Inquiry into man's murder

 By Elaine Keogh

 The Government intends to make public the findings of an inquiry into the murder of a man more than 20 years ago, Justice Minister Michael McDowell has said.

 The family of forestry worker Seamus Ludlow (47) believe he was murdered in May 1976 by four loyalists - two of whom they claim were members of the UDR.

They have been campaigning for a full public inquiry into his death.

At the time it was claimed the IRA murdered Mr Ludlow because he was an informer but senior republican sources later dismissed this.

Mr Ludlow, who was single, is believed to have been targeted at random by the gang who saw him hitching a lift from the outskirts of Dundalk to his home at Thistlecross.

Shot

He was shot and his body dumped a short distance from his home.

No one ever claimed responsibility for his death.

 Speaking in Dundalk this week, Minister McDowell, who met the family when he was Attorney General, said the Government did not want to keep[ the findings secret and "as far as it is legally possible" it will publish them The Ludlow family is co-operating with the inquiry by Judge Henry Barron.

 The Louth County Coroner is in the process of preparing a new inquest into Mr Ludlow's death as his family was not present at the original one.

They believe there is additional evidence to be given. It is expected to take place later this year

The Argus, 27 August 1976: Inquest hears of North Louth shooting

Monaghan County of Intrigue (1979) by the late Michael Cunningham: Quoting from Mr. Cunningham's account of his private investigation of Seamus Ludlow's murder.

The Irish Independent, 19 July 2002: Fresh inquest into death of murdered man

The Irish News, 19 July 2002: Family welcome inquest 26 years after murder

The Dundalk Democrat, 20 July 2002: Second inquest to be held into the death of Seamus Ludlow

The Irish News 5 March 2003: Family's wait for murder file over

The Dundalk Democrat, 8 March 2003: Ludlow murder: files to be made available

Celtic League - LUDLOW KILLING - ANOTHER STEP ON THE ROAD TO JUSTICE? - 08/03/2003

The Irish News, 11 March 2003: Family 'cautious' over inquest progress

The Irish Sun, 26 March 2003: Report on Ludlow to be unveiled

The Irish News, 27 March 2003: Government 'will not keep Ludlow secrets'