Kenova Lead Sir Iain Livingstone has paid tribute to those affected by the Dublin and Monaghan bombings on the 50th anniversary of the attacks.
The series of coordinated blasts across Dublin and then the border town of Monaghan on Friday, 17 May 1974 claimed the lives of 34 innocent people – including a full-term unborn child – and injured more than 300.
A number of events will be held to mark the 50th anniversary with people coming together to remember those lives lost and the countless more torn apart.
The bombings, one of the worst atrocities of the Troubles, forms part of the Kenova body of work – Operation Denton, which is an analytical report on collusion in relation to a series of crimes said to have been carried out by the ‘Glenanne Gang’.
Sir Iain said: "The events of 17 May 1974 were truly shocking and the very definition of an act of terror, where people going about their daily lives were subjected to absolute horror.
"The Operation Denton team has had the privilege of speaking to many loved ones of those affected by that awful day. I’ve been humbled by their ongoing dignity and strength despite facing barriers and often a wall of silence for the past five decades.
"We must never forget the events of that day, and the other awful killings which took place in this dark period in history. Friday, 17 May 2024 is a deeply poignant date and it is vital to continue to reflect and remember those who died and their families and loved ones.
"All my thought are with the victims and loved ones of those affected by the bombings."