Community comes together in Dromara to mark the anniversary of the murder of local police officer
St John’s Parish Hall in Dromara, was filled to capacity recently for a special remembrance and discussion event entitled ‘Dromara Remembers’, held on the 42nd anniversary of the murder of local RUC GC officer Constable Neville Gray.
Constable Gray, who was from the village, was murdered by the Provisional IRA in South Armagh on May 18, 1984 while serving his community.
The evening brought together people from Dromara and surrounding areas to hear deeply personal and emotional testimonies from families affected by terrorism during the Troubles.
Alistair Gray spoke movingly about the loss of his brother Neville and the profound impact his murder had on both the Gray family and the wider Dromara community.
Michael Bingham QGM, reflected on the pain endured by his family following the murders of his grandparents, William and Elizabeth Herron, and great aunt Noeline Herron, who were murdered in their Dromore shop on April 7, 1975 by the PIRA.
He also recalled how, on the same night, the Coburn family’s business in Dromara was also targeted in an incendiary bomb attack where another innocent family were fortunate to escape.
Sammy Heenan shared the story of his father’s murder in the Dromara Hills on May 3, 1985, also at the hands of the Provisional IRA.
During the event, other local families who suffered loss and trauma as a result of terrorism were also remembered in a special act of remembrance.
The evening was chaired by Kenny Donaldson, Director of SEFF (Supporting, Empowering, Fair, Focused), and concluded with a question and answer session involving speakers and attendees.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to the Select Vestry of St John’s Parish Church, Dromara, for the use of the Parish Hall, and thanked the wider community for its overwhelming support for the event.
Sammy Heenan, one of the organisers, said the strong attendance demonstrated the importance local people continue to place on remembrance and ensuring that the experiences and sacrifices of previous generations are not forgotten. He added that events such as ‘Dromara Remembers’ help ensure younger generations understand the impact terrorism had on communities across Northern Ireland and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who served during some of the darkest years of the Troubles.