Fourteen civilians were killed following a protest march in Derry in 1972.
Today (30 January) marks 50 years since Bloody Sunday.
14 civilians were killed during a civil rights march against internment without trial when British soldiers opened fire on them.
13 of those died on the day of the march, with one further civilian dying as a result of wounds sustained on the day months later.
The names of those civilians were John “Jackie” Duddy (17), Michael Kelly (17), Hugh Gilmour, (17), William Nash (19), John Young (17), Michael McDaid (20), Kevin McIlhenny (17), James “Jim” Wray (22), William McKinney (26), Gerard “Gerry” McKinney (35), Gerard “Gerry” Donaghy (17), Patrick Doherty (31), Bernard “Barney” McGuigan (41), and John Johnston (59).
Around 15 more civilians were injured during the course of the day.
A public inquiry into the events of 30 January 1972 by the British Government found that “the firing by soldiers of 1 PARA on Bloody Sunday caused the deaths of 13 people and injury to a similar number, none of whom was posing a threat of causing death or serious injury.”
The Saville Report found that those shot were unarmed, and that soldiers involved “knowingly put forward false accounts” of the day.
The day has been remembered with an annual memorial service in Derry, with a march towards a commemorative monument.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin appeared at the service today, laying a wreath at the monument.
Today we remember all those who died or were injured as a result of the atrocity on #BloodySunday50, one of the darkest days for this island.
We also pay tribute to the families of the victims, whose dignity and persistence in the search for truth and justice has never wavered. pic.twitter.com/tVLbtxJxnR
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 30, 2022
“Today we remember all those who died or were injured as a result of the atrocity on Bloody Sunday, one of the darkest days for this island,” the Taoiseach said.
“We also pay tribute to the families of the victims, whose dignity and persistence in the search for truth and justice has never wavered.”
President Michael D. Higgins is set to appear via a recorded speech later in the day.
A special commemorative edition of the Derry Journal was published this morning, featuring the image of Paddy Walsh coming to the aid of Patrick Doherty.
Special commemorative edition published today dedicated to the families and the people of Derry who stood with them. Available in shops and to order internationally. #BloodySunday50 – We Remember Still. pic.twitter.com/9mdntcbM7W
— Derry Journal (@derryjournal) January 28, 2022
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