Peace rally planned after Pc bomb death
A massive trade unionist anti-violence rally is planned in Belfast city centre tomorrow following the death of Pc Ronan Kerr.
Relatives of the Catholic new recruit are preparing for his funeral after his remains were returned to his home near Omagh, Co Tyrone, last night.
His boobytrap car bomb killing has united all shades of mainstream politics, and the Gaelic Athletic Association has added its voice to condemnation of the attack on one of its members.
Pc Kerr, 25, died as he got into his car in Omagh on Saturday. A device the size of a lunch box was packed with around a pound of high explosives. Dissident republicans opposed to the peace process are believed by detectives to be responsible.
Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has led republican denunciation of the murder.
Police anticipate the funeral will be held tomorrow.
Mr Kerr played GAA football until he was 18 for the Beragh Red Knights in his home village of Beragh.
Club chairman Gearoid O Treasaigh said: “Ronan Kerr was a Catholic, an Irishman and a Gael who joined the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) because he wanted to play his part in making our society a better place. Many members of our club were aware of Ronan’s career path and supported him on his choice.
“The GAA stands shoulder to shoulder with the Kerr family, the PSNI and the entire community in condemning outright this murder.
“We also send a strong message today to all of those people who continue to engage in this activity: you have no support in our community and your actions do not represent the views and feelings of the vast majority of people in Ireland.”
