Boy who survived firebombing that killed his mother haunted for life

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 16:19 · Archive

A boy who survived a republican firebomb attack in Co Antrim in 1976 that killed his mother lived a life haunted by the experience, his family has said.

A nine-year-old boy barely escaped with his life in a firebomb attack by the Provisional IRA in Ballymena, Co Antrim on 9 October 1976 that killed his mother, Yvonne Dunlop, aged 27. Ms Dunlop was working at Alley Katz boutique in Bridge Street when a series of bombs planted in shops exploded. She shouted a warning to her son Denis, who was blown through the shop window with his hair on fire, but did not escape herself.

Provisional IRA man Thomas McElwee was arrested for his involvement in the attack. He was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment for possession of explosives and the manslaughter of Ms Dunlop. In prison he became involved in the blanket protest before going on hunger strike, dying on 8 August 1981 at the age of 23 after 62 days on strike.

Ms Dunlop's two surviving sons, Geoffrey and Terry Dunlop, said Denis was 'forever changed' by the bombing. Speaking ahead of the 50th anniversary, they reflected that those responsible for the attack 'seem to revel in death more than living'. The family, supported by victims' group SEFF, gathered for a private service in tribute to their mother, whom they described as stolen away.

How it is being reported

• Boy who survived firebombing that killed his mother in Co Antrim ‘haunted throughout life’"Mummy will never be forgotten, her light will shine on, she will continue to be loved by our family and those who knew her best."Belfast Live · 8 Oct, 15:55
• Boy who survived firebombing that killed his mother ‘haunted throughout life’A young boy who barely escaped with his life in a republican firebomb attack in Co Antrim that killed his mother lived a life haunted by what he had seen, his family has said.News Letter · 8 Oct, 11:32

In this story: Yvonne Dunlop · Denis Dunlop · Thomas McElwee · Geoffrey Dunlop · Terry Dunlop · Ballymena · Provisional IRA · SEFF

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