Every year since the Madrid bombings in 2004 across Europe one day in March has been set aside as a Memorial Day to the victims of terrorist attacks. Following his election to the Assembly Jim Allister has hosted events at Stormont to mark the occasion. Over the years, there have been highly successful events attended by victims of Republican and Loyalist terrorism from across Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic and continental Europe. Last year the event moved online but is returning to an in person event for 2022.
In order to facilitate numbers this year’s event to mark European Day for Victims of Terrorism will be held in the La Mon Hotel on Wednesday 9th March 2022 beginning at 7.30pm.
The press are very welcome to attend.
Jim Allister explained:
“The event will take the form of a minute of silence in memory of murdered victims, followed by three victims telling their stories so that we might hear some of the untold accounts of the consequences of terrorism, both republican and loyalist.
“I believe this will be a worthwhile effort and in previous years I received very positive feedback from those who attended. It is but right that one of the regions of Europe most savagely ravaged by terrorism should mark this important day.
“I am thankful for the South East Fermanagh Foundation for coving the cost of hiring the venue and providing hospitality for the event and their invaluable assistance in making the event possible. ”
Those taking part this year by telling their stories are:
Lynda Van Cuylenberg
Lynda’s father Jackie Gibson (45), was one of nine to be murdered as a result of ‘Bloody Friday’ when the Provisional IRA set off 22 bombs across the city of Belfast on 21st July 1972 in a coordinated effort to instill terror and to damage the economy, 130 plus others were injured. Jackie was a bus driver. This year marks the 50th Anniversary since the atrocity and after representations made by SEFF, followed by discussions at Belfast City Council, that horrific event will now be marked by the Council in conjunction with those impacted. Lynda lives in London but the majority of the Gibson family circle live across Northern Ireland. Jackie and his wife had five children together.
Danny O’Reilly
Danny O’Reilly was one of eight children whose father Tony O’Reilly (43), was murdered alongside his Uncle Myles O’Reilly (41). They were shot dead in their own pub – The Golden Pheasant (near Lisburn) before it was blown up by the Ulster Volunteer Force on March 9th, 1976. Former Irish President Mary McAleese was reared just a few doors up from the O’Reilly’s and viewed them as her brothers, they were actually murdered on her wedding day. Poignantly Danny will speak on his Daddy and Uncle’s anniversary.
Sandra Harrison
Sandra’s brother Alan Johnston was murdered on 15th February 1988, Alan (23), was single, and was a part-time UDR soldier holding the rank of Lance-Corporal. He had arrived at his place of work to begin his shift at Kilkeel Joinery Works when he was shot dead by Provisional IRA terrorists. In December 1988, a Kilkeel man was given a life sentence for the murder of Alan but of course never served that life sentence due to the provisions made with The Belfast Agreement, Alan’s family continue to serve a life sentence. Sandra is the current chair of The MAST victims’ group in Kilkeel.
Kay and Wendy Burns
Kay’s father and Wendy’s Grandfather William Burns (45), was a Prison Officer and was murdered outside the family home at Knocknagoney, East Belfast by the Loyalist Prisoners’ Action Force (LPAF) on 30th December 1980 during a campaign aimed at improving conditions for loyalist prison inmates. The LPAF was widely viewed as a cover name for the UVF at the time. A short time after his 7am murder, another prison officer was shot and wounded at Castlereagh Street. Kay moved to England two years beforehand but was home for Christmas when her Dad was murdered, Kay now lives in Yorkshire.