Northern Ireland

Banner glorifying UVF killings erected in Co Tyrone

A banner glorifying former loyalist leader Billy Wright has been put up in Dungannon
A banner glorifying former loyalist leader Billy Wright has been put up in Dungannon A banner glorifying former loyalist leader Billy Wright has been put up in Dungannon

A victims' group has condemned a banner gloating about the UVF murder of four men which was hung from a lamppost in Co Tyrone.

The poster bearing the image of paramilitary leader Billy Wright was recently erected in the Eastvale Avenue area of Dungannon.

It reads “In proud and memory of Brigadier Billy Wright” and carries the quote “I would look back and say Cappagh was probably my best”.

It is believed this refers to the murder of four men in Cappagh, near Dungannon, in March 1991.

IRA men Malcolm Nugent (20), Dwayne O’Donnell (17) and John Quinn (23) were shot dead along with Thomas Armstrong (52) at Boyle’s Bar.

A UVF unit linked to Wright is believed to have been responsible.

It is understood the poster has been put up close to the site of an ‘Eleventh Night' bonfire.

There was controversy last year when a similar banner was put up in memory of UVF killer Wesley Somerville in nearby Moygashel.

Relatives for Justice director Mark Thompson said the Wright poster has “no place in a civilised society”.

“It is designed to cause further hurt to already grieving families,” he said.

“No-one in our society should be engaged in such provocative and depraved behaviour.”

Mr Thompson added that he has “no doubt it is a hate crime”.

“There are multiple agencies, local and governmental, all with legal responsibility to act immediately to have this poster removed and to hold those responsible for this egregious crime to account.”

Independent Dungannon-based councillor Barry Monteith also condemned the banner.

“It does not say a lot for the mentality of people who would take pleasure from and glorify other people’s grief,” he said.

PSNI Chief Inspector Stephen Humphries said last night: "Police are aware of an offensive sign that has been erected in the Dungannon area and are working with people in the community to have it removed."