A series of solemn commemorations are taking place across South Armagh to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kingsmills Massacre, one of the most shocking atrocities of the Troubles.
On January 5, 1976, ten innocent Protestant workmen were murdered by the IRA as they were returning home from their day’s work near Kingsmills, outside Bessbrook.
One man, Alan Black, survived the attack and has since been central to the ongoing campaign for truth and justice.
Today (Sunday), a religious service was held at Bessbrook Town Hall, organised by the Kingsmills Memorial Committee, drawing a large attendance from across the community.
The service formed part of a programme of commemorative events marking the milestone anniversary and provided an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and solidarity with the families and the sole survivor.
Ahead of the anniversary, local Ulster Unionist councillor David Taylor said his thoughts were with the Kingsmills families and with Mr Black.
“This is a deeply solemn time for the local area and one that continues to weigh heavily on many people who retain vivid memories of the horrific events of 5 January 1976,” he said.
Councillor Taylor described the massacre as “one of the most shocking and cruel acts carried out by republicans during the Troubles”, adding that it left a lasting impact on the Protestant community in South Armagh.
He said the 50th anniversary was particularly significant, noting: “The families and Alan Black have endured decades of pain and trauma as a result of what happened at Kingsmills, and it is all the more regrettable that justice has yet to be achieved for this heinous crime.”
Councillor Taylor confirmed he would be attending commemorative events locally to show support for the families, including today’s service at Bessbrook Town Hall and a remembrance ceremony at the Kingsmills roadside memorial on Monday, January 5.
Among those attending today’s service was incoming Newry and Armagh DUP MLA Gareth Wilson, who described the event as “very well attended” and “solemn and reflective”.
“It is so important that the horrific events of January 5, 1976 are never forgotten and this service certainly ensures that those innocent and hard-working family men, murdered by the IRA on that day, are remembered,” Mr Wilson said.
He paid tribute to the Kingsmills Memorial Committee, supported by the Ely Centre, SEFF and FAIR, for their role in organising the service and maintaining remembrance of the victims.
Mr Wilson described the massacre as “one of the most callous and cold-blooded attacks of the Troubles”, adding that it continues to cause deep grief and despair for the families affected.
“The continual drive for justice has been long and arduous for the families and I praise their determination. I stand firmly with them all as the quest for truth continues,” he said.
He concluded by highlighting that no one has ever been brought to justice for the murders.
“The fact that, to this day, no one has been held accountable for this heinous crime remains a shocking reality of life in Northern Ireland,” he said. “That situation needs to change and justice needs to be done and needs to be seen to be done.”
As the 50th anniversary is marked, the Kingsmills Massacre remains a painful and unresolved chapter in Northern Ireland’s history, with remembrance services serving as a powerful reminder of lives lost and a continuing call for truth and justice.
