Reflecting on the life of Colm McCartney, whose 1976 murder still resonates with his family and community.
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It’s hard to believe that fifty years have gone by since the tragic death of Colm McCartney, a young man whose life was cut short by senseless sectarian violence. The green velvet coat he wore that day has become a haunting symbol, representing not just his loss but the enduring trauma experienced by his family.
This anniversary is a poignant reminder of the deep scars that violence has left on Northern Ireland.
What happened on that fateful day?
On August 28, 1976, 22-year-old Colm McCartney and his friend Sean Farmer, aged 32, were returning from a Gaelic football match when they stumbled upon a bogus checkpoint near Newtownhamilton in South Armagh.
Both men were passionate about their teams and had spent the day cheering them on. Colm was from Bellaghy, while Sean hailed from Clonmore, and they decided to take a detour to drop Sean off at home before Colm headed back to Newry.
As they approached that ill-fated checkpoint, they were ambushed by the Glenanne Gang—a notorious loyalist group responsible for over 120 murders during the Troubles. In a horrifying turn of events, the gang opened fire, hitting both men. Sean died on the spot, while Colm succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The attackers sped away in Colm’s vehicle, which was later found burned. Shockingly, there was a distressing lack of police response; an RUC patrol had been present at the checkpoint but chose not to investigate further.
A family’s enduring grief
Colm’s sister, Betty Campbell, vividly remembers the moment her world shattered. The family had just returned from Mass, blissfully unaware of the tragedy that awaited them. Police officers were waiting at home with dreadful news. “They had to help mammy back into the living room,” Betty recalls, capturing the shock and heartbreak that engulfed their household. Their loss profoundly affected them; Betty pointed out that their home was “never the same again.”
Colm’s father, John, tragically passed away in 1984, unable to cope with the emotional toll of losing his son. Betty shared that her father was determined to preserve Colm’s memory, ensuring that the coat he died in remained a part of their family home. This coat, along with a ring and a stick of Wrigley’s gum, serves as a bittersweet reminder of a life cut tragically short.
The ongoing impact of violence
The legacy of Colm and Sean’s murders goes far beyond their families, shedding light on the broader societal impact of the Troubles. Betty recalls the police raids on their home, especially on the first anniversary of Colm’s death, which only deepened their suffering. “They tumbled the house upside down and took Sean,” she said, illustrating the ongoing trauma inflicted by authorities during that turbulent time.
Meanwhile, the Farmer family continues to grapple with their loss. Sean Farmer’s children, now adults, often share memories of their father, illustrating how his absence has shaped their lives. The family faced immense challenges in the wake of Sean’s death, with his wife Margaret having to take on extra work to support their children. Paul Farmer reminisces about the laughter that once filled their home, emphasizing the long-lasting scars left by violence.
As investigations into the Glenanne Gang’s activities continue, both families remain determined to uncover the truth behind the circumstances of the murders. They seek answers regarding the collusion between the police and loyalist paramilitaries that allowed such violence to thrive.
Commemorating the past
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Colm McCartney’s death, and both families are taking meaningful steps to honor their loved ones. An anniversary Mass was held in Clonmore for Sean, with a similar service planned in Bellaghy for Colm, led by Fr. Seamus Kelly, who officiated at Colm’s funeral. These acts of remembrance not only honor the deceased but also keep the dialogue about the past alive, ensuring that the stories of those lost are never forgotten.
The stories of Colm and Sean remind us of the human cost of violence and the necessity of seeking truth and justice. As their families continue to navigate their grief, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of answers and recognition for the lives that were so tragically lost.
