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Service held in Dublin for Miami Showband massacre victims

The site where the three group members were murdered (file photo)
The site where the three group members were murdered (file photo)

A wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the Miami Showband massacre has taken place in Dublin.

It was one of a series of commemoration events on behalf of the families of the victims held this week.

The events mark the killing of three members of the band, lead singer Fran O'Toole, guitarist Tony Geraghty, and trumpeter Brian McCoy, who were killed by loyalist paramilitaries in Co Down in 1975.

A multi-denominational service was held at the Abbey Presbyterian church in Parnell square.

It was attended by relatives of the victims and by one the survivors of the attack, Ray Miller, who was a drummer in the band.

Lord Mayor of Dublin John Stephens, David O'Toole, David's son Lucas, David's nephew Francis O'Toole, Helen McCoy, Keith McCoy and his daughter Annie.
L-R: Lord Mayor of Dublin John Stephens, David O'Toole, David's son Lucas, David's nephew Francis O'Toole, Helen McCoy, Keith McCoy and his daughter Annie
A wreath for the Miami Showband massacre victims laid in Dublin today
A wreath for the Miami Showband massacre victims laid in Dublin today

The service was presided over by Father Brian Darcy and Reverend Kevin Ronné, with music by the Rejoice Gospel Choir.

Afterwards the Deputy Lord Major John Stephens and the families of the victims laid a wreath at their memorial in Parnell square.

Wreaths were also laid on behalf of U2 and by Justice for the Forgotten, who organised the event.