CASTLEDERG TERROR VICTIMS REMEMBERED

A series of events were held in Castlederg on Tuesday, 14th July last to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the murder of two UDR soldiers on 14th July 1984. Heather Kerrigan and Norman McKinley, both 6 UDR, were on duty at Corgary Road when they were killed by a road side bomb that had been detonated from across the border in Donegal.

What was a very poignant and dignified evening started at 6.30 pm when friends and former colleagues joined the Kerrigan and McKinley families on Corgary Road at the spot where two young lives were taken. Wreaths were laid by David Kerrigan and Robbie McKinley at the spot. (PHOTO) Colleagues who were with Heather and Norman on that day related the harrowing story of the horrific incident. A bible reading was given by James Roulston of Bridgetown Orange Lodge, the hymn ’How Great Thou Art’ was played by some members of Castlederg Young Loyalists’ Flute Band and the Oration was delivered by Cllr Derek Hussey, a close friend of both the deceased, before the small gathering left to go to the next two events in Castlederg.

At 7.30 pm a Parade with three Bands, Castlederg Young Loyalists’ Old Boys Flute Band, Kilclean Pipe Band and the current Castlederg Young Loyalists Flute Band, proceeded to Castlederg Cemetery where wreaths were laid of the graves of Heather and Norman by family members as the hymn ’Abide With Me’ was played by Kilclean Pipe Band. The Bible reading was delivered by John Sproule of Kilclean Orange Lodge and the Oration by Derek Hussey.

The Parade, made up of family, friends and former colleagues of Heather and Norman from throughout Northern Ireland and beyond, reformed and made it’s way to the Cenotaph at Castlederg Town Centre for the final Commemorative Event. At the Cenotaph wreaths were again laid by family members with Castlederg Young Loyalists playing an extremely haunting and suitable tune that had been specially dedicated to Heather and Norman’s memory on their recent CD.

Two other soldiers, Thomas Loughlin and Gregg Elliot, who had lost their lives in 1984 were also remembered at the Cenotaph. The Scripture lesson was read by James Roulston and a Prayer said by Keith Kerrigan of Garvetagh Apprentice Boys with the final Oration being delivered by Derek Hussey before the Parade returned to the Car Park at Bridgetown Orange Hall.

Tea and sandwiches were provided at The Castle Inn Lounge afterwards and all returned for a short period during which many friendships were rekindled and memories shared.