The Murder of Seamus Ludlow in County Louth, May 1976. Towards a public inquiry?

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 July 2002 - The Irish Attorney General has directed the Coroner for County Louth to hold a fresh inquest into the death of Seamus Ludlow.  . . . . Please return for updates and important developments.    This photograph of Seamus Ludlow was taken later in his life.This is a youthful photograph of Seamus Ludlow, taken several years before his murder.This memorial stone marks the place where the dead body of Seamus Ludlow was discovered on Sunday 2nd. May, 1976. This new stone recently replaced another stone.

 

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The Dundalk Democrat,11 May 1996:

New information on Ludlow murder

For almost twenty years family members of Seamus Ludlow were led to believe, by the authorities that Seamus had been murdered by the IRA. However, his family mow believe they have information which could give reason to the murder case being reopened.

Speaking to "The Democrat" this week a member of the Ludlow-Sharkey family spoke of their frustration and bitterness that no-one was ever apprehended for the murder.

Seamus was abducted on 2nd May 1976 on his way home to Mountpleasant. His body with three gunshot wounds was found dumped in a laneway off the "Bog Road" near his home on the Sunday morning.

Following the grim discovery members of Seamus' family were questioned as to who would murder him. The family were later informed by the Gardai that those responsible for the killing were republicans from the north Louth area.

New information

Over the years the Ludlow-Sharkey family have believed the Gardai's findings until recent months, when new information came into their possession.

The new theory of Seamus' murder as believed by his family is as follows:

Seamus was last seen alive shortly after midnight on Sunday 2nd May 1976. His family believe he was abducted shortly after by loyalist paramilitaries. it is thought his abduction was a case of mistaken identity.

Indeed, it was reported at the time that Seamus was the "double" of a top Provisional IRA man who was on the wanted list of both the SAS and the UVF.

To avoid identification

It is thought that although his murderers knew they had made a mistake they killed him anyway to avoid Seamus identifying them. Lack of evidence at the spot where Seamus' body was found suggests to the family that he was murdered elsewhere.

No-one ever claimed responsibility for the murder, indeed the IRA on two occasions have denied any involvement.

The family of Seamus Ludlow now believe it is time for the Gardai to re-investigate the murder and have written a letter to the Commissioner, Patrick Culligan, receipt of which has been acknowledged.

"The Jackal"

At a Press Conference held in Dublin on the twentieth anniversary of Seamus' death, family members spoke of their new findings. They said that they had information indicating that the murder was carried out by a UVF unit led by the notorious killer known to some as "The Jackal".

They also believe that some of those involved in this murder were also involved in the murder of three members of the Miami Showband and also in the Dublin bombings.

Over the years the family believe they have been misled and feel it is time for their name and Seamus, who incidentally, had no paramilitary affiliations, to be cleared.

Support of local TD

Support for the Ludlow-Sharkey campaign came this week from Seamus Kirk TD, who upon attending the recent Press Conference felt the need for the murder case to be reopened.

Mr Kirk has brought the matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and is awaiting a response.

The members of the Ludlow-Sharkey family welcome the support of Mr Kirk and are happy to see that at least one politician is taking an interest in their campaign.

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