Events to Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the tragic Dublin-Monaghan bombings, which claimed the lives of 34 people, including one unborn baby, and injured over 300. The commemorative event, organised by Justice for the Forgotten, will take place on Talbot Street, one of the sites of the bombings.

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President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Simon Harris, and Tánaiste Micheál Martin will attend the ceremony to honour the victims. 

Unresolved Controversy of Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

The bombings occurred on May 17, 1974, with three bombs exploding almost simultaneously in Dublin at around 5:30 PM, followed by a fourth bomb in Monaghan at around 7:00 PM. This tragic event represents the highest number of casualties in a single day during the Troubles. This tragic event represents the highest number of casualties in a single day during the Troubles.

Irish Victims Commissioner John Wilson suggested a judicial investigation led by Justice Henry Barron following the attacks. The Barron Report criticised the initial Garda investigation and suggested collusion involving British state actors, a claim that has yet to be fully substantiated due to a lack of access to certain British files. 

A parallel memorial event will also take place in Monaghan Town, attended by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys. The ongoing investigation into the Glennane gang continues to seek justice for the victims.