RELATIVES of those who died in the Loughinisland atrocity in 1994 will meet later to watch the Republic play Belgium in the same bar where their loved ones tragically lost their lives 22 years ago.
On June 18, 1994 masked gunmen burst into the packed Heights Bar and opened fire at customers watching Ireland play Italy in the World Cup.
In all six Catholic men lost their lives. They were Barney Green (87), Adrian Rogan (34), Malcolm Jenkinson (53), Daniel McCreanor (59), Patrick O’Hare (35), and 35-year-old Eamon Byrne. Five other people in the bar were wounded.
Aidan O'Toole, who survived the attack on his family bar, said relatives of those who died and were injured still meet to watch Ireland play in big tournaments as a way of supporting each other.
Earlier this week a social media campaign was launched urging football fans to remember the Loughinisland gun attack victims during the Republic's Euro match with Belgium.
'Stand Up For the Loughinisland Six' is urging supporters to stand in the sixth minute of the match.
The Football Association of Ireland did not confirm whether the team will take any measures to commemorate Loughinisland at today's game.
For the 18th anniversary of the massacre, Ireland players wore black armbands for their group match against Italy in Poland at Euro 2012.
The Republic play their second Group E game against Belgium in Bordeaux today at 2pm. The team drew their opening match of the tournament against Sweden 1-1.
