18 September 2003:

DUBLIN CITY CORONER TO REOPEN MONAGHAN INQUESTS
BY DIRECTION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

On Thursday, 18 September 2003, at 2.30 pm, the Dublin City Coroner will deal with applications relating to the inquests into the Dublin & Monaghan Bombings of 17 May 1974 and the inquests into the Dublin Bombings of

1 December 1972 and 20 January 1973.

By direction of the Attorney General the Coroner will reopen the inquests into the deaths of six people who died in Monaghan. The original inquests were concluded on 11 June 1974 some four weeks after the bombings. Those whose inquests will reopen are:

• Patrick Joseph Askin of Donagh, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan
• Thomas Campbell of Crumlin, Silverstream, Co. Monaghan
• Archibald Harper of Rockcorry, Co. Monaghan
• Thomas John (Jack) Travers of Park Street, Monaghan.
• Margaret Ellen (Peggy) White of 65 Belgium Park, Monaghan
• George Williamson of Tirfinnog, Castleshane, Co. Monaghan.

The decision to direct the reopening of the Monaghan inquests is largely unprecedented in Irish legal history.

It marks a strong commitment and interest by the Attorney General in the fullest re-examination of the facts and circumstances of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.

For further information please contact:

Bernie McNally, Chairperson (01) 86 70 296 / 087 64 69 685

Greg O'Neill, Solicitor (01) 85 54 300 / 087 23 93 175

Margaret Urwin (01) 85 54 300