THE family of a Co Tyrone teenager shot dead by Royal Marine Commandos as he played with friends have vowed to never give up their campaign for justice on the 50th anniversary of his killing.
Martin McShane (16) was shot seven times as he played at a youth centre within the grounds of GAA club, Na Fianna GAC, in Coalisland on December 14, 1971.
Over 30 rounds were fired at the teen, with autopsy reports finding he had been struck in the back.
The McShane family have condemned the "deliberate misinformation" surrounding the teen's death put out by security forces at the time that the marines had themselves been fired upon.
At an inquest in 1972 the "lies were laid bare", the family state, while locals including clergy, solicitors and head teachers established a Committee of Inquiry that found "clear, concise, and irrefutable" evidence that the marines should have faced criminal charges. To date, no-one has been charged in connection with the killing.
His loved ones are holding a Mass to mark the 50th anniversary of his killing and a candlelit vigil in Coalisland this evening.
In a statement, Martin's family said British government plans to end Troubles-era prosecutions would not impede their quest for justice.
Martin's sister Christina said her brother's death had a "huge impact on all our lives", adding: "Over more recent years we had hoped that finally some form of justice was possible, even though Mammy and Daddy have passed without ever having received justice. But now families yet again experience British government bad faith as they renege on legacy agreements they made and instead are about to arbitrarily introduce proposals that flout the law to amnesty their soldiers."
Mark Thompson from Relatives for Justice said: "If ever a killing demonstrated the need for effective investigation, it is that of Martin."