Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Men told to leave Ireland by IRA come out of hiding

Friday 03 July 1992 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

First Edition

TWO MEN living under the threat of IRA assassination came out of hiding yesterday.

David Madigan, 20, and Liam Kearns, 24, from Newry, Co Down, who have been on the run for almost a year after terrorists ordered them to leave Northern Ireland, said they believed the IRA had lifted its death threat, made last August for what it called 'anti-social behaviour'.

The pair - who are not connected with any paramilitary group _ emerged from a secret address to return to their home town near the border with the Republic within 36 hours of the Provisionals' murder of three men they claimed were informers.

Mr Madigan said yesterday: 'This has been a hard and stressful time, not just for us but for our families as well. All we want to do now is to pick up from where we left off and hopefully we will come to no harm.'

Post-mortem examinations were being carried out yesterday on the three alleged IRA informers whose bodies, with bullet wounds in the head, were found dumped in south Armagh. Johnny Dignam, 32, and Aidan Starrs, 29, will be buried tomorrow, and the funeral of Gregory Burns, 34, will be held on Sunday.

Last night, loyalists were urged to call off a parade through the home town of the three men. A Catholic community group in Portadown, Co Armagh, fears tensions will be increased if the Orange Order goes ahead with the march on Sunday, shortly after the funeral of Mr Burns.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in