- Murder of Ronan Kerr
-
Police Constable Ronan Kerr was a Police Service of Northern Ireland officer killed by a booby-trap car bomb planted outside his home on the 2 April 2011 in Killyclogher near Omagh.[1] Responsibility for the attack was later claimed by dissident republicans claiming the mantle of the Provisional IRA and separate from other dissident republican groups.[2][3]
Kerr was Roman Catholic, a group which at the time constituted approximately 30% of PSNI officers (a proportion recruitment policies were trying to increase),[4] and was 25 at the time of the murder. He was a member of a Gaelic Athletic Association club, the Beragh Red Knights. The guard of honour at Kerr's funeral was formed of club members and PSNI officers, a funeral also attended by the leaders of Ireland's four main churches.[5]
Reaction
His murder was condemned by almost all sections of Northern Irish politics and society as well as bringing international condemnation.[6][7] On the 6th April a Peace Rally was organised in Belfast by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, which was reported to have been attended by up to 7000 persons.[8] Similar events were held in Omagh, Enniskillen, and London.[9]
BBC Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson commented, in relation to the unified response of the community, "A murder designed to divide people has actually brought them closer together."[5]
See also
- Dissident Irish Republican Campaign 1998 - Present
References
- ^ Booby trap bomb kills policeman in Northern Ireland - 3 April 2011 - The Independent
- ^ Peter Robinson condemns Ronan Kerr murder claim - 22 April 2011 - BBC News
- ^ Former Provos claim Kerr murder and vow more attacks - 22 April 2011 - Belfast Telegraph
- ^ Northern Ireland’s McGuinness Says Dissidents are `Enemies' - 4 April 2011 - Bloomberg
- ^ a b Ronan Kerr's killers told: 'In God's name stop' - 6 April 2011 - BBC news
- ^ Ronan Kerr murder: Omagh rally a 'message for peace' - BBC News, 10 April 2011
- ^ Omagh bombing condemned across Northern Ireland - BBC News, 3 April 2011
- ^ Peace rally held after Pc murder - 6 April 2011 - Belfast Telegraph
- ^ Thousands Back 'Not In My Name' Rally - 11 April 2011 - 4ni.co.uk
Categories:- Murder victims from Northern Ireland
- Murdered British police officers
- Police Service of Northern Ireland officers
- Terrorism deaths in Northern Ireland
- People of the Year Awards winners
- Northern Irish people stubs
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