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10/12/2007
Miami Showband Memorial Unveiled
A memorial to the victims of the Miami Showband Massacre has been unveiled in Dublin by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Three members of the band - Tony Geraghty, Fran O'Toole and Brian McCoy - were murdered by gunmen from the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) near Newry, Co. Down in July 1975.
The band's bus was stopped by the UVF members, posing as soldiers at a fake roadside checkpoint. The band was told to line up while an attempt was made to plant a bomb on board the bus. However, the bomb exploded prematurely, killing UVF men Harris Boyle and Wesley Sommerville. The rest of the gang then opened fire on the band members.
Today's unveiling of the monument at the former National Ballroom on Parnell Square North was attended by survivors of the massacre, Stephen Travers and Des McAlea.
An inter-denominational prayer service was held with Catholic priest Fr Brian D'Arcy and Anglican rector, the Rev Robert Dean, while Eurovision Song Contest winner and former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon sang.
(KMcA)
Three members of the band - Tony Geraghty, Fran O'Toole and Brian McCoy - were murdered by gunmen from the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) near Newry, Co. Down in July 1975.
The band's bus was stopped by the UVF members, posing as soldiers at a fake roadside checkpoint. The band was told to line up while an attempt was made to plant a bomb on board the bus. However, the bomb exploded prematurely, killing UVF men Harris Boyle and Wesley Sommerville. The rest of the gang then opened fire on the band members.
Today's unveiling of the monument at the former National Ballroom on Parnell Square North was attended by survivors of the massacre, Stephen Travers and Des McAlea.
An inter-denominational prayer service was held with Catholic priest Fr Brian D'Arcy and Anglican rector, the Rev Robert Dean, while Eurovision Song Contest winner and former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon sang.
(KMcA)
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Parading conditions were broken by two bandsmen who played The Sash outside a Catholic Church. The two flute band members, Thomas Beresford, 21, of Strathearn Court and Stephen Walker, 28, of Church Green, both in Holywood, County Down, were convicted of knowingly flouting a ban on playing non-sacred music.
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Former UVF Leader Granted Bail
Gary Haggarty, a former UVF leader charged with murder, has been granted bail on condition that he keeps his whereabouts a secret.
Former UVF Leader Granted Bail
Gary Haggarty, a former UVF leader charged with murder, has been granted bail on condition that he keeps his whereabouts a secret.
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All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships Return To L'Derry
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All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships Return To L'Derry
The All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships are set to return to Derry in 2025, bringing a major cultural event to the city. The Executive Office announced that the prestigious competition will take place at Ebrington, a site that previously hosted the event during the 2013 UK City of Culture celebrations.
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Flute Band Apology Over Parochial House Urination
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L'Derry To Host All Ireland Pipe Championships
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L'Derry To Host All Ireland Pipe Championships
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
