Millions Awarded to Survivors of 1992 UVF Pub Attack That Killed One Man
Millions awarded to survivors of 1992 – Survivors of the 1992 UVF pub attack in County Down have been awarded millions in compensation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The settlement, which was finalized during a High Court hearing in Belfast, addresses the lasting impact of the violent incident that claimed a life and left three others severely injured. While the exact amount of the award remains undisclosed, it is being regarded as one of the most significant settlements in a Troubles-related case, reflecting the long-standing efforts of the victims to seek justice and acknowledgment of the state’s role in the attack.
The Tragic Night at the Thierafurth Inn
The 1992 attack on the Thierafurth Inn in Kilcoo took place during a charity darts event, which had drawn a large crowd of local residents. As the evening progressed, two loyalist gunmen stormed the bar, opening fire in a coordinated assault that left Peter McCormack, a 42-year-old man, dead and several others wounded. The trauma of the event has lingered for decades, with survivors recounting how the sudden violence shattered their sense of safety and community. One of the survivors, Patrick Gribben, described the attack as an event that continues to affect their lives, emphasizing the emotional toll of being caught in such a targeted act of terror.
State Collusion and Legal Battles
For years, survivors of the 1992 UVF attack pursued legal action against the PSNI, alleging that the police failed to investigate thoroughly and may have been complicit in the violence. This claim gained momentum after a High Court ruling in 2018, which concluded that the police had not adequately followed up on the incident. The case also brought to light the involvement of a suspect linked to the British Army’s Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR), with some evidence suggesting that members of the UVF used photographs from a UDR base to identify their victim. This raised questions about the extent of state support for paramilitary groups during the Troubles.
The recent compensation settlement marks a critical milestone in the ongoing struggle for justice. Survivors, including John McEvoy, expressed mixed emotions, with some viewing the award as a symbolic victory and others feeling that the process has not fully addressed the wrongs committed. The PSNI emphasized that the terms of the settlement were confidential, stating their commitment to respecting the privacy of those involved. Meanwhile, solicitors representing the victims argued that the compensation was a necessary step in acknowledging the pain and trauma inflicted by the attack.
Key Findings and Ongoing Concerns
A 2016 report by the Police Ombudsman revealed that at least three individuals and their families connected to the UVF were also UDR members, highlighting a potential overlap between the paramilitary group and state forces. The document criticized the police for lacking a consistent approach to investigating the UVF’s activities, which some survivors believe contributed to the attack’s perpetration. Despite the settlement, concerns remain about whether the victims have received true justice, as the case underscores the broader issue of how the state may have shielded perpetrators of violence during the conflict.
The 1992 UVF pub attack remains a poignant reminder of the Troubles’ impact on everyday lives. While the compensation offers financial relief, it does not erase the physical and emotional scars of the event. Survivors have long argued that the settlement should be accompanied by a full public inquiry into the attack, which could uncover more about the role of state agencies in enabling such violence. The case also highlights the importance of legal processes in providing closure to those affected by historical injustices.
Voices of the Survivors
John McEvoy, who survived the attack, described the compensation as a “necessary step” but stressed that it could not change the past. “The trauma of
