Carthy family undecided on legal action
The family of John Carthy today said it was too early to decide on whether to take legal action against the state over his fatal shooting by gardai in Abbeylara in 2000.
Speaking after the publication of the 744-page Barr Tribunal Report on the tragedy, sister Marie said: “We have just received the report and as you can imagine it is a very long report and we haven’t read it in detail.
“Today would not be a day to consider or speak about legal action. It’s not a day to rule in or rule out legal action.”
When asked what action she would like to be taken against three senior gardaí whom Mr Justice Robert Barr said were responsible for Mr Carthy’s death, she replied: “That would not be up to me to make any such decision. That would be a matter for the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice. It would not be in my power to say.”
Solicitor Peter Mullen added: “We note what the tribunal has found today in relation to that. In essence, it is now up to the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice to deal with this criticism that has been made against various members of the Garda Siochana and we await a response.”
Mr Justice Barr said in his report that scene commanders Supt Joe Shelly and Supt Michael Byrne and to a lesser extent, Det Sgt Gerry Russell were ultimately responsible for Mr Carthy’s death.
A statement from the Carthy family’s legal team added: “Now that Justice Barr has issued his report, the gross negligence and incompetence displayed during the siege has been laid bare.
“After six long years, the truth has been established and it is incumbent on those responsible for the series of errors to be held to account.”
Ms Carthy told today’s press conference in Dublin that 300,000 people in Ireland suffered from depression and she hoped a similar incident like Abbeylara would never happen again.
She described her brother as a gentle man with a sense of humour who loved football.
His death was heartbreaking for the family and caused unbearable pain and suffering, she said.
She added that she agreed with the report’s recommendations that gardaí should be trained for situations involving people with mental illnesses.
She added: “We’re just relieved that the report is finally here. It’s taken such a long time but we’re glad it’s here. We just have to sit down together and read it within the next few weeks.”
Ms Carthy thanked the Barr Tribunal team for the courtesy and respect it showed towards her family during its work.
In a poignant tribute to her brother John, Marie said the huge emptiness of his untimely death six years ago would remain with her family forever.
“Those who knew John well would remember him as a great character. He had a fantastic sense of humour. He was a very intelligent, gentle and hardworking young man.
“In John’s free time, he enjoyed many sports, in particular handball and football. He enjoyed socialising with his many friends, and was always the life and soul of every occasion.
“Like so many people worldwide, John did experience depression.
“Right now over 300,000 Irish people suffer from depression. In April 2000, at the age of 27, John was shot dead by members of the Garda Siochana.
“For my only brother to die in such circumstances was heartbreaking. Words cannot describe the pain and suffering John’s unnecessary death has caused my family.
“Life has never been the same for us since John died. John’s death has left a huge emptiness in our lives which will remain forever.
“To this day, my family believes that there was no just cause to shoot John.
“For over six years since the untimely death of John, we have sought answers to bring closure to this harrowing chapter.
“We need answers so that we can try to move on with our own lives.
“Perhaps, more importantly, we need answers so that this tragedy never happens to another family, ever again.
“It’s not just our family but neighbours and friends that demand answers to our questions.”
Ms Carthy also thanked members of the public at home and abroad for their support over the past six years.
