in the Parnell Street bomb that day.
He introduced the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Andrew Montague, an unexpected attendee, who gave a short address. In attendance also were Sinn Féin TDs Seán Crowe and Aenghus Ó Snodaigh, Socialist TD Clare Daly, Independent TDs Mick Wallace and Maureen O'Sullivan as well as Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith.

This year's oration was delivered by Cormac Ó Dúlacháin, senior counsel, who has been a legal adviser to Justice For the Forgotten (JFF) for the past 16 years. His address is online at the JFF website, the direct link is http://www.dublinmonaghanbombings.org/38dubmonoration.html.

The names of the victims were then read by Bernie McNally, an injured survivor while another survivor, John Molloy, laid a wreath on behalf of JFF which was followed by the laying of flowers and wreaths from the families which were subsequently blessed by Rev. Philip Bradley, from Milltown, who led the prayers.

Other bombings in the South were also remembered, such as those that took place in Dublin in 1972 and 1973.

The names of all victims were also read out at the following Mass in Dublin’s Pro Cathedral which was con-celebrated by Dr. Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin (homily available online here - http://www.dublindiocese.ie/content/commemorative-mass-...bings) along with Frs. Damian O'Rielly and Damian McNeice. A beautiful singer and harpist accompanied the mass.

At the same time the anniversary and outstanding issues were raised in both houses of the Oireachtas.
In the Dáil the SF member for Cavan-Monaghan, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, raised the issue and it was responded to by the Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter (See this link for the debate - http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2012/05/17/00015.asp).

The mentions in Seanad Éireann are listed below:

Senator Jim Walsh:
Given the day that is in it, we should acknowledge that on this day 38 years ago 34 of Ireland citizens were murdered in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. After 38 years, our civil societies and successive Governments have failed to bring those responsible to justice. They have failed the victims by not pursuing as strongly as they should have with the neighbouring island in order to have the truth of what happened regarding the collusion involved in those atrocities brought to light so that at least the victims can get some element of closure. They all have our sympathy on the day that is in it.

Senator Mary M. White: I wish to draw attention to today’s order paper, which includes No. 23, non-Government No. 1. The motion states:

That Seanad Éireann is keenly aware of the suffering of the families of those who died or were injured in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and in all the atrocities that were inquired into by Judge Henry Barron; that this suffering is exacerbated by the absence of closure in these terrible tragedies; and that we support their call for co-operation by the British Government to actively participate in a process to help provide answers to the questions that remain unanswered; and that the Irish Government will continue in its efforts to urge the British Government to give urgent consideration to this matter.

This is a national scandal.

Senator Mary Moran: I also wish to acknowledge that today marks the 38th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, which claimed 34 lives. I commend the Justice for the Forgotten group whose representatives I met earlier this year as a member of the Joint Committee for the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. The group will have a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial in Talbot Street later today.

One side of the Talbot Street Memorial shortly after the wreath and flower laying on the 17th May 2012

Dublin Mayor, Andrew Montague, addresses the crowd. Beside him is Pat Fay, and on Pats left is Rev. Philip Bradley

Cormac Ó Dúlacháin, senior counsel, legal advisor to JFF addresses the crowd

Bernie McNally, an injured survivor, reads out the names of the victims

The other side of the Talbot Street Memorial shortly after the wreath and flower laying

by joe murphy Fri May 25, 2012 17:15

Another couple of photographs from the 38th anniversary events

Alternative view of the Memorial

A closeup of some the flowers left at the foot of the Memorial