Family of Kilkenny man killed in bomb attack continue their fight for justice

The family of a Kilkenny man who was tragically killed in a bomb attack almost 50 years ago are now calling for a renewed garda investigation into the incident.

John Hayes, originally from Coon in rural Kilkenny, was working as a baggage handler at Dublin Airport when a bomb exploded in November 1975, killing him and injuring eight others.

The incident is among those being examined by Operation Denton, an independent UK police inquiry set up to investigate the actions of the so-called Glenanne Gang.

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The operation is soon expected to release a report on the UVF-linked group, which was active across Armagh and Mid-Ulster during the 1970s and is believed to have included serving members of the police and military.

John’s son Brendan told the Kilkenny People that he feels that there has been no effective investigation into the killing of his father.

“It would be nice to think that Operation Denton can provide some answers which can lead to some form of justice, but I am not very hopeful,” Brendan said.

“We were told by the guys who briefed us [on the impending publication of the report] that there’ll be nothing coming out that they haven’t told us, so we’re not really expecting anything revelatory.

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“So far, it has proven to be a real disappointment. They’ve released the names of some of the suspects but they haven’t released others without giving us a good reason as to why they haven’t released the names. It’s the least we deserve after all these years to be given the names of all the suspects.” 

Brendan said the killing of his father had a lasting impact on the family, particularly on his mother Monica, as they have continually sought answers.

“It is only within the last couple of years that I have felt strong enough to talk about what happened to my father,” he explained.

“The choice not to avoid the issue gives rise to other painful emotions such as fear, anger, disgust and sadness.”

He confirmed that he has recently been in touch with Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy, who has “put questions to the Irish Justice Minister and to the Garda Commissioner.”

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Efforts are also being made to meet with the Garda Commissioner “to find out what the status of the investigation is, what was done and if anything is going to be done in the future.”

Brendan described his father as being extremely proud of his Kilkenny background.

“My Dad was just like an ordinary guy doing his job,” he said. “He was a family man, he enjoyed having a good social circle, liked the odd pint, loved Kilkenny hurling. On that day, he wasn’t actually supposed to be working. I think he was just covering for a colleague because they were short.”

The family are now hoping to have a plaque installed at Dublin Airport as a memorial to John.

“It doesn’t have to be that big,” Brendan said. “Just something that can be a permanent reminder there.”

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He hopes that the Dublin Airport Authority will support the request.

A memorial service is also being planned for November 28 at Dublin Airport Church.

Keeping John’s memory alive remains deeply important to the family, but their need for justice is paramount.

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