'Why are we suffering, what did we all do wrong?' Families unite in grief for victims of Republican terrorist murders at Walker's Bar, 50 years on from Troubles atrocity
Family members are united in grief as they remember the victims of the Walker’s Bar attack, 50 years after the Republican act of sectarian brutality.
On June 25, 1976, paramilitaries committed a triple murder when they sprayed the Templepatrick pub with an Armalite assault rifle while revellers enjoyed a Friday night cabaret show.
Three protestant civilians were killed in the atrocity – brother and sister Ruby Kidd and Francis Walker, aged 28 and 17 respectively, and a 56-year-old member of their extended family, Joseph McBride, who worked occasional shifts as a doorman.
Six more were injured in the attack, which was claimed by a group calling itself “Republican Action Force”. The paramilitary outfit is broadly understood to be a cover name used by IRA hardliners who unleashed violence on civilian targets during a short-lived supposed ceasefire, though some historians have alleged pockets of the INLA were also members.
As the solemn anniversary neared, Eileen Kidd, Ruby’s daughter and the niece of Francis, and Joseph’s son Ken McBride shared the still sharp pain of the loss of their loved ones.
As if addressing her mother directly, Eileen said: “Living without you in our lives feels surreal, somewhat deceiving.
“You’re a nana, great-nana, and a great-great-nana. My first child was born, but you weren’t there; I’ve had three more after and you still weren’t there.
“Your sister Olive sends me the most beautiful cards, she often writes how proud you'd have been of me. I’m 56 now and I still need you, and I will forever.
“We have six beautiful grandchildren who we totally adore. I wish you could see what I see.
“These days I ask the question, why? Why are we suffering, what did we all do wrong? We see your picture, look at your smile; you’re beautiful and, we’ve heard a few stories of friends gone by, you were funny too.”
Eileen described her uncle as “just a boy, an innocent in every conceivable understanding” who Ruby loved and doted on.
“You went together and we know you still do,” she said. “We look for similarities within our own children, expressions, mannerisms – but of course how can we, when you don't remember?
“The devastation haunts me. We’ll be together soon, I love you mum and I always will.”
Ken McBride said his father, a farmer and former tractor salesman, both socialised and did some casual work at the bar, and along with Francis attempted to stop the armed paramilitaries when they attacked.
He added: “The loathsome creatures who carried out this cowardly act have never been brought to justice and we are highly sceptical that they ever will.
“I really hadn’t given thought to taking on the small farm my father owned but I made the decision to get on with it, supported by my mother. I couldn’t bear the thought of being driven out by a bunch of mindless thugs manipulated by evil, callous, calculating minds who know killing people disrupts the course of everyone around the deceased.
“I’m still here; I’ve improved the farm and prospered, and we have a family who will probably carry it on.”
Victims’ group SEFF has supported the families, its director Kenny Donaldson stating: “The love in which these three innocents were held has been striking.”