The jury at the new inquest into the death of Seamus Ludlow who was murdered by loyalists 29 years ago, returned a verdict of ‘unlawful killing’.

They returned a verdict that the 47 year old forestry worker died on May 2nd 1976 in the vicinity of Culfore, Mountpleasant, as a result of shock and haemorrhaging as the result of gun shot wounds.

County Coroner Mr Ronan Maguire BL ruled that a rider which the jury wished to add to their verdict fell outside the terms permitted by the legislation.

He expressed his sympathy to the Ludlow family saying that he was aware of how long they had struggled to get answers.

Speaking at the conclusion of the two day inquest, which was held on the orders of the Attorney General, Mr Jimmy Sharkey, a nephew of the murdered man, said that the family were pleased that the fresh inquest had been heard.

However, he said that they were not happy with the outcome as he believed that the Gardai still had questions to answer.

“The only thing which came out of it was that retired Supt Courtney made a public admission that he received information as to who was responsible for Seamus’ murder and that was never acted upon.”