'Truth and transparency are the only way towards real reconciliation': Eugene Reavey

Not a single day as passed, during all those years, without the Reavey family lamenting and mourning the murders of their three much loved brothers.

Their father Jimmy, and mother, Sadie, never wavered in their desire for justice and also dismissed any thought of retaliation or revenge. They were consoled in their sorrow by their faith.

Both went to their graves without ever learning the truth about what happened or seeing the killers brought to Justice.

Eugene Reavey recalls the change the 1976 murders made.

"Throughout our childhood and early adult life, the Christmas season was always a special time of celebration and joy for our entire family,” he said.

"On Christmas mornings all of us attended Mass in our local Catholic church, St. Brigid’s in Carrickananney, and then spent the day together, everyone united in our home at Whitecross in county Armagh.

"That was the case on Christmas Day, 1975 but it was the last year our Christmas happiness would not be marred by sadness and grief.

“For it was on the first Sunday of the New Year, 1976, that my three brothers John Martin, Brian and Anthony were attacked while watching celebrity squares on television at our home.

"A gang of masked gunmen entered our home and shot all three of them, killing John Martin and Brian and severely wounding the youngest, Anthony, who was just 17.

“After so many years of inaction by the authorities, our family does not expect to see anyone brought before a court to answer for these crimes, but we strongly believe truth and transparency are the only way towards real reconciliation.”

Eugene now devotes his time and energy to promoting peace, truth and reconciliation. It is his hope that coming generations will realise that such cruel and heartless conduct will never achieve anything of value but will rather blight the lives of everyone, whatever their status, religion or belief.

Like their parents before them, the Reavey family continue to call for an end to violence and to seek reconciliation and peace.

The brother’s 48th Anniversary Mass took place in St Malachy's Church, Whitecross, on Saturday past.