Northern Ireland

Antrim GAA backs Brown family call for end to ‘unjustifiable disclosure delays’ in Sean Brown inquest

PSNI disclose delays have held up murder inquest

Murdered GAA official Sean Brown
Murdered GAA official Sean Brown

The GAA in Co Antrim has backed calls by the family of murdered GAA official Sean Brown for an end to “unjustifiable disclosure delays” at his inquest.

The-father-of-six, was attacked and beaten by a LVF gang as he locked the gates at Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAC, Co Derry, in May 1997.

The 61-year-old club chairman was then placed in the boot of his own car and taken to a country lane outside Randalstown, Co Antrim, where he was shot six times.

Collusion is suspected and several of those involved are believed to be state agents.

Last month a coroner heard that a serving member of the Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) is a suspect in the murder.

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Mr Brown’s inquest, which to date has included around 40 hearings, has been held up due to repeated PSNI disclosure delays.

Under the British government’s controversial Legacy Act all inquests must be at their findings stage by May 1 or they will be halted.

Mr Brown’s family has previously accused state agencies of “cynically” trying to “derail” his long-delayed inquest.

The GAA in Antrim is calling for an end to disclosure delays in Sean Brown's inquest
The GAA in Antrim is calling for an end to disclosure delays in Sean Brown's inquest

In a social media post the GAA in Antrim said it expresses “solidarity with the family of the late Sean Brown as they call for an end to the unjustifiable disclosure delays in the inquest process which now needs completed”.

“We sympathise with all other families impacted by the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023,” it added.

The GAA in Tyrone, Armagh and Derry has previously backed the Brown family.

The latest intervention comes as GAA supporters from Derry and Tyrone are being urged to take part in a walk for justice for Mr Brown and Tyrone man Patsy Kelly, who was murdered in 1974, before the two counties clash in the national league on Sunday.

The walk from Free Derry Corner to Celtic Park will take place on Sunday at 2pm.

The PSNI was contacted.