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Soldiers killed in Lisburn fun run bombing remembered on 30th anniversary

The scene in Lisburn's Market Square in June, 1988 after the IRA planted a bomb under an army transit van. Picture by Pacemaker
The scene in Lisburn's Market Square in June, 1988 after the IRA planted a bomb under an army transit van. Picture by Pacemaker The scene in Lisburn's Market Square in June, 1988 after the IRA planted a bomb under an army transit van. Picture by Pacemaker

A MEMORIAL plaque to six British soldiers killed by an IRA van bomb at a Lisburn fun run will be rededicated today on the 30th anniversary of the attack.

The IRA detonated a 7.5lb Semtex bomb under the soldiers' unmarked van in Market Square on the evening of June 15, 1988.

They had finished competing in the charity half marathon alongside 250 other soldiers and civilians when the bomb exploded.

Some runners and spectators were also badly injured, including a young bride-to-be who was shopping for her wedding dress.

Those who died were Sergeant Michael James Winkler (31) and soldiers William J. Patterson (22), Graham P Lambie (22), Derek W Green (20), Mark Clavey (24) and Ian Metcalfe (36).

They served in the Royal Signals Regiment.

Their deaths and that of eight soldiers in an IRA road bomb attack on an army bus in Ballygawley, Co Tyrone in August 20, 1988 precipitated the introduction of increased government security measures.

Soldiers began to be ferried into and out of Co Tyrone and other locations by helicopter.

Lisburn and Castlereagh mayor Uel Mackin will lead the public commemorative service in Market Square starting at 6.30pm this evening.

A senior army officer from the 36th Brigade stationed at Thiepval will lay a wreath.

“The loss of life, devastation and destruction that took place that terrible evening three decades ago is something that so many local people still remember,” said the DUP councillor.

“There were some 11 injuries to bystanders who were in Lisburn that evening as many young people, families and children had participated in the event and the town was very busy.

“One can only contemplate the shock and grief of their family relatives who were left in the deepest mourning.”

He added that he was "privileged" to lead the service and said the soldiers would never be forgotten by the Lisburn people.

Motorists can expect city centre traffic to be disrupted around Market Place from 5.30pm - 7.30pm.

The scene in Lisburn's Market Square in June, 1988 after the IRA planted a bomb under an army transit van. Picture by Pacemaker
The scene in Lisburn's Market Square in June, 1988 after the IRA planted a bomb under an army transit van. Picture by Pacemaker The scene in Lisburn's Market Square in June, 1988 after the IRA planted a bomb under an army transit van. Picture by Pacemaker