Greysteel murders commemoration warned about those wanting to drag NI backwards

A commemoration marking the 30th anniversary of a Troubles shooting that claimed eight lives has been warned of the risks posed by those wanting to drag Northern Ireland backwards. Monsignor Andrew Dolan also expressed frustration that sometimes the common good in the present day was being trumped by self-interest, as he made reference to the political stalemate at Stormont and the instability it was creating. Eight civilians, both Catholics and Protestants, died when the Rising Sun bar in the Co Londonderry village of Greysteel was attacked on October 30 1993. Seven were killed on the night, while the eighth victim died several months later from their injuries. One of the UDA/UFF gunmen involved shouted “trick or treat” before pulling the trigger. The victims were Karen Thompson, 19, Steven Mullan, 20, Moira Duddy, 59, Joseph McDermott, 60, James Moore, 81, John Moyne, 50, John Burns, 54 and Victor Montgomery, 76. A memorial mass was held at the Star Of The Sea Church in the area on Monday evening – a service also attended by members of Protestant congregations. Afterwards, a cross-community wreath-laying ceremony and service took place at the memorial to the shooting at the bar.