43rd Commemoration of Dublin/Monaghan Bombings

The years pass by and still the families bereaved in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of May 1974 seek justice and truth.

Forty-three years after loyalists killed 34 people, including an unborn child, in the bombings of Dublin city and Monaghan town, people gathered to mourn and to remember.

They also demand that the British government release papers to an independent, agreed judicial figure to resolve the families' belief that London played a role.

Margaret Urwin at the Commemoration
Margaret Urwin of Justice for the Forgotten speaking at the Memorial in Dublin

 

U2 sent good wishes - last year they featured the injustice of Dublin/Monaghan in their world tour.

U2 sent good wishes and a floral tribute
U2 sent a floral tribute and their good wishes

 

The main speaker at the commemoration this year was Denis Bradley, former Derry priest and joint chair of the Eames/Bradley Commission on the Past.

Denis Bradley speaking at the commemoration

 

But the most important people there, as ever, were the grieving families who long, long struggle for justice and truth remains unfulfilled.

Aidan Shields speaking at the commemoration
Aidan Shields who lost his mother, Maureen, in the Dublin explosions.

 

Let us hope that, by this time next year, the 44th anniversary, politicians in London will finally have the decency to open the files so the families know as much of the truth as may now be possible.  JFF and the PFC thank those Irish politicians who are genuinely doing their best to help the families.  Some (see below) gathered in Dublin today to demand London move towards acknowledging its role.

Politicians gather on the 43 anniversary of the Dublin/Monaghan bombings
Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan, Deputy Brendan Smith and Deputy Sean Crowe following a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, T.D