A DIGGER is believed to have been used to demolish a monument put up in memory of two IRA members killed by the SAS.
The stone memorial at Drumfurrer in Co Monaghan was completely destroyed in the attack this week.
The memorial was dedicated to Jim Lynagh and Padraig McKearney who were killed during an SAS ambush at Loughgall in Co Armagh in 1987.
Six other IRA members and a civilian also died in the British army ambush launched as republicans attacked the RUC station in the village.
The memorial was located in a remote area close to the border with Co Tyrone in an area known as a traditional republican heartland.
It is believed it was put up by republicans in the area in 2007.
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Only rubble remained at the site yesterday. It is not known why it was targeted.
While memorials dedicated to people killed in the conflict have been attacked and damaged in the past it is unusual for one to be completely destroyed.
In a joint statement Mairead Kelly and Roisin Ni Cheallaigh of the Loughgall Truth and Justice Campaign said they were “truly shocked and astounded” by the attack.
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Describing the demolition as a “desecration” they said: “To do this to any of the Loughgall families is to do it to us all. It is a very upsetting...but our memories and thoughts cannot be erased."
Gardaí last night said they were unware of the incident.