Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor has responded to the publication of the findings of the Ballymurphy inquest today welcoming the findings that ten innocent civilians were unjustly killed in August 1971.
Belfast-based Bishop Treanor offered his prayers to the families of the victims, “It is a sad indictment on our society and state that these families have had to listen to misinformation and untruth propagated about their loved ones for almost 50 years.”
The senior prelate continued, “It was immensely humbling and moving to sit alongside the relatives of the Ballymurphy victims as they listened to the findings of the Inquest today. These families have sat through and listened to the harrowing and graphic evidence about how their loved ones died as well as how they were treated both before and after their deaths. These same families can now say with one voice that the truth has been heard. History will forever record the innocence of their loved ones.”
Amongst the dead was Father Hugh Mullan, who lost his life while administering the Sacrament of the Sick to the dying on the streets of Ballymurphy. Bishop Treanor said, “With selfless pastoral devotion, Father Mullan made the ultimate sacrifice and lost his life anointing his parishioners. Bringing consolation to the dying, Father Mullan prayed, ‘Through this Holy Anointing, may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.’”
In conclusion, Bishop Treanor said, “It is my hope and prayer that those who suffered the loss of family and friends in the Ballymurphy Massacre may now begin to find peace and consolation in the truth.”
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