Poignant service remembers victims of IRA bombing

HYMNS and prayers filled the air at Teebane this afternoon (Sunday), as a poignant service was held to remember eight Protestant workmen who were murdered by the IRA almost 30 years ago.

The bombing, which took place at Teebane crossroads, near Cookstown, on January 17, 1992, was one of the worst atrocities of the Troubles.

The workmen were targeted because their employer, Karl Construction, did construction work for the security forces.

A roadside bomb was detonated as their minibus drove past on their journey home from Lisanelly Army Barracks in Omagh. 

Poignant

During the short service, which saw more than 200 people in attendance, including relatives of those murdered and survivors of the attack, a wreath was left by Cedric Blackbourne, the chief executive of Karl Construction.

Reverend Ivor Smith read aloud the names of the men who were murdered. 

They were: Gary Bleeks; Cecil Caldwell; Robert Dunseath; Oswald Gilchrist; David Harkness; Bobby Irons; Richard McConnell; and Nigel McKee.

A further six men were injured in the atrocity.

No-one has ever been convicted in connection with the bomb attack.