The Dundalk Democrat, 7 August 1999:

Ludlow murder inquiry report "A place and a name"

A Report calling for a private inquiry into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan Bombings also refers to the 1975 Dundalk Bombing and the 1976 murder of Mountpleasant man Seamus Ludlow, writes Anne-Marie Eaton.

The report, entitled "A Place and a Name" was carried out by the Victims' Commission under the Chairmanship of former Tanaiste John P. Wilson, who many will remember was involved in the recent attempts to locate the "Bodies of the Disappeared," who were murdered over the years by the IRA.

However, many of the families of those who died, including the relatives of Seamus Ludlow, who, it is alleged, was murdered near his Mountpleasant home by members of the UDR, feel that a public inquiry is the only way to find out the truth about their relative's murder.

Minister Dermot Ahern TD this week welcomed the report and regarding the Dundalk Bombing of 1975 stated "I note the comments of the Commission, specific recommendations for an independent inquiry into the Dundalk Bombing have not been made.

"I would hope that following the publication of this report more people will come forward with information to assist all enquiries into this atrocity."

Concerning the murder of Seamus Ludlow, Minister Ahern commented that he particularly welcomed the recommendation of the Commission that a full inquiry be conducted into Seamus' murder along the lines of the enquiry into the Dublin/Monaghan Bombings.

The truth

He continued: "It is in the greater public interest that the truth about individual cases come to light and the perpetrators be brought to justice so that the injured and the bereaved can experience a sense of closure, which, while never compensating for the injuries and loss incurred, will go somewhat towards helping them to overcome the trauma still being experienced".

Recently elected Sinn Fein County Councillor Arthur Morgan, agreeing with family members of the deceased and injured, stated that a Public inquiry must be held to ascertain the truth.

Ignored?

He stated: "Seamus Ludlow was murdered by UDR soldiers on 1st May 1976. Since that time, the case has been ignored by the State. Despite the efforts of Seamus' family and friends to uncover the facts, they have been met with evasion or indifference by the authorities".

Cllr. Morgan continued: "If it is to be of any real value, the inquiry must be held in public. There are vital questions to be answered by State agencies, including the Garda, the Garda Special Branch in Louth and Dublin, and Irish army Intelligence."

I Homepage I I Top I I Press coverage I I Irish Victims Commission Report. I I The Irish News, 7 August 1999: Ludlows call for public inquiry I