Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Junior Justice Minister James Browne unveiled a monument in Ballinamore today to honour two men killed during the Don Tidey kidnap.
Private Patrick Kelly and Garda Recruit Gary Sheehan were shot dead by the IRA in Drumcornan Wood, this day 41 years ago.
It was during the rescue of the Quinnsworth managing director, who was abducted in Rathfarnham in Dublin on November 24, 1983, by armed members of the IRA, posing as gardai.
Gardai launched a major rescue operation, and, on December 14th, the focus of the nationwide search switched to Co Leitrim.
Two days later, Private Kelly and Garda Recruit Sheehan were part of a joint Garda/Irish Defence Forces search party when they were confronted by a Provisional IRA gang and shot dead.
Sheehan was 23 years old, from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, and 36-year-old Kelly was a married father of four from Ballinamuck, Co Longford.
Today is the 41 anniversary of their death and a special memorial Mass took place in St Patrick’s Church in Ballinamore.
It was attended by many army and garda personnel, along with local politicians and Commissioner Harris.
After mass, the Garda Ceremonial Unit and the Garda Band performed a ceremonial march from the church to the monument of remembrance at Ballinamore Garda Station.
Commissioner Harris paid tribute to both men, as he unveiled the monument:
Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy said Private Kelly was a valued member of the Defences Forces before his life was cut tragically short:
Junior Justice Minister James Browne also paid tribute to both men:
Chief Superintendent for Sligo-Leitrim Aidan Glacken was a garda recruit himself at the time - like Sheehan. He spoke movingly at the memorial Mass in St Patrick's Church:
Fr Paschal Hanrahan is the head chaplain of the Defence Forces – he also spoke at the Mass:
Private Kelly's son David, says today is a hugely important day for their family:
