Understand
Glenanne gang: Family of murdered GAA fan to receive damages and apology from PSNI
Overview
The family of Sean Farmer, a Gaelic football fan shot dead by the UVF's Glenanne gang in 1975, has reached a settlement involving undisclosed damages and an apology from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Legal action involving claims of security force collusion and malfeasance in public office was pursued following a Historical Enquiries Team report that highlighted serious investigative omissions. A separate claim against the Ministry of Defence is scheduled to go to trial.
Key points
- The family of Sean Farmer will receive undisclosed damages and an apology from the PSNI.
- Sean Farmer and his friend Colm McCartney were shot dead at a dummy roadblock in County Armagh in August 1975 while returning from a Gaelic football match.
- The victims were targeted by the Glenanne gang, a network of UVF paramilitaries linked with rogue police and soldiers.
- A Historical Enquiries Team report previously cited disturbing omissions and a lack of structured investigative strategy regarding the murders.
- A separate legal claim against the Ministry of Defence is expected to go to trial.