‘Significant settlement’ for family of Co Tyrone man shot dead while attempting Long Kesh escape
The family of a Co Tyrone man shot dead by a British soldier while trying to escape from the Long Kesh internment camp have secured a “significant settlement” in their claim for damages, it was announced on Thursday (April 30).
Hugh Gerard Coney, 24, was killed during the bid to break out of the compound along with other republican detainees back in November 1974.
His relatives pursued a civil action against the Ministry of Defence after an inquest found he had been unarmed when shot in the back.
The High Court was told on Thursday the case has now been settled on confidential terms. It is understood the resolution involves no admission of liability by the defendant.
But outside court the family’s solicitor, Padraig O Muirigh, said: “I can confirm that the settlement is significant and our client is satisfied with the outcome of this litigation.”
Mr Coney, from Clonoe near Coalisland, was part of a group of republicans interned without trial who took part in the attempt to escape from Long Kesh in Co Antrim.
He had used a tunnel and was running across a field close to the perimeter fence of the prison camp when he was shot.
In 2024 an inquest jury found that no verbal warning had been given to him before the fatal shot was fired.
Mr Coney’s family sued the Ministry of Defence over the alleged unlawful circumstances surrounding his death.
Their barrister, Des Fahy KC, told the court that an undisclosed resolution had been reached, which includes the plaintiff’s legal costs.
“That marks the conclusion of these proceedings,” counsel added.
Speaking later, Mr O Muirigh welcomed the outcome.