IRA Admits Four Men on Active Service During 1992 Clonoe Church Shooting
The IRA has acknowledged that four individuals were on active service when they were killed during the 1992 shooting at St Patrick’s Church in Clonoe. This revelation comes amidst unionist anger following the findings of an inquest into the incident.
DUP Criticizes the Coroner’s Findings
DUP leader Gavin Robinson expressed disbelief in the inquest findings, stating that the operation was “absolutely necessary and lawful action against an armed IRA unit.”
“This judgement beggars belief,” Robinson emphasized.
Incident Details
The four individuals — all IRA members from the east Tyrone brigade — were killed near Clonoe. They were allegedly attacking Coalisland RUC Station minutes before the incident.
Soldiers fired over 500 rounds after the IRA group used a hijacked lorry to conduct a machine gun attack.
Inquest Findings
Coroner Mr Justice Michael Humphreys found that there was no justification for the use of lethal force by soldiers in each case.
Mr Justice Humphreys further noted that soldiers did not have an honest belief that they needed to use deadly force to prevent loss of life.
The Daily Telegraph highlighted that these findings could potentially spur a criminal investigation and prosecution.
One military source quoted by The Telegraph stated, “As night follows day, we expect the coroner to refer these soldiers to prosecutors for investigation and possible prosecution.”
Family’s Perspective
Niall Murphy, a solicitor representing the families affected by the shooting, stated, “Whereas truth has been excavated and published today, justice has not.”
“We’re going to carefully consider this verdict with regards to any prospect of prosecutions,” he added.
Unionist Reactions
Unionist responses were largely critical of the coroner’s ruling, arguing that the SAS’s actions were justified in response to a terrorist attack.
Doug Beattie, an Ulster Unionist MLA, described it as “ludicrous to say that the shooting of four heavily armed terrorists was unjustified.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Beattie argued, “When we weigh up the intent of the terrorists in what was an organized and murderous action, the end result is, to all right-minded people, justified.”
Details of the Inquest
The inquest revealed that each of the slain men died shortly before 11 PM on February 16, 1992.
Soldier F claimed firing at the IRA members who he believed were about to open fire on the patrol. However, the inquest found that the IRA members were attempting to flee, presenting no immediate threat.
Kevin O’Donnell, 21, sustained fatal injuries when he attempted to flee and then again after falling incapacitated. Peter Clancy, 21, faced multiple shots while running away and while incapacitated on the ground. Patrick Vincent, 20, was shot while sitting in the hijacked lorry and again after collapsing. Sean O’Farrell, 22, met a similar fate, shot in the back while fleeing and again while lying incapacitated.
Consequences of False Police Reports
Mr Justice Humphreys highlighted inconsistencies between initial police reports and the reality of the incident. He found that reports of simultaneous shooting and firefight were demonstrably false and must have been known as untrue.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Implications
The inquest’s findings rekindle public debate on the legitimacy and consequences of military actions during the Troubles. The potential for criminal prosecution of soldiers adds a new dimension to an already contentious incident.
For families and activists, these findings represent a step toward revealing the full truth of the incident. Unionist leaders, however, fear that attempts to prosecute could set a dangerous precedent.