Newry, Northern Ireland – A coroner has determined that the 1976 shooting of 10 Protestant workmen at Kingsmill in Co Armagh was an “overtly sectarian attack by the IRA.” The massacre, carried out by a paramilitary group known as the South Armagh Republican Action Force, has long been associated with the IRA, which was believed to be on a ceasefire at the time.
During the inquest, Coroner Brian Sherrard heavily criticized the IRA and its political representatives for not participating in the proceedings. He also dismissed rumors about British Army Captain Robert Nairac’s involvement in the Kingsmill attack as “utter fantasy.” The coroner highlighted a reluctance from the Irish State to acknowledge the Republic of Ireland’s role in organizing the atrocity.
Following the conclusion of the inquest, survivor Alan Black and relatives of the victims called for a public inquiry into the attack. They expressed disappointment in the coroner’s failure to name two dead suspects connected to the massacre in his findings. The families believe that a public inquiry is necessary to uncover the truth about the tragic event.
The 10 workmen were ambushed and killed on January 5, 1976, by a group of men posing as British soldiers. The gunmen separated the victims by religion, allowing the only Catholic to flee before shooting the remaining 11 men. Despite being shot multiple times, Alan Black survived the attack. To this day, no one has been convicted of the Kingsmill murders.
Coroner Sherrard emphasized the absence of evidence from those responsible for the attack, noting the lack of disclosure or cooperation from any individual or organization involved. He highlighted extensive ballistics evidence linking the weapons used at Kingsmill to the IRA, refuting claims of a “rogue” republican group’s involvement.
The Kingsmill massacre was considered a retaliatory action following loyalist attacks on two Catholic families the day before. While there were rumors surrounding Captain Nairac’s role, the coroner confirmed that he had no part in the atrocity. Sherrard also dismissed claims that authorities protected IRA informants and highlighted omissions in the police investigation.
Despite acknowledging deficiencies in the investigation, Coroner Sherrard emphasized that responsibility ultimately lies with those who carried out the brutal murders. He expressed confidence that the likely suspects were known to the security forces at the time but stressed the importance of concrete evidence in pursuit of justice.