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Dungannon justice campaigner passes away

Norbert McCaughey campaigned tirelessly throughout his life for justice for his murdered son 
Norbert McCaughey campaigned tirelessly throughout his life for justice for his murdered son  Norbert McCaughey campaigned tirelessly throughout his life for justice for his murdered son 

A Co Tyrone man whose young son was killed in a UVF bomb in 1976 has died.

Norbert McCaughey, who lived in Dungannon and was a father-of-10, passed away at home on Sunday.

Known as Nory, Mr McCaughey became a well-known justice campaigner following the death of his 13-year-old son, James, more than 40 years ago.

The teenager was killed when a UVF bomb exploded outside the Hillcrest Bar on the Donaghmore Road in Dungannon on St Patrick's Day in 1976.

He died alongside his best friend, Patrick Barnard, who was also 13. Also killed were two men, Andrew Small (62) and Joseph Kelly (57)`.

One man was convicted in connection with the bomb attack.

Following his son's death, Mr McCaughey campaigned tirelessly for justice.

Speaking about the atrocity, Mr McCaughey said he and his wife, Molly "never celebrated a March 17th since then".

"When James died, we had a hard time...," he said.

"Even though I'm 80 years of age and Jim has been gone for 40 years, it is just like yesterday. His death is something that never leaves me, it is still raw".

Alan Brecknell, from the Pat Finucane Centre, said: "Hopefully, the minds of those involved in political negotiations will be focused by the terrible tragedy of Nory's passing before more people die not knowing the truth about the deaths of their loved ones".

Requiem Mass for Mr McCaughey will take place on Wednesday at 10am at St Patrick's Church in Dungannon. Burial will take place afterwards in St Malachy's Churchyard in Edendork.