Republican News · Thursday 6 February 2002

Ormeau relatives remember the dead of the Bookies Massacre.

Up to 50 relatives and friends of the five men shot dead by a UDA death squad in Sean Graham's Bookies on the Ormeau Road in 1992 gathered at the commemoration plot on Wednesday 5 February for a wreathlaying ceremony.

Among those in attendance was Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast, Alex Maskey, as well as many community activists from the Lower Ormeau.

"Only one person has ever been convicted in relation to this massacre and only then n lesser charges of possession of a rifle and intelligence documents which could be traced back to the British Army," said Maskey.

"The two weapons used were part of the South African contingent imported by British agent Brian Nelson. There are also a number of serious questions around the activities of a UDR and RUC patrol stationed in the area until minutes before the attack.

"This attack had a devastating effect on the Lower Ormeau community and, to date, the lack of truth, accountability and justice has acted as a barrier to healing for many of those bereaved and injured."