Belfast, Northern Ireland – A coroner has ruled that the killing of 10 Protestant workers at Kingsmill in Co Armagh in 1976 was an “overtly sectarian attack by the IRA.” The atrocity, which was claimed by a little-known paramilitary group known as the South Armagh Republican Action Force, has long been associated with the IRA despite their supposed ceasefire at the time of the massacre.
During the inquest, coroner Brian Sherrard heavily criticized the IRA and its political representatives for their failure to engage with the proceedings. He dismissed rumors that British Army Captain Robert Nairac was involved in the massacre as “utter fantasy.” Additionally, the coroner noted a “reluctance on the part of the Irish State” to acknowledge the role of the border in the Kingsmill atrocity, pointing out that it was partly organized in the Republic of Ireland.
Following the conclusion of the inquest, survivors and relatives of the victims called for a public inquiry into the attack, expressing disappointment with the coronial proceedings for failing to provide answers. The sole survivor, Alan Black, emphasized the importance of a public inquiry to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
The 10 workers were ambushed and killed on January 5, 1976, as they were returning home from work. The gunmen forced them out of their minibus, separated them based on their religion, and then opened fire, killing nine of the men. Despite being shot multiple times, Alan Black survived the attack.
No one has been convicted of the Kingsmill murders, leaving families and survivors seeking justice and closure. The coroner highlighted the absence of evidence from those responsible for the attack during the proceedings, emphasizing that the perpetrators did not provide any explanation or motivation for their actions.
Ballistics evidence linking the weapons used in the Kingsmill attack to the IRA was presented during the inquest, dispelling claims that a rogue group was responsible. The coroner rejected these claims as a “lie,” attributing the attack to the IRA’s involvement in sectarian killings.
The Kingsmill shootings were believed to be a retaliatory response to loyalist attacks on two Catholic families but were found to have been planned before the incidents. Rumors surrounding Captain Nairac’s involvement were also dismissed, with the coroner stating that he had no role in the atrocity.
Despite errors and omissions in the police investigation following the shooting, the coroner emphasized that accountability lies with those responsible for the brutal murders. While acknowledging the challenges faced by authorities at the time, he underscored the importance of not shifting blame away from the perpetrators of the heinous act.