Soldiers allegedly set up checkpoint to murder two Catholic men

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 20:31 · Archive

Two serving British soldiers and an RUC officer allegedly helped set up a bogus military checkpoint in 1975 to murder two Catholic friends.

Two Catholic men were shot dead at what appeared to be a military checkpoint in Co Armagh in August 1975 as they returned from watching an All-Ireland semi-final at Croke Park. Sean Farmer, 32, from Moy in Co Tyrone, and Colm McCartney, 22, were targeted at Altnamackin, near Newtownhamilton, by the so-called Glenanne Gang, a UVF faction.

A High Court lawsuit against the Ministry of Defence heard that two Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers and a Royal Ulster Constabulary officer were allegedly involved in setting up the bogus checkpoint. Men in UDR uniforms carrying automatic weapons were reportedly present at the scene. Mr Farmer was shot six times in the back and again in the head as he lay on the ground.

A senior investigator claimed that the vast majority of the tight-knit loyalist unit responsible for the attack were members of the security forces. The Historical Enquiries Team found that the roadside checkpoint was set up specifically to target Catholics returning from the match. The Ministry of Defence denies liability in the action. Mr Farmer's family obtained undisclosed damages and an apology from the Chief Constable over a separate claim against the PSNI.

How it is being reported

• Serving soldiers helped set up bogus military checkpoint to murder two Catholic friends, court toldBelfast Telegraph · 19 Oct, 19:56
• Serving British soldiers set up bogus military checkpoint to murder two Catholic friends, court is toldTwo UDR men and RUC officer were allegedly involved in the killing of Sean Farmer and Colm McCartneyBelfast Live · 19 Oct, 18:19

In this story: Sean Farmer · Colm McCartney · Glenanne Gang · Ulster Defence Regiment · Royal Ulster Constabulary · Co Armagh · Croke Park

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem