Fergal Caraher facts for kids
Fergal Caraher (born 12 April 1970 – died 30 December 1990) was a young man from Northern Ireland. He was a member of the Provisional IRA, a group that wanted Northern Ireland to join the Republic of Ireland, and also a member of Sinn Féin, a political party. Fergal was killed by a group of Royal Marines at a checkpoint in Cullyhanna, County Armagh.
About Fergal Caraher
Fergal Caraher was born in Cullyhanna, a place in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. He grew up in a family that supported Irish republicanism, which means they believed Northern Ireland should be part of the Republic of Ireland. Fergal was involved with both the Provisional IRA and the political party Sinn Féin.
On 30 December 1990, Fergal was killed by Royal Marines near a checkpoint in Cullyhanna. His brother, Michael Caraher, was also hurt badly in the shooting. Michael later became known for being part of a group called the South Armagh sniper squads. This group was responsible for the deaths of several British soldiers and police officers. Michael Caraher was put in prison in 1997. He was later released in 2000 because of a special agreement called the Good Friday Agreement, which helped bring peace to Northern Ireland.
Fergal's sister, Maria Caraher, became involved in politics. In 1996, she was chosen to be part of the Northern Ireland Forum for the area of Newry and Armagh. She did not run for election again in 1998. Today, Maria is the principal of Bunscoil an Iúir, which is a school in Newry where children learn in the Irish language.
The Investigation and Trial
After Fergal Caraher's death, an investigation took place. In 1993, two Royal Marines were questioned about the shooting. These men, Lance Corporal Richard Elkington and Private Andrew Callaghan, said they were not guilty. They were later found not guilty in court.
Prosecutors, who present the case in court, said that one of the Marines broke the car window and shot at the car. They also said that the investigation was made harder because other soldiers at the scene had picked up empty bullet cases. This meant that the scene was not kept as it was for the police, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), to properly investigate. The prosecutors also argued that there was no good reason to shoot at the car.
The Marines involved explained their actions. One Marine said he shot at the driver because he thought another Marine was being carried away on the car's hood. The other Marine said he also shot at the car because he was worried for the life of the third Marine, whom he could not see.
Fergal Caraher is remembered at the South Armagh Memorial Garden in Mullaghbawn. This garden is a special place near Slieve Gullion mountain that honors 24 members of the Provisional IRA.
See also
- South Armagh Sniper (1990–1997)
- Provisional IRA South Armagh Brigade
