ICRIR appeal: Children forced to cradle dying father due to 'ethnic and sectarian hatred'
The Troubles legacy investigations body has appealed for information about a Co Londonderry shooting in which three children were forced to cradle their dying father in their arms.
Jimmy Speer, 46, was a married father-of-three and a mechanic from Desertmartin. He ran a garage on Longfield Road opposite the family home, where he was shot at 6.10pm on 9 November 1976.
Shortly before 6pm two-armed men entered a car mechanics garage on Drumard Road on in Draperstown and stole a light blue coloured Ford Cortina, JIA6492.
At around 6.10pm, a man entered the office at Jimmy’s garage and asked for someone to look at his car’s radiator, claiming it was leaking water.
Jimmy, who was leaning on an office counter speaking with staff, told the man he would help him shortly.
The man then pulled out a gun and shot Jimmy. A second gunman also fired at him. They then escaped at speed along Longfield Road in the stolen Ford Cortina, abandoning the car on Motalee Road, Magherafelt.
Jimmy’s children Deirdre, Cheryl and Dermot, issued a statement to mark the 50th anniversary of the murder.
“Our dad had no chance, but they never intended him to have,” they said. “We were there for his last breath. We can never forget that. We were aged just 16, 14 and nine and, in that moment of sheer horror, our lives collapsed before us.”
Amanda Logan, Assistant Commissioner, with the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), launched an appeal for information on the murder to mark its 50th anniversary.
"This attack, like many others during the Troubles/Conflict, devastated a family," she said, "For half a century Jimmy’s loved ones have endured the pain of their loss and the Commission is working to provide them with the truth about what happened to him.”
Deirdre, Cheryl and Dermot said the murder gave their mother, Ruby a new identity she never asked for, nor deserved.
"She was now a UDR CGC widow, a single mother, and had to find the strength to carry on for us.
“Our dad was born on Christmas Day (1929), and each Christmas was a double celebration. Following his murder, we never felt able to connect with Christmas in the same way again.
“Our parents’ wedding anniversary fell on our mother’s birthday, so she never had another birthday that held any joy.
“Nor did Deirdre, whose 17th birthday fell not only on Remembrance Day, but on the day of our father's funeral.
“The Provisional IRA also stole those from us. At graduations, weddings and the births of grandchildren, there was always his empty place.
“Our father was respected for his work ethic and community work. He was considered a fair man and good neighbour by both sections of the community.”
Jimmy served in the Ulster Special Constabulary and UDR, was in the Orange, Black and Masonic orders, and worshipped at Lecumpher Presbyterian Church.
Addressing those responsible, they asked:
• Why did you dehumanise a loving family man and devoted husband and father?
• Why do you not accept responsibility for what you did?
• Do you care that you wrecked lives?
• Do you really believe there was “No Alternative” to murdering a man because he had a different political, cultural and religious outlook?"
The killers believe in the unification of Ireland, they said but all the death and destruction they have inflicted has not achieved it.
Anyone with information about the murder can contact the ICRIR on Tel: 02890 362093 or via [email protected]
SEFF chief executive Kenny Donaldson said Jimmy was a respected member of the Desertmartin community, immersed in its economic, cultural and social life.
"He was murdered for reasons of ethnic and sectarian hatred. The impact on his family has been significant and continues."
He urged anyone with information that could lead to transparency and accountability to come forward.