Victims of IRA bombing of Teebane 30 years ago remembered at service

‘No apology or acknowledgment’ of Co Tyrone atrocity ever given by perpetrators

Survivor Harry King is comforted at the memorial. Photograph: Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Survivor Harry King is comforted at the memorial. Photograph: Jonathan Porter/PressEye

The eight men killed in a bomb attack in Co Tyrone 30 years ago have been remembered at a service.

On January 17th, 1992, an IRA bomb killed eight Protestant workmen who had been travelling in a minibus past Teebane crossroads between Cookstown and Omagh. Six others were injured.

The men’s firm was targeted because it carried out work for the security forces.

Families of the deceased and injured gathered on Sunday afternoon for an open-air service to remember the victims.

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Harry King, a survivor of the blast, said it was “important” for him to come back and remember his friends and colleagues.

The open-air service to remember the victims of the Teebane bombing. Photograph: Kenny Donaldson/PA Wire
The open-air service to remember the victims of the Teebane bombing. Photograph: Kenny Donaldson/PA Wire

“It’s hard to express how I feel in words. It’s just too hard,” he said.

“The event affected my life and it was very difficult but I’m here.”

Victims campaigner Kenny Donaldson said that the attack was motivated by “naked ethnic and sectarian hatred”.

Mr Donaldson, who works with the South East Fermanagh Foundation, added: “There has been little focus upon Teebane over the years, no multimillion-pound inquiry, no apology or acknowledgement shown by the perpetrators.

“The Teebane families and those injured have had to battle on, often alone. Yet they have kept their dignity and have not allowed the injustices visited to embitter them”.

“On this 30th anniversary we would reissue an appeal for information concerning the Teebane massacre. There are people living within the community who possess the information which could bring to account those responsible.”

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister was among those who attended the service.