The inquest into the killing of Kevin Barry O’Donnell, Peter Clancy, Patrick Vincent and Sean O’Farrell in the ambush at Clonoe Chapel on the outskirts of Coalisland, County Tyrone, in 1992 resumed last week at Laganside Courts in Belfast before Mr Justice Humphreys.
The four young men were killed in a hail of gunfire from a covert unit of the Special Air Service (SAS) of the British Army on the evening of February 16, 1992, on their return from having launched a gun attack on the fortified barracks of the RUC and British Army in Coalisland on behalf of the IRA. Hundreds of spent cartridges were recovered at the scene at Clonoe Chapel, all of which belonged to the British soldiers’ weapons. Thirty-two years on, and with the guillotine date of the Legacy Act around the corner, the inquest is the first-ever investigation into the deaths of the four young men which is compliant with international legal standards such as those laid by the European Court of Human Rights regarding Article 2 ECHR, the right to life.
While the Coroner’s Office and the legal representatives of properly interested persons (PIPs) in the inquest liaise with further civilian and former military witnesses to give their testimony in the coming days and weeks, the coroner heard the evidence of pathology expert Professor Jack Crane and forensic ballistics expert Ann Kiernan. Both witnesses have compiled reports in their respective areas of expertise to aid the court in understanding what happened on the night of the ambush by examining the available evidence relevant to their fields and giving their opinions as requested.
Prof Crane indicated that Clancy had most likely been shot while he was kneeling on the ground with his hands up, suggesting that he might have been surrendering. The witness also explained that at least two of the gunshot wounds to the heads of two of the victims – O’Donnell and O’Farrell – could have been fired from a relatively close range. However, the discharge distance cannot be determined due to the balaclavas they wore.
Ms Kiernan explained that Soldier F opened fire, followed by his colleagues from behind the bushes and a fence, before making his way towards the lorry in which the men had arrived, shooting O’Donnell, Vincent and Clancy one by one from different angles. It is believed that Soldier F and Soldier H then gave chase to O’Farrell, who had managed to run further away, and the latter gunner shot him dead.
As part of the sensitive evidence discussed in the inquest, photos taken on scene and at the morgue were shown in court, including graphic images of the bodies. For the relatives sitting in the public gallery this was upsetting. Despite this challenge they have travelled to Laganside Courthouse again today, and they will do so until the inquest is completed and safe from the guillotine date of the Legacy Act. These families have waited over three decades for an effective investigation into the killings of their loved ones. They have waited 32 years for the rights they are entitled to as bereaved families.
