Shortly following the North’s Attorney General’s approval of a renewed investigation into Billy McGreanery’s death, the Legacy Act resulted in a cessation of all such investigations. Nevertheless, in recent days the Labour government vowed to reestablish them.
Billy McGreanery’s nephew, who shares the same name, expressed that what seemed like a stagnant, hopeless case is now being reevaluated, bringing about a sense of hope.
This promise was proclaimed during the King’s Speech, as the UK government under Labour’s Keir Starmer delineated its legislative intentions. Naturally, this incorporates the pledge to nullify the Legacy Act. This contentious law was implemented by the preceding Conservative government as a new approach to tackle the legacy of the Troubles, encompassing inquests.
Come the act’s enforcement on May 1st, nearly 40 inquests studying 77 deaths during the Troubles were put on the back burner. It’s anticipated that the recently imbued government will outline the necessary measures to recommence Troubles-era inquests that were arbitrarily stopped.
Belfast solicitor Pádraig Ó Muirigh, representative of numerous families impacted by Troubles-era inquests, acclaimed this as heartening news and a rightful course of action considering the legal opposition to this regulation.
He also pointed out the crucial need for the successive actions to be explained, with a call for the inquests to be reassigned to coroners for immediate timetabling and completion. He stressed that this should be initiated promptly, given that several of the cases have been pending for years or even decades.
“It’s refreshing to see progress being made in the right direction,” Mr McGreanery jnr proclaimed. Politicians often make pledges that go unfulfilled, so it’s heartening that they’re taking quick action on what they said they would do.”
It remains unclear what will be completely rescinded, but the move is undeniably favourable.
A piece dear to Mr McGreanery jnr’s heart is a watch once owned by his uncle. This uncle held a managerial position in McLaughlin’s sports shop in Derry and was gifted an exquisite Omega watch by the proprietor as a token of gratitude for his 25 years of service to the business.
He was not only familiar but also deeply respected. He was responsible for the Derry City football team’s boots and football lacing.
After the tragically young passing of their mother, Mary, due to leukaemia at age 30, Uncle Billy stepped in as a parent figure.
The very watch was on Mr McGreanery snr when he was fatally shot by a British soldier in Derry in September 1971. The British army falsely accused the 41-year-old as a gunman, who passed away just hours later in hospital.
It took close to 40 years for his family to absolve his reputation, finally receiving an apology from the defence ministry and the UK government.
The family remains driven in their pursuit for prosecution of the soldier responsible for McGreanery snr’s death, and for the cases of other victims from the Troubles to commence.
“That the cases were ever put on hold is absurd and shameful, not only for my kin but every family, no matter their background or faith,” Mr McGreanery jnr stated. The situation was a complete mockery, as evidenced by the unanimous objections from all political parties, both the DUP and Sinn Féin included.
Every family deserves an opportunity to understand the true circumstances around the demise of their loved ones.”