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Irish Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Surviving member of Miami Showband massacre tells of guilt ahead of book launch
A surviving member of The Miami Showband massacre has said it took him five years to write a book on the heinous crime – saying he battled with survivor's guilt for many years after the attack. Des Lee and Stephen Travers were the only two members of the hit band who survived the horrific slaughter by members of a UVF loyalist paramilitary group on July 31, 1975. Singer Fran O'Toole, 29, 23-year-old Tony Geraghty and 23-year-old Brian McCoy were killed in the attack after the band were travelling back home to Dublin from a gig in the North. It later emerged that the bogus British army checkpoint outside Newry was made up of UDR soldiers and members of terrorist group, the UVF. Des has now launched his first book - My Saxophone Saved My Life: The Miami Showband Massacre and My Quest for Answers – where he details the night of the attack and who he believes is responsible for it. He told The Irish Mirror: "To be honest, it took about five years (to write it). It was hard to work on it. Every time I picked it up, it made me cry and I put it down because it was depressing. "But I realise, 'listen, you're coming up to a ripe old age and you didn't want to kick the bucket when the book is not finished'." Mr Lee added: "I don't want people to think the book is depressing. The book is all about my life from when I was a young boy from Belfast and how we were treated as Catholics, back in the 50s. We got third class housing, third class education, third class jobs. "We were kicked into the ground. When you were a Catholic, you were just a piece of rubbish. I speak about that. "But there's a lot of comedy and humour in it, there's a lot of tear jerks. I think anyone who buys the book will have a wonderful read. "But I want people to know that the guy who organised the Miami massacre was the top guy in the British army. A guy called Captain Robert Nairac. He was the man who organised the weaponry, the uniforms, the bomb, the vehicles. Absolutely everything. "I want people to know all about this man, this man was evil and the British government to this day denies he was there on the night, but we have proof that he was there." The Miami Showband Mr Lee said that the night of the Miami Showband massacre will never leave him. "It never will till the day I die. I wake up every morning – there's photographs of Fran O'Toole in my bedroom, there's photographs of the guys from the band in my lounge, so I live with this 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and I wouldn't have it any other way. "They were my three brothers; they will always be remembered. I want to keep their names alive. They were purely musicians." He added that he suffered with survivor's guilt for many years after the attack. "I felt sorry for the O'Toole, the Geraghty's and the McCoy family. "We were targeted because we were the number one band in Ireland, and they wanted maximum publicity. They put the bomb in the van, tell us to get back in the van, head up to Dublin, the bomb explodes, we're all killed, there's no one to say any different. "We would be accused of carrying weapons for the IRA. Then there would've been difficulties between the Irish Government and the English Government. That is exactly what would've happened," he added. My Saxophone Saved My Life: The Miami Showband Massacre and My Quest for Answers is available to buy now. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
The Miami Showband Massacre:‘ They tried to wipe out the entire band.'
The Irish showband scene was in full flight, young people were dancing and romancing. The bands, who performed to thousands of people every night, brought a new lease of life both north and south of the border, creating superstars such as Dickie Rock, Big Tom and Joe Dolan. And, at the peak of their prowess was The Miami Showband, a phenomenon so beloved they were affectionately dubbed 'The Irish Beatles'. It seemed as if nothing could go wrong for them. But all that changed on July 31, 1975. Five members of the band were travelling from a gig in Banbridge, Co Down, to Dublin late that night when they were stopped by what they thought was a routine army checkpoint – some of those there were real soldiers, but all were members of the UVF. What transpired shook not just the showband scene, but left a lifelong trauma on the musicians, their families and those who loved them. Tessa Fleming is joined by former Sunday Independent news editor Liam Collins, and Des Lee, surviving member of The Miami Showband and author of 'My Saxophone Saved My Life', as they discuss one of the darkest nights in Irish music history: the Miami Showband Massacre.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Gareth O'Callaghan: 50 years after Miami Showband killings, the scars of The Troubles still remain
Maybe everybody feels this way about the long hazy days of their teenage summers, but the summers in the mid-1970s were unforgettable. Long sunny days were hitched to an endless soundtrack of classic songs and pop stars whose posters adorned every teenager's bedroom in the country. The year 1975 was particularly memorable, but not just for the weather. I remember where I was on the morning of July 31 that year. Sitting in the back of the family car, I listened in shock as news of the ambush and execution of three members of the Miami Showband broke on RTÉ. I was 14, and what I was listening to was unthinkable. Fifty years later, as the anniversary approaches next Thursday, it still is. Having left the Castle Ballroom in Banbridge, Co Down, shortly after 2am, after an unexpected treat of Irish stew prepared by the venue's staff, the minibus carrying five of the band — Fran O'Toole, Des 'Lee' McAlea, Tony Geraghty, Brian McCoy, and Stephen Travers — was stopped in the townland of Buskhill, eight miles from Newry, at a military checkpoint. They were ordered out of the van and questioned. Unknown to the band, the armed men dressed in British Army uniforms were members of the paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). Seconds later, a bomb that was being placed under the driver's seat by two of the loyalist killers, Harris Boyle and Wesley Somerville, exploded prematurely, killing both. Three of the Miami— Fran, Tony, and Brian — were gunned down as they tried to make their escape across a field they had been blown into by the force of the explosion, and then shot dead while lying on their backs pleading for their lives to be spared. Stephen was shot and seriously wounded. Des escaped uninjured. Why would anyone target a group of musicians who were entertaining young people from both sides of the North's political divide? Music, after all, is meant to bridge all kinds of divides. After all, the Miami's song 'Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet' meant the same to a Protestant teenager as it did to a Catholic. It's impossible to describe the hateful intent that hung in the air that night on the North's A1, as some of the most dangerous killers of 'The Troubles' lay in wait for their targets. It wasn't the terrorists' intention to shoot them. The plan was to allow them to continue on their journey, while, unknown to any of them, transporting a massive bomb set on a short timer — most likely to detonate while the van was travelling through Newry. Clearly, the UVF's plan was to manipulate the enormous love shown to the band by its thousands of fans both north and south. If the bomb had exploded, then the innocent musicians would forever have been remembered as republican terrorists transporting an explosive device north of the border. Fifty years later, the world would still be none the wiser about the bogus checkpoint that night, or the UVF's involvement. Although three innocent men lost their lives, the original plan was foiled. Nor would there have been a 2011 report by the PSNI's Historical Enquiries Team pointing to collusion between the RUC and loyalist paramilitaries in relation to the killings. According to Martin Dillon, in his book The Dirty War, at least five serving Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers were present at the checkpoint. It's impossible to describe the hateful intent that hung in the air that night on the North's A1, as some of the most dangerous killers of 'The Troubles' lay in wait for their targets. The memorial plaque to Miami Showband members Tony Geraghty, Fran O'Toole and Brian McCoy outside the former National Ballroom on Parnell Square in Dublin. Picture: Billy Higgins Is the North a better place 50 years later? It depends on who you ask. South Armagh, with its lush green countryside, is a pleasure to drive through on a sunny July morning; but memories of the Glenanne gang, and its secret alliance of soldiers, police, and UVF members, who murdered innocent Catholics and nationalists in the 1970s, don't disappear with time. Take a stroll along the predominantly loyalist Shankill Road in West Belfast, and it doesn't take long to be reminded of Lenny Murphy, who headed up the Shankill Butchers, who, during the 1970s, brought a new level of paramilitary savagery to a city already on its knees as a result of cold-blooded sectarian killings. There are reminders everywhere that all six counties paid dearly for the hatred of others — often neighbours and work colleagues. Murder could knock on anyone's door, depending on your religion and your allegiances in the community, on where you went to church, or took a pint. Who you worked for often determined whether you became a hitman's target. No one felt safe, and if they did, they were only fooling themselves. The Cork Examiner's front-page report on the Miami showband massacre on August 1, 1975 On the surface, Northern Ireland is different to what it was 50 years ago. Despite Belfast's brutal past, it has become a booming tourist destination. Just like Derry, its bloody history is a curiosity for visitors. But there are those who will tell you it's a history that's not over — just dormant. It wouldn't take a lot to stir the pot. A friend who has lived in Banbridge all his life once told me, 'No one should opine on the history of Northern Ireland unless they lived here during The Troubles', but we've known each other long enough so I doubt he'll mind. It's a place of anomalies and contradictions. It's a part of the United Kingdom, but it shares the same island as a separate sovereign country. One of those anomalies is violence — a reminder that political and civic decisions are forever mindful of orange and green. There are still places where to openly display your Irish pride could get you mistaken for a closet Provo, and vice versa if your loyalty is to the Crown Jewels; but it will no longer cost you your job or your life if you openly support a united Ireland. However, all that happened will never go away. How do you discuss the past with someone whose father walked into a pub carrying a gun and murdered a bunch of his neighbours who were enjoying a football match? What if you're the son of one of them? Despite the peace deal in 1998, many of Northern Ireland's Catholics and Protestants continue to live mostly separate lives. More than 90% of children attend schools segregated by religion. The loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, featuring a model migrant boat with life-sized mannequins in life jackets. Picture: Eamonn Farrell / There's a direct link between deprivation and political violence, which the peace agreement failed to address. Add to that the recent violence caused by ethnic discrimination. Seeing news footage of a bonfire topped with mannequins in a boat — representing migrants — in the Tyrone village of Moygashel recently reminded me of the hate that drove the killings of the Miami. For many people, nothing has changed. Moygashel native Wesley Somerville, who blew himself up with his own bomb that night 50 years ago, was honoured in recent weeks when loyalists hung a banner bearing his image from a lamppost in the same village. Let's hope the late Seamus Mallon was right when he said: 'Violence interrupts but does not determine history'. A 45-minute drive south-east of Moygashel brings you back to Banbridge, where three white ribbons still hang from branches close to where the Miami massacre took place, a constant reminder of precarious peace. Read More Two children and woman killed in shooting in Co Fermanagh while man remains in hospital
Sunday World
22-07-2025
- Sunday World
‘Winkie' Irvine under threat of violent attack from loyalist faction in jail
Paramilitary prisoners planning to 'send message he won't forget' to loyalist chief Jailed loyalist leader Winston 'Winkie' Irvine is under threat from a violent attack behind bars, sources have told the Sunday World. And we can exclusively reveal that paramilitary prisoners currently housed near Irvine in HMP Maghaberry are planning to 'give him a message he won't forget'. The threat is believed to have been issued by associates of ousted UVF men from east Belfast who blame Irvine for their expulsion from the paramilitary organisation. 'Winkie will need to watch his step every inch of the way while he's in jail. The men from the east have fingered him for waging a campaign to discredit Stephen Matthews,' said a well-placed east Belfast loyalist source. Last night the Sunday World made the PSNI aware of the alleged threat against 49-year-old Irvine from Ballysillan Road, who is currently serving out a two-and-a-half-year sentence after he was caught with a bag of guns and ammunition in his car. Earlier this week police released dramatic film footage of Irvine's arrest in June 2022, alongside his co-accused, 54-year-old Robin Workman of Shore Road, Larne, who was later jailed for five years – half of which will be served on licence. Winston 'Winkie' Irvine in police custody Police bodycam shows the moment Winkie Irvine is arrested The East Belfast faction of the UVF was expelled by the terror group's Shankill Road leadership on Remembrance Sunday 2023. A masked UVF volunteer read out a statement in front of 1,000 UVF-linked loyalists who had earlier that morning paraded in honour of the war dead. A similar statement was read out at other UVF-controlled venues, including one off the Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Source claim veteran loyalist Stephen Matthews was replaced by a new leader installed with the blessing of the Shankill leadership controlled by veteran UVF men John 'Bunter' Graham and 'Harmless Harry' Stockman. Matthews has previously denied being involved in both criminality and paramilitarism. And moves were also made to take complete control of UVF arms dumps in the east of the city. Stephen Matthews Matthews was made aware in no uncertain terms that he wasn't under any physical threat as long as he 'steered well clear' of UVF military hardware, according to sources. It is claimed he was further warned that any attempt to push back against the Shankill Road ruling, would be met with an immediate and violent reaction. For a number of years, Matthews was alleged to have run a criminal gang which it was claimed used the UVF name as cover for a range of activities, including drug dealing and extortion. Traditionally known as the UVF 4th Battalion, its east Belfast territory ran from the Albert Bridge near the city centre to Newtownards. And its heartland was by far the largest area of loyalist paramilitary influence and control in the whole of Northern Ireland. And the lucrative cash return in the area was huge. But as time passed, sources claim Matthews became estranged from the UVF's Shankill Road centre, although he continued to consolidate his support in the east. But since his expulsion 18 months ago, Matthews didn't disappear quietly as some predicted. Instead, he steadily rebuilt an even more solid support base. In recent times, Matthews has overseen a move away from drug dealing and criminality toward community-based activism, sources claim. And we were also told that during a meeting with his top men, one of 'Mackers' distant relatives – who held the rank of Provost Marshal – made a jokey remark about drug dealing, saying: 'No more drugs? That's why I joined the UVF.' Matthews is alleged to have slapped his relative around the head. And he was later busted down the ranks and is now driving a taxi for a living. 'That showed Mackers meant business with regards to cleaning up the image,' said our source. Only last Saturday, Mackers was spotted handing out chilled bottles of mineral water to thirsty returning bandsmen and 12th of July Orange marchers, near St Matthews Catholic Church on the Newtownards Road. Matthews was inundated by well-wishers who showed their support by slapping him on the back and asking him for souvenir 'selfies'. 'Good on you, big man,' a member of the East Belfast Regimental Band shouted as he passed by on the final hurdle of the 12th parade, which was seen as a spectacular success. 'Mackers is more popular now than he was before he was ousted,' one of his supporters told us. Whilst accepting the reality of their position outside the mainstream UVF, Mackers' men have refused to fully surrender their loyalist connection and they are now branding themselves the UVF Regiment of East Belfast. This effectively sees two UVF-proclaimed groups vying for loyalist support in the East Belfast Brigade area. But all available evidence also shows the Matthews faction is currently enjoying a resurgence of influence in working-class loyalist areas east of the River Lagan. And many of Mackers' men are thoroughly convinced Winkie Irvine was responsible for a relentless smear campaign against their east Belfast boss. Video footage of Winkie being arrested Winkie's final throw of the dice came in June last year while he was still out on bail awaiting trial for a range of arms offences. Irvine arranged for a psychological show of strength aimed at emphasising Mackers' demise. The Woodvale UVF boss was one of hundreds of loyalists – wearing white shirts and black ties – who lined the entire length of the Newtownards Road. Mackers stayed away, opting to observe proceedings from the nearby safety of the Constitution Club. And he later used the moment to rebuild his support in the heartland of loyalism in east Belfast. 'Some people thought it would be the death knell of Stephen Matthews. Instead it was the beginning of his fight back and a year later he done it,' said our source. 'The blame for what happened has been laid at Winkies' door.' Another loyalist source with an insight into Matthews' thinking insisted he didn't know the identity of those tried to discredit him, but he doesn't blame Irvine. Last night, a spokesman said: 'Mr Matthews has no issue with Winston Irvine. And he doesn't wish to see any division within loyalism.' Winston 'Winkie' Irvine in police custody News in 90 Seconds - July 22nd
Sunday World
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
Government dismisses UVF demand for members to be issued with personal protection guns
In Northern Ireland, individuals can legally possess firearms, including handguns, for personal protection under specific circumstances Government negotiators have dismissed UVF demands for senior members to be issued with personal protection weapons. The outlandish request is believed to have been dismissed out of hand as a condition for the terror group to finally transition away from paramilitary activity. The UVF have been locked in discussions with government negotiators for a number of years and are understood to be nearing a position where they can announce their disbandment. Early obstacles included demands for immunity from prosecution for historical conflict-related crimes. The contentious Legacy Act has virtually removed any likelihood of prosecution, even should the Labour government honour its manifesto commitment and repeal the act. Twenty-seven years after the Good Friday Agreement secured peace, there is no legal framework for decommissioning, leaving negotiators tying to find a verifiable way to show weapons have been put beyond use. Armed UVF men on the streets of Belfast during the Troubles There is an acceptance that any form of decommissioning will only be windrow dressing in any deal to stand down – access to weaponry doesn't present any difficulty for criminal gangs. The streets are awash with guns, the sticking point for the UVF are weapons that might have a forensic history linking them to past crimes. But it's is their demand for leading paramilitary figures to be allowed to carry personal protection weapons (PPW) that has raised eyebrows. In Northern Ireland, individuals can legally possess firearms, including handguns, for personal protection under specific circumstances. The final arbiter is the PSNI who grant firearms certificates for personal protection if there's a real and immediate risk to the applicant's life. Police must be happy a gun is deemed a necessary and proportionate measure. Applicants must demonstrate a 'good reason' and undergo thorough checks, including medical and law enforcement records. The latter would appear to rule out anyone with a paramilitary history. PPWs were commonplace during the conflict, with public figures including politicians, members of the judiciary and members of the civil service being given a handgun. There has been precedents with a number of leading paramilitary figures allowed to carry PPWs. There has been speculation that the UVF was ready to make a declaration as early as this autumn. Optimism was dampened when it emerged they had demanded to be allowed to retain an armed force of around 240 men, in their words, to protect the upper echelons of the terror group. The Sunday World understands they have now modified their demands and scaled them down to a call for a small number of PPWs to be issued which would mean UVF paramilitaries legally carrying guns. Security sources have told us the proposal is a non-starter. 'It would be unthinkable to strike a deal that would legally put guns in the hands of terrorists, they're gong to have to find a way round that,' one said. Loyalist sources have told us there is anger at the top of the UVF that bargaining positions are finding their way into the public domain. John 'Bunter' Graham One source, who has intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the UVF, said only a handful of people from Chief of Staff John 'Bunter' Graham down would have any knowledge of the content of discussions with British government representatives. As previously reported, it is known that a sizeable number of UVF members and sections of the UDA have been negotiating a pathway out of the paramilitaries, but do not represent the entirety of the organisations. They are believed to be close to agreeing the terms of their transition but their priority in discussions has been to maintain the flow of public money into community-based jobs, many of which are occupied by paramilitary members, and immunity from prosecution for historical crimes. In February it was announced that the British and Irish governments were to jointly appoint 'an Independent Expert to carry out a short scoping and engagement exercise to assess whether there is merit in, and support for, a formal process of engagement to bring about paramilitary group transition to disbandment. This will include examining what could be in scope of such a formal process'. Lord Alderdice, the former Alliance Party leader who was chair of the Independent Monitoring Commission, said talks about loyalist transition should stop. 'A halt should be called, and you can't call a halt now sooner than today,' he said. 'There comes a point when you have to say no, this hasn't been delivered.' The Sunday World understands a sticking point in discussions are calls for the UVF to be de-proscribed so that the name can continue to be used legally at memorial and other events. And also in the naming of veterans clubs, the complication being that those who will continue to use the UVF name as a cover for their involvement in drugs and other crimes. UVF gunman Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 21st
