Irish Republican News · November 7, 2005

CIRA targets commercial events

Republican hardiners are understood to be planning a series of bomb warnings after successfully forcing the cancellation of a major weekend horse racing meeting.

The abandonment of the ‘Down Royal’ event after a number of suspect devices were found followed the evacuation of 2,000 businessmen from a retail conference at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall last week.

Both hoaxes were blamed on so-called ‘dissident’ republicans.

The self-styled ‘Continuity IRA’, which claimed responsibility for the weekend bomb alert, is reported to be planning other bomb warnings in the run up to Christmas.

“The race festival was targeted because PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde and a number of senior unionists were attending,” the CIRA said.

“There will be more in the run up to Christmas. We will be targeting major commercial events and premises.”

Ulster Unionist peer Ken Maginnis, who was at the race meeting, admitted the cancellation would have a major financial impact.

He said: “There were lots of very good horses racing and it meant that horses that were warmed up had to be boxed and taken off the course.

“They won’t come back, and when you consider that some of these horse owners have come from the length and breadth of Ireland it’s an absolute disgrace.”

No organisation has claimed responsibility for a murder in County Armagh last night.

35-year-old Martin Conlon was found badly injured near the village of Keady in County Armagh.

Mr Conlon, who had been several beaten about the head, died in hospital several hours later.

The Armagh city man had served a prison term in the 26 Counties for his involvement in dissident republican activity.

An attempt was made to set fire to the home of a nationalist politician in County Tyrone overnight.

It is thought the SDLP’s Eugene McMenamin was targeted by republican hardliners because of his membership of the local District Policing Partnership member in Strabane.

Mr McMenamin saidsaid the arson attack may also be linked to his recent condemnation of bomb alerts which have caused the blockage of roads in the town.

Urgent Appeal

Despite increasing support for Irish freedom and unity, we need your help to overcome British and unionist intransigence. We can end the denial of our rights in relation to Brexit, the Irish language, a border poll and legacy issues, with your support.

Please support IRN now to help us continue reporting and campaigning for our national rights. Even one pound a month can make a big difference for us.

Your contribution can be made with a credit or debit card by clicking below. A continuing monthly donation of £2 or more will give you full access to this site. Thank you. Go raibh míle maith agat.