TRIBUTES PAID FOLLOWING POIGNANT PASSING OF JOHN MCANESPIE

Tributes have been paid to Mr John McAnespie of Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, who passed away on Monday last, September 19. Mr McAnespie’s son Aidan was shot dead at a Border crossing on the Monaghan Road in Aughnacloy on February 21 1988. The killing instigated a long campaign for justice in which John and other family members have played a pivotal part. A verdict is soon to be delivered in the case of a British Army veteran accused of Aidan McAnespie’s manslaughter.

The Relatives For Justice group, which works with individuals and families bereaved and injured as a result of the Troubles, said it was heartbroken to learn of Mr McAnespie’s death. John’s daughter Éilish, now deceased, was a a founding member of the group. “We extend comhbhrón ó chroí to John’s surviving children, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren,” Relatives for Justice stated. “An inspirational, courageous and generous man, John was tireless in his pursuit of justice for Aidan and it is of added poignancy that his passing comes as outcome is awaited in recent court proceedings. “John’s support of other families was a great source of comfort and strength for many. Ní beidh a leithéad ar ais arís.”

Mr McAnespie passed away suddenly at his residence of 34 Tullyvar Road, Aughnacloy. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (née Treanor) and children Aidan and Éilish, and is survived by children Seán, Gerard, Margo and Vincent, and sister Mary. The Requiem Mass will take place in St Mary’s Church, Aughnacloy today, Thursday at 11 am, followed by interment in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Clara. Northern Ireland’s First Minister designate and Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill said John’s death was “very sad news”.

“A gentleman and a daddy that dedicated his life to campaigning for truth and justice for his son Aidan,” she said. “He never gave up. Sincere condolences to the family at this sad time.” Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew said she was “deeply saddened” following John’s death. “My immediate thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad and difficult time,” she said. “John McAnespie dedicated his life to campaigning for truth and justice for his son Aidan who was shot dead by the British Army in Aughnacloy in 1988. “He never gave up.”