DUP MLA: Teebane relatives, like other victims, scrapped a memorial this year due to Covid

Every day across Northern Ireland there are families who mark the anniversary of a loved one taken from them through the barbaric murders of the Troubles.
By Trevor Clarke
Published 11th Feb 2021, 13:29 BST
Updated 11th Feb 2021, 13:44 BST
Due to Covid there was no Teebane memorial gathering this year on the anniversary of the 1992 massacre, unlike in other years such as the 2017 event above. Picture PacemakerDue to Covid there was no Teebane memorial gathering this year on the anniversary of the 1992 massacre, unlike in other years such as the 2017 event above. Picture Pacemaker
Due to Covid there was no Teebane memorial gathering this year on the anniversary of the 1992 massacre, unlike in other years such as the 2017 event above. Picture Pacemaker

For my family it is the 17th January and the anniversary of the Teebane massacre where eight men were murdered (including my brother-in-law Nigel McKee) and six others injured by the Provisional IRA as they travelled home from work.

Each year since then the families have gathered on that roadside to hold a simple service of remembrance.


Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That service brings fellowship and comfort to the families, but this year it did not take place because of the wish to comply with Covid-19 regulations and prevent spread of that virus.

Eight Protestant men were killed in the IRA explosion at Teebane in January 1992. Picture PacemakerEight Protestant men were killed in the IRA explosion at Teebane in January 1992. Picture Pacemaker
Eight Protestant men were killed in the IRA explosion at Teebane in January 1992. Picture Pacemaker

Just a few weeks after Teebane, loyalist gunmen murdered five men in Sean Graham’s bookmakers shop on the Ormeau Road. The desire to mark that anniversary is absolutely understandable. Whilst a decision was taken not to hold a formal commemoration at Teebane crossroads this year, it is reported that up to 40 people gathered on the Ormeau Road last Friday.

There is no ambiguity around the current Covid regulations. Those are clear that you may not organise, operate or take part in an outdoor gathering which consists of more than six people.

The regulations do not make a distinction based upon who may be gathering or how justified their cause may be. The law applies equally to everyone and there should be no hierarchy within it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Over the past year, countless families have been forced to forego the comfort which can come from gathering together in remembrance.

DUP MLA Trevor Clarke with his wife Linda, whose brother Nigel McKee was murdered at TeebaneDUP MLA Trevor Clarke with his wife Linda, whose brother Nigel McKee was murdered at Teebane
DUP MLA Trevor Clarke with his wife Linda, whose brother Nigel McKee was murdered at Teebane

They could cite their individual circumstances which means the pain is often as raw now as it was decades ago. In each of those cases however the choice was made to follow the guidance and regulations.

The knowledge that others faced the same difficulties does not bring comfort, but does at least bring a sense of equality.

We are often told there can be no hierarchy of victims in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately those who gathered on the Ormeau Road last Friday made such a differentiation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The fact they were driven by an understandable human emotion does not mean we can support that decision to knowingly step outside the law and potentially spread a lethal virus in the process.

• Trevor Clarke is DUP MLA for South Antrim

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:Northern IrelandCovid-19DUP