Northern Ireland

Aidan McAnespie's family meet with Leinster House committee

Aidan McAnespie was shot dead by the British army in February 1988
Aidan McAnespie was shot dead by the British army in February 1988 Aidan McAnespie was shot dead by the British army in February 1988

THE family of Aidan McAnespie yesterday met with a Leinster House committee to discuss his case.

The 23-year-old was shot dead after passing through a British army checkpoint as he made his way to Aghaloo's GAC's grounds near Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone in February 1988.

His elderly father John (82) was joined by sons Sean and Vincent and other relatives at a meeting with members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality, which is chaired by Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin.

The family was also accompanied by their solicitor Darragh Mackin.

A separate meeting was later held with Tánaiste Simon Coveney.

Mr McAnespie's killing sparked anger in nationalist circles and prompted the Irish government to appoint Garda deputy commissioner Eugene Crowley to investigate.

His report was received by then justice minister Gerry Collins in April 1988 but has never been published, with the Dublin government claiming some of those who gave evidence did so on the assurance of confidentiality.

Several high-profile GAA figures have recently backed the family’s campaign for the report to be released, while the family has also campaigned for body parts removed during a post mortem to be returned for burial.

Manslaughter charges brought against the soldier who fired the fatal shot were dropped. He was later fined for negligent discharge of his weapon and allowed to return to duty before being given a medical discharge in 1990.

The McAnespie case was referred back to the director of public prosecutions two years ago by attorney general John Larkin and it is understood the matter is still being considered.

Mr Ó Caoláin, who knew Mr McAnespie, said yesterday's meeting was a "very important engagement and commitments were given by members across all political expressions in attendance to lobby constantly until we see progress towards the release of the Crowley Report".

Mr McAnespie’s cousin Brian Gormley said committee members were "all very supportive of releasing the Crowley Report and are looking at ways they can progress the case".