24/09/2026
Hanna Welcomes ICRIR Findings On Rory O’Kelly Murder
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has welcomed the findings of the Independent Commission for the Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) into the murder of SDLP founding member Rory O'Kelly by the Provisional IRA.
O'Kelly, a respected community figure, was active in the GAA, worked as a lawyer, including defending civil rights campaigners, and was a political activist within the SDLP. Claire Hanna MP said: "Rory O'Kelly was a good man who devoted his life to advocating for others. Those who murdered him cruelly cut short the life of a family man dedicated to public service and to anti sectarian, social democratic politics. He was shot dead after a funeral in his hometown.
"It was moving to read of the positive effect that information and truth has had on the O'Kelly family, who like so many others had their suffering compounded by the unwillingness of his killers to offer accountability and healing.
"The IRA have a continuing obligation to provide truth and accountability, and to show respect for the human rights and dignity of Rory O'Kelly and his family.
"The SDLP will continue to work to improve the Troubles Act so that all families have access to truth and justice, and so that neither state nor non-state actors can continue to thwart families for more years."
O'Kelly, a respected community figure, was active in the GAA, worked as a lawyer, including defending civil rights campaigners, and was a political activist within the SDLP. Claire Hanna MP said: "Rory O'Kelly was a good man who devoted his life to advocating for others. Those who murdered him cruelly cut short the life of a family man dedicated to public service and to anti sectarian, social democratic politics. He was shot dead after a funeral in his hometown.
"It was moving to read of the positive effect that information and truth has had on the O'Kelly family, who like so many others had their suffering compounded by the unwillingness of his killers to offer accountability and healing.
"The IRA have a continuing obligation to provide truth and accountability, and to show respect for the human rights and dignity of Rory O'Kelly and his family.
"The SDLP will continue to work to improve the Troubles Act so that all families have access to truth and justice, and so that neither state nor non-state actors can continue to thwart families for more years."
Latest Northern Ireland News
24 September 2026
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ICRIR Releases First Findings Report On 1977 Death Of Rory O’Kelly
The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) has published its first Findings report, following an investigation into the Troubles-related death of Rory O'Kelly in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, on 4 March 1977. Some members of Mr O'Kelly's family requested the Commission's assistance in 2024.
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The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) has published its first Findings report, following an investigation into the Troubles-related death of Rory O'Kelly in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, on 4 March 1977. Some members of Mr O'Kelly's family requested the Commission's assistance in 2024.
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PSNI Witness Appeals Service Already Yielding Vital Leads Since June Launch
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said its Witness Appeals Service, which went live on 24 June, lets people upload information and footage via the PSNI website without waiting on the 101 non-emergency line.
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The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said its Witness Appeals Service, which went live on 24 June, lets people upload information and footage via the PSNI website without waiting on the 101 non-emergency line.
24 September 2026
New Report Maps Quantum Opportunities For Northern Ireland
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24 September 2026
Hanna Welcomes ICRIR Findings On Rory O’Kelly Murder
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has welcomed the findings of the Independent Commission for the Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) into the murder of SDLP founding member Rory O'Kelly by the Provisional IRA.
Hanna Welcomes ICRIR Findings On Rory O’Kelly Murder
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has welcomed the findings of the Independent Commission for the Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) into the murder of SDLP founding member Rory O'Kelly by the Provisional IRA.
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Footsteps In The Forest Returns To Slieve Gullion For Samhain Spectacle
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has confirmed that Footsteps in the Forest will return to Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Co Armagh, from Wednesday 21 to Tuesday 27 October 2026.
Footsteps In The Forest Returns To Slieve Gullion For Samhain Spectacle
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has confirmed that Footsteps in the Forest will return to Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Co Armagh, from Wednesday 21 to Tuesday 27 October 2026.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with some rain, with outbreaks patchy and light east of Lough Neagh, more persistent in the west where some heavier outbreaks may develop for the late afternoon. Southerly winds strengthening for the afternoon. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:Persistent rain for evening, turning heavier at times, before clearing overnight, to leave only a few isolated showers come dawn, these mainly across the far west. Brisk southerly winds easing. Minimum temperature 11 °C.

