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06/04/2011
'Stop' Plea As Murdered PSNI Man Buried
The Gaelic Athletic Association and the PSNI have joined forces to form a guard of honour as murdered policeman, Ronan Kerr, was buried today.
And, as the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland told mourners at the funeral of Constable Kerr his murder was "an evil deed, an offence against God", this show of unity was just one of a series of political 'firsts' also taking place.
Listening to Cardinal Sean Brady address the killers with the words: "We do not want this. In God's name stop - and stop now" was the Irish Premier, Enda Kenny, who was attending the funeral alongside Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson.
"The DUP Leader was in a Roman Catholic chapel today having said he wished to attend "and convey my respect(s) for a brave young policeman".
The PSNI man's Catholic funeral service was also attended by the Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Tom Elliott, the Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness - who has never been at a policeman's funeral - several NI church leaders and the Irish opposition leader Micheal Martin.
Ulster Unionist Leader Tom Elliott has already condemned the appearance of offensive graffiti regarding the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr.
It was scrawled on a pub wall in the Bogside area of Londonderry.
As he prepared to attend the Church of St Patrick in Drumduff, near Beragh, Mr Elliott said of the now-removed mocking words: "This graffiti is absolutely sickening and a reminder that in spite of the outpouring of sympathy and sorrow in the wake of the callous and brutal murder of Constable Kerr, there are still those in society who reside firmly in the gutter."
NI Secretary Owen Paterson represented the British Government at the service.
The PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and his counterpart from the Irish police Martin Callinan also paid their respects.
The Taoiseach was the first Irish premier to cross the border to attend an NI policeman's funeral.
He said yesterday in a statement to the Dáil that he wanted to "convey utter abhorrence for the brutal and senseless killing of Constable Ronan Kerr".
"In totally condemning the callous killing of a young man who had decided to dedicate his life to protecting the people of Northern Ireland, I am joined by all of the political voices on these islands," he said.
Constable Kerr is the second officer to have been killed since the Royal Ulster Constabulary became the PSNI in 2001.
Constable Stephen Carroll was shot dead in a gun attack in Craigavon in March 2009.
Peace Rally
At the same time as the funeral, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions organised a lunchtime rally in Belfast on Wednesday to allow people to express their abhorrence at the killing.
Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MP attended the peace rally at Belfast City Hall and said: "This demonstration was a genuine show of sympathy with the Kerr family at this very difficult time. It is a fitting tribute to Constable Ronan Kerr, who served the whole community and was a beacon of hope for a shared future, that a rally like this should draw support from right across the community.
"It is vital at this time that people stand together united in support of Ronan's family, in support of the police service and in support of peace.
"What we all must do now is build the shared and peaceful future for everyone in Northern Ireland that Ronan was committed to delivering in his work."
(BMcC/KMcA)
And, as the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland told mourners at the funeral of Constable Kerr his murder was "an evil deed, an offence against God", this show of unity was just one of a series of political 'firsts' also taking place.
Listening to Cardinal Sean Brady address the killers with the words: "We do not want this. In God's name stop - and stop now" was the Irish Premier, Enda Kenny, who was attending the funeral alongside Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson.
"The DUP Leader was in a Roman Catholic chapel today having said he wished to attend "and convey my respect(s) for a brave young policeman".
The PSNI man's Catholic funeral service was also attended by the Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Tom Elliott, the Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness - who has never been at a policeman's funeral - several NI church leaders and the Irish opposition leader Micheal Martin.
Ulster Unionist Leader Tom Elliott has already condemned the appearance of offensive graffiti regarding the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr.
It was scrawled on a pub wall in the Bogside area of Londonderry.
As he prepared to attend the Church of St Patrick in Drumduff, near Beragh, Mr Elliott said of the now-removed mocking words: "This graffiti is absolutely sickening and a reminder that in spite of the outpouring of sympathy and sorrow in the wake of the callous and brutal murder of Constable Kerr, there are still those in society who reside firmly in the gutter."
NI Secretary Owen Paterson represented the British Government at the service.
The PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and his counterpart from the Irish police Martin Callinan also paid their respects.
The Taoiseach was the first Irish premier to cross the border to attend an NI policeman's funeral.
He said yesterday in a statement to the Dáil that he wanted to "convey utter abhorrence for the brutal and senseless killing of Constable Ronan Kerr".
"In totally condemning the callous killing of a young man who had decided to dedicate his life to protecting the people of Northern Ireland, I am joined by all of the political voices on these islands," he said.
Constable Kerr is the second officer to have been killed since the Royal Ulster Constabulary became the PSNI in 2001.
Constable Stephen Carroll was shot dead in a gun attack in Craigavon in March 2009.
Peace Rally
At the same time as the funeral, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions organised a lunchtime rally in Belfast on Wednesday to allow people to express their abhorrence at the killing.
Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MP attended the peace rally at Belfast City Hall and said: "This demonstration was a genuine show of sympathy with the Kerr family at this very difficult time. It is a fitting tribute to Constable Ronan Kerr, who served the whole community and was a beacon of hope for a shared future, that a rally like this should draw support from right across the community.
"It is vital at this time that people stand together united in support of Ronan's family, in support of the police service and in support of peace.
"What we all must do now is build the shared and peaceful future for everyone in Northern Ireland that Ronan was committed to delivering in his work."
(BMcC/KMcA)
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20 February 2012
PSNI Appeal For Information On Ronan Kerr Murder
Detectives investigating the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr in Omagh last April have issued a detailed appeal for assistance and information from the local community about a number of unidentified vehicles and one unidentified man in the area around Highfield Close in the period leading up to the explosion.
PSNI Appeal For Information On Ronan Kerr Murder
Detectives investigating the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr in Omagh last April have issued a detailed appeal for assistance and information from the local community about a number of unidentified vehicles and one unidentified man in the area around Highfield Close in the period leading up to the explosion.
26 July 2011
Major Operation Targets Ronan Kerr's Killers
Five men have been arrested and a major search operation has taken place across Northern Ireland over the murder of police officer Ronan Kerr (pictured). Police investigating the deadly bomb blast in Omagh almost four months ago have mounted a major search and arrest operation.
Major Operation Targets Ronan Kerr's Killers
Five men have been arrested and a major search operation has taken place across Northern Ireland over the murder of police officer Ronan Kerr (pictured). Police investigating the deadly bomb blast in Omagh almost four months ago have mounted a major search and arrest operation.
08 January 2018
PSNI Renew Appeal Over Murder Of Constable Ronan Kerr
Police have renewed their appeal for information over the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr. Constable Kerr, aged 25, was killed by a booby-trap car bomb in Omagh on 02 April 2011. The PSNI believe there are witnesses who may hold the "key to vital evidence".
PSNI Renew Appeal Over Murder Of Constable Ronan Kerr
Police have renewed their appeal for information over the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr. Constable Kerr, aged 25, was killed by a booby-trap car bomb in Omagh on 02 April 2011. The PSNI believe there are witnesses who may hold the "key to vital evidence".
28 November 2012
Ronan Kerr Murder: Man Released
A 39-year-old man who was arrested in County Tyrone over the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr has been released. The man, from the Omagh area, was arrested under the Terrorism Act. He was released unconditionally on Tuesday evening. The arrest followed searches in County Tyrone and Cumbria in England. The man was taken to Antrim police station.
Ronan Kerr Murder: Man Released
A 39-year-old man who was arrested in County Tyrone over the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr has been released. The man, from the Omagh area, was arrested under the Terrorism Act. He was released unconditionally on Tuesday evening. The arrest followed searches in County Tyrone and Cumbria in England. The man was taken to Antrim police station.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
