THE MURDER OF MICHAEL LEONARD
17th May 1973
Fr. Joe McVeigh
Researched and Compiled by
15 15 15 Remembering Michael Remembering Remembering Michael Michael Remembering
14 14 14 onclusion C Conclusion onclusion C
Murdered Citizen rish I Irish Citizen Murdered Murdered Citizen rish I 11 11 11
10 10 10 NEW STORY NEW NEW STORY STORY NEW
8 8 8 British Military Logs Military British British Military Logs Logs Military British
8 8 8 Multiple Shots Multiple Multiple Shots Shots Multiple
5 5 5 Inquest Inquest Inquest
3 3 3 Killed and Shot Shot and Killed Killed and Shot
CONTENT PAGE CONTENT CONTENT PAGE PAGE CONTENT
SHOT AND KILLED AND SHOT KILLED AND SHOT SHOT AND KILLED
2 2 2 3 3 3
3 2 23 32 SHOT AND KILLED AND SHOT KILLED AND SHOT SHOT AND KILLED
CONTENT PAGE CONTENT CONTENT PAGE PAGE CONTENT
3 Killed and Shot Shot and Killed 3 3 Killed and Shot
5 Inquest Inquest 5 5 Inquest
8 Shots Multiple Multiple Shots 8 8 Shots Multiple
8 Logs Military British British Military Logs 8 8 Logs Military British
10 STORY NEW NEW STORY 10 10 STORY NEW
11 Murdered Citizen rish I Irish Citizen Murdered 11 11 Murdered Citizen rish I
14 onclusion C Conclusion 14 14 onclusion C
15 Michael Remembering Remembering Michael 15 15 Michael Remembering
15 15 15 Remembering Michael Remembering Remembering Michael Michael Remembering
14 14 14 onclusion C Conclusion onclusion C
Murdered Citizen rish I Irish Citizen Murdered Murdered Citizen rish I 11 11 11
10 10 10 NEW STORY NEW NEW STORY STORY NEW
8 8 8 British Military Logs Military British British Military Logs Logs Military British
8 8 8 Multiple Shots Multiple Multiple Shots Shots Multiple
5 5 5 Inquest Inquest Inquest
3 3 3 Killed and Shot Shot and Killed Killed and Shot
CONTENT PAGE CONTENT CONTENT PAGE PAGE CONTENT
SHOT AND KILLED AND SHOT KILLED AND SHOT SHOT AND KILLED
2 2 2 3 3 3
15 15 15 Remembering Michael Michael Remembering Michael Remembering
14 14 14 Conclusion onclusion C onclusion C
Irish Citizen Murdered Murdered Citizen rish I Murdered Citizen rish I 11 11 11
10 10 10 NEW STORY STORY NEW STORY NEW
8 8 8 British Military Logs Logs Military British Logs Military British
8 8 8 Multiple Shots Shots Multiple Shots Multiple
5 5 5 Inquest Inquest Inquest
3 3 3 Shot and Killed Killed and Shot Killed and Shot
CONTENT PAGE PAGE CONTENT PAGE CONTENT
SHOT AND KILLED AND SHOT SHOT AND KILLED KILLED AND SHOT
2 2 2 3 3 3
23 32 3 2 SHOT AND KILLED AND SHOT SHOT AND KILLED KILLED AND SHOT
ichael Leonard was 24 years of age when he was shot dead by Mpolice officers of the Royal Ulster CONTENT PAGE Constabulary on 17th May 1973 onPAGE a CONTENT PAGE CONTENT quiet, country road close to the border. His only crime was that he was driving whilst disqualified.
Michael was killed near the Donegal- Fermanagh border at Brookhill, Letter, in Co Shot and Killed 3 Fermanagh. He 3 was driving on his own along Killed and Shot 3 Killed and Shot the road from Belleek to Pettigo on his way home and was fired on by members of the Inquest 5 RUC who were, we5 were told, following his Inquest 5 Inquest car in a police Land Rover. They claimed later that he had refused to stop at a checkpoint Multiple Shots 8 but there was no8 checkpoint. He was just 200 Shots Multiple 8 Shots Multiple yards from the border at Letter when he was shot in the back and killed. British Military Logs 8 8 Logs Military British 8 Logs Military British
NEW STORY 10 10 STORY NEW 10 STORY NEW
Irish Citizen Murdered 11 11 Murdered Citizen rish I 11 Murdered Citizen rish I Michael was my first cousin, a Conclusion 14 14 few years youngeronclusion C than me and 14 onclusion C someone I knew very well growing up - my mother and his father Remembering Michael 15 15 Michael were sister and brotherRemembering so we were 15 Michael Remembering always in each other’s homes. He was an affable and vivacious young man, a man always in a hurry. Michael’s home was in the townland of Tievemore, three miles from Pettigo, County Donegal where he lived with his father, mother, three brothers and two sisters. At the time of his death, he was engaged to be married to Mena Gallagher who lived near Ederney, County Fermanagh. He was well known as a cattle-trader in the farming communities on both sides of the border and the police who shot him dead knew him too.
Sunday Independent, 20th May 1973
15 15 15 Remembering Michael Michael Remembering Michael Remembering
14 14 14 Conclusion onclusion C onclusion C
Irish Citizen Murdered Murdered Citizen rish I Murdered Citizen rish I 11 11 11
10 10 10 NEW STORY STORY NEW STORY NEW
8 8 8 British Military Logs Logs Military British Logs Military British
8 8 8 Multiple Shots Shots Multiple Shots Multiple
5 5 5 Inquest Inquest Inquest
3 3 3 Shot and Killed Killed and Shot Killed and Shot
CONTENT PAGE PAGE CONTENT PAGE CONTENT
SHOT AND KILLED AND SHOT SHOT AND KILLED KILLED AND SHOT
2 2 2 3 3 3
Michael in the back.” the in Michael Michael in the back.” back.” the in Michael
allegedly fired one shot which hit hit which shot one fired allegedly allegedly fired one shot which hit hit which shot one fired allegedly
border, a member of the patrol patrol the of member a border, border, a member of the patrol patrol the of member a border,
“About 200 yards from the the from yards 200 “About “About 200 yards from the the from yards 200 “About
police Land Rover.” Land police police Land Rover.” Rover.” Land police
was followed by a a by followed was was followed by a a by followed was
border. The car car The border. border. The car car The border.
off towards the the towards off off towards the the towards off
halt, but he drove drove he but halt, halt, but he drove drove he but halt,
again called on to to on called again again called on to to on called again
a car and was was and car a a car and was was and car a
border. He got into into got He border. border. He got into into got He border.
the Fermanagh Fermanagh the the Fermanagh Fermanagh the
two miles from from miles two two miles from from miles two
a shop at Letter, Letter, at shop a a shop at Letter, Letter, at shop a
to halt as he left left he as halt to to halt as he left left he as halt to
called on a man man a on called called on a man man a on called
a police patrol patrol police a a police patrol patrol police a
“Members of of “Members “Members of of “Members
INQUEST INQUEST INQUEST
4 4 4 5 5 5
5 4 45 54
Immediately after the killing, an RUC spokesman INQUEST stated INQUEST that Michael was being pursued by the RUC INQUEST because he was a disqualified driver and that he had refused to stop. He claimed that Michael was hit by a single, accidental shot fired from a Land Rover after he ignored several calls to halt: “Members of of “Members “Members of of “Members a police patrol patrol police a a police patrol “Members of a police patrol called on a man to halt as patrol police a he left a shop at Letter, two miles from the Fermanagh called on a man man a on called called on a man border. He got into a car and was again called on to man a on called to halt as he left left he as halt to to halt as he left halt, but he drove off towards the border. The car was left he as halt to a shop at Letter, Letter, at shop a a shop at Letter, followed by a police Land Rover.” Letter, at shop a two miles from from miles two two miles from The police spokesman said the Michael’s car held from miles two the Fermanagh Fermanagh the the Fermanagh the middle of the road and police were unable to Fermanagh the border. He got into into got He border. border. He got into overtake it. The Land Rover bumped the back of the into got He border. a car and was was and car a a car and was car and sounded the siren but it still failed to stop. was and car a About 200 yards from the border a member of the again called on to to on called again again called on to patrol allegedly fired one shot which hit Michael to on called again halt, but he drove drove he but halt, halt, but he drove in the back. The car eventually came to a halt and drove he but halt, off towards the the towards off off towards the Michael was found mortally wounded. He died soon the towards off border. The car car The border. border. The car afterwards at Erne Hospital, Enniskillen. car The border. was followed by a a by followed was was followed by a Shortly after the shooting of my cousin, I went a by followed was police Land Rover.” Land police police Land Rover.” to the RUC station in Kesh and asked to speak to Rover.” Land police the Inspector in charge. I told him that we were distraught about the killing of Michael and that we found it hard to believe that the RUC would shoot dead a young man wanted for motoring offences. The Inspector showed little emotion and told me that it was an accidental shooting by a young, inexperienced police officer.
“About 200 yards from the the from yards 200 “About “About 200 yards from the the from yards 200 “About border, a member of the patrol patrol the of member a border, border, a member of the patrol patrol the of member a border, allegedly fired one shot which hit hit which shot one fired allegedly allegedly fired one shot which hit hit which shot one fired allegedly
Michael in the back.” the in Michael Michael in the back.” back.” the in Michael
Michael in the back.” the in Michael Michael in the back.” back.” the in Michael
allegedly fired one shot which hit hit which shot one fired allegedly allegedly fired one shot which hit hit which shot one fired allegedly
border, a member of the patrol patrol the of member a border, border, a member of the patrol patrol the of member a border,
“About 200 yards from the the from yards 200 “About “About 200 yards from the the from yards 200 “About
police Land Rover.” Land police police Land Rover.” Rover.” Land police
was followed by a a by followed was was followed by a a by followed was
border. The car car The border. border. The car car The border.
off towards the the towards off off towards the the towards off
halt, but he drove drove he but halt, halt, but he drove drove he but halt,
again called on to to on called again again called on to to on called again
a car and was was and car a a car and was was and car a
border. He got into into got He border. border. He got into into got He border.
the Fermanagh Fermanagh the the Fermanagh Fermanagh the
two miles from from miles two two miles from from miles two
a shop at Letter, Letter, at shop a a shop at Letter, Letter, at shop a
to halt as he left left he as halt to to halt as he left left he as halt to
called on a man man a on called called on a man man a on called
a police patrol patrol police a a police patrol patrol police a
“Members of of “Members “Members of of “Members
INQUEST INQUEST INQUEST
4 4 4 5 5 5 4 5
INQUEST
he three RUC officers in the Land Rover did not appear at the inquest into TMichael’s controversial killing. Instead, “Members of Inspector Darrell Beaney of RUC Kesh just relayed information from the three to the a police patrol Coroner on 31st October 1973. The family’s called on a man solicitor, Pat Fahy, highlighted the difficulty of not having the three policemen in front to halt as he left of the Coroner to answer questions directly. a shop at Letter, The Coroner, R.E. Hanna, told the court that it was his decision to allow Inspector Beaney two miles from to speak in the absence of the three police the Fermanagh witnesses, one of whom killed Michael. border. He got into Solicitor Pat Fahy recalls: a car and was “The inquest into the death of Michael Leonard in again called on to 1973 was highly unusual even by the standard of halt, but he drove the times. There were no statements before the inquest from the police involved in the incident, off towards the in particular statements from the driver of the border. The car police Land Rover and the officer who claimed to have accidentally fired the fatal shot. While the was followed by a police involved in the incident might have been police Land Rover.” excused from personal attendance, the fact that there were no accounts available to the inquest from each of them about what had happened was, to say the least, highly irregular.”
“I did raise this issue at the time but was overruled by the Coroner, who said that the RUC officer attending the inquest, Inspector Beaney – who was not at the scene of the shooting – could tell the inquest what had happened. Again, this ruling, admitting as it did hearsay evidence without justification, seriously compromised the integrity and the legality of the inquest proceedings.”
“About 200 yards from the “What we have recently learned about the killing border, a member of the patrol of Michael Leonard from investigations into British military records of the time challenges allegedly fired one shot which hit compellingly the veracity of the police story in the Michael in the back.” Irish Independent, 24th May 1973 aftermath of the shooting.”
himself.” himself.” himself.”
Michael was in its deadly path.“ deadly its in was Michael Michael was in its deadly path.“ path.“ deadly its in was Michael
nor the Coroner Coroner the nor Coroner the nor nor the Coroner a million-to-one chance that that chance million-to-one a a million-to-one chance that that chance million-to-one a
solicitor, Pat Fahy, Fahy, Pat solicitor, Fahy, Pat solicitor, solicitor, Pat Fahy,
“The Coroner said that it was was it that said Coroner “The “The Coroner said that it was was it that said Coroner “The
Leonard family’s family’s Leonard family’s Leonard Leonard family’s
question by the the by question the by question question by the
be asked a single single a asked be single a asked be be asked a single
therefore, could not not could therefore, not could therefore, therefore, could not
the inquest and, and, inquest the and, inquest the the inquest and,
were present at at present were at present were were present at
“None of the three three the of “None three the of “None “None of the three
6 6 6 7 7 7
7 6 67 76
Inspector Beaney relayed that a Constable had indeed recognised Michael in Rowe’s shop and knew he was disqualified from driving from March 1973. He even knew that Michael had appealed the disqualification but had been refused leave to drive pending the hearing of the appeal. So, when the officers saw Michael getting into his car, the Constable allegedly shouted for Michael to stop but he drove off and the police pursued him in their vehicle.
The Inspector reported that the police driver instructed another Constable to put a round into the breech of the .303 Enfield rifle, open his door and fire high over Michael’s car. Before he could fire the warning shot, the driver allegedly saw Michael turn his body and raise his right hand in a suspicious manner so he swerved.
The police led the court and the family to believe that the Constable with the rifle was violently jolted and nearly fell out of the open door. He “accidentally” pulled the trigger of the rifle and, instead of firing high, the round travelled through the back of the car and into Michael’s back. The “None of the three three the of “None three the of “None Coroner said that it was a million-to-one “None of the three were present at at present were at present were chance that Michael was in its deadly were present at path. He returned a verdict of death by the inquest and, and, inquest the and, inquest the misadventure indicating that Michael’s the inquest and, therefore, could not not could therefore, not could therefore, death was due to an accident and not therefore, could not be asked a single single a asked be single a asked be criminal intent or negligence. be asked a single question by the the by question the by question question by the Leonard family’s family’s Leonard family’s Leonard Leonard family’s “The Coroner said that it was was it that said Coroner “The “The Coroner said that it was was it that said Coroner “The solicitor, Pat Fahy, Fahy, Pat solicitor, Fahy, Pat solicitor, solicitor, Pat Fahy, a million-to-one chance that that chance million-to-one a a million-to-one chance that that chance million-to-one a nor the Coroner Coroner the nor Coroner the nor nor the Coroner Michael was in its deadly path.“ deadly its in was Michael Michael was in its deadly path.“ path.“ deadly its in was Michael himself.” himself.” himself.”
Fermanagh Herald, 3rd November 1973
himself.” himself.” himself.”
Michael was in its deadly path.“ deadly its in was Michael Michael was in its deadly path.“ path.“ deadly its in was Michael
nor the Coroner Coroner the nor Coroner the nor nor the Coroner a million-to-one chance that that chance million-to-one a a million-to-one chance that that chance million-to-one a
solicitor, Pat Fahy, Fahy, Pat solicitor, Fahy, Pat solicitor, solicitor, Pat Fahy,
“The Coroner said that it was was it that said Coroner “The “The Coroner said that it was was it that said Coroner “The
Leonard family’s family’s Leonard family’s Leonard Leonard family’s
question by the the by question the by question question by the
be asked a single single a asked be single a asked be be asked a single
therefore, could not not could therefore, not could therefore, therefore, could not
the inquest and, and, inquest the and, inquest the the inquest and,
were present at at present were at present were were present at
“None of the three three the of “None three the of “None “None of the three
6 6 6 7 7 7 6 7
Fermanagh Herald, 3rd November 1973
The Coroner reached this decision solely on the words of an RUC Inspector “None of the three who allegedly reported what the three police witnesses told him. None of the were present at three were present at the inquest and, the inquest and, therefore, could not be asked a single therefore, could not question by the Leonard family’s solicitor, be asked a single Pat Fahy, nor the Coroner himself. question by the Leonard family’s “The Coroner said that it was Secret British archives written in the solicitor, Pat Fahy, a million-to-one chance that minutes and hours after Michael’s killing tell a completely different nor the Coroner Michael was in its deadly path.“ story and may best explain why the himself.” police officers did not wish to attend the Inquest and be questioned.
(IRA)” (IRA)” (IRA)”
any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that.
the Irish Catholic community. Catholic Irish the the Irish Catholic community. community. Catholic Irish the
by the time Paper Trail recovered it. This is a horrific lie. Michael was not a member of of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by by the time Paper Trail recovered it. This is a horrific lie. Michael was not a member of n Army Army n a c epubli R Republican Army Army n a c epubli R
police as they waged war against the IRA and and IRA the against war waged they as police police as they waged war against the IRA and and IRA the against war waged they as police
Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted and replaced by an unrelated file file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted and replaced by an unrelated file
British Army assumed primacy over the the over primacy assumed Army British British Army assumed primacy over the the over primacy assumed Army British e proscribed Irish Irish proscribed e h t the proscribed Irish Irish proscribed e h t
Michael was a member of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was referenced to B2 – Annex B, B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael Michael was a member of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was referenced to B2 – Annex B,
Tyrone and Down. During this period, the the period, this During Down. and Tyrone Tyrone and Down. During this period, the the period, this During Down. and Tyrone their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. The falsified report that that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. The falsified report that
s members of of members s a mily a f family as members of of members s a mily a f and Armagh and most of the counties of of counties the of most and Armagh and and Armagh and most of the counties of of counties the of most and Armagh and
This record also proves that the British Armed Forces injected disinformation about about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This This record also proves that the British Armed Forces injected disinformation about
Brigade) took in the counties of Fermanagh Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade) Brigade) took in the counties of Fermanagh Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade)
his his d an el a h c i M Michael and his his d an el a h c i M command area of 3rd Infantry Brigade (3 (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command command area of 3rd Infantry Brigade (3 (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command
– and implies that these shots were fired because Michael did not stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and – stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and – – and implies that these shots were fired because Michael did not stop.
contemporaneous operations log. The The log. operations contemporaneous contemporaneous operations log. The The log. operations contemporaneous his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were fired” – not a single shot shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were fired” – not a single shot
empt to criminalize criminalize to empt tt a attempt to criminalize criminalize to empt tt a
Brigade Command and recorded in a a in recorded and Command Brigade Brigade Command and recorded in a a in recorded and Command Brigade leaving Rowe’s Shop and the police in pursuit as he tried to get across the border to to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving leaving Rowe’s Shop and the police in pursuit as he tried to get across the border to
were relayed to the British Army’s Army’s British the to relayed were were relayed to the British Army’s Army’s British the to relayed were
Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnesses to Michael Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnesses to Michael unshots and the the and unshots g gunshots and the the and unshots g
British military and relevant RUC reports reports RUC relevant and military British British military and relevant RUC reports reports RUC relevant and military British and did not stop, presumably at the RUC vehicle check point in the previous report. report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and and did not stop, presumably at the RUC vehicle check point in the previous report.
disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland ultiple, deliberate deliberate ultiple, m multiple, deliberate deliberate ultiple, m
British Military Logs Military British British Military Logs Logs Military British
This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct that he was was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct that he was
“The Logs record record Logs “The “The Logs record record Logs “The
proscribed Irish Republican Army (IRA). (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed proscribed Irish Republican Army (IRA). (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed
Michael and his family as members of the the of members as family his and Michael Michael and his family as members of the the of members as family his and Michael
gunshots and the attempt to criminalize criminalize to attempt the and gunshots gunshots and the attempt to criminalize criminalize to attempt the and gunshots
In fact, the logs record multiple, deliberate deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In In fact, the logs record multiple, deliberate deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In
record a single, accidental discharge. discharge. accidental single, a record record a single, accidental discharge. discharge. accidental single, a record
“Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: “Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” the killing and yet not one of these versions versions these of one not yet and killing the the killing and yet not one of these versions versions these of one not yet and killing the
the RUC’s story changed in the hours after after hours the in changed story RUC’s the the RUC’s story changed in the hours after after hours the in changed story RUC’s the
16/5 L going to the scene” the to going L 16/5 16/5 L going to the scene” scene” the to going L 16/5 other occupant in the car.” the in occupant other car.” the in occupant other other occupant in the car.”
The startling documents also show how how show also documents startling The The startling documents also show how how show also documents startling The
while disqualified and it is thought that this was the reason he did not stop. There was no no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while while disqualified and it is thought that this was the reason he did not stop. There was no Enniskillen are going to the scene. 1 x sub unit unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen Enniskillen are going to the scene. 1 x sub unit unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen
Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving apprehended. 2 x Chief Inspectors [RUC] from from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended. apprehended. 2 x Chief Inspectors [RUC] from from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended.
Commanders. Commanders. Commanders. Commanders.
“The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The “The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. driver is wounded and the occupants have been been have occupants the and wounded is driver driver is wounded and the occupants have been been have occupants the and wounded is driver
British Armed Forces at the scene to their their to scene the at Forces Armed British British Armed Forces at the scene to their their to scene the at Forces Armed British
to break through and was shot at by Police. The The Police. by at shot was and through break to to break through and was shot at by Police. The The Police. by at shot was and through break to
At 2100 hours (Serial 18, 9pm), 16/5 L reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At At 2100 hours (Serial 18, 9pm), 16/5 L reports: to contemporaneous reports made by by made reports contemporaneous to to contemporaneous reports made by by made reports contemporaneous to
085652 an RUC Police road block, a car tried tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652 085652 an RUC Police road block, a car tried tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652
in October 1973 does not correspond correspond not does 1973 October in in October 1973 does not correspond correspond not does 1973 October in
victim.” victim.” victim.” square 0864 at VCP [Vehicle Check Point] at GR GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square square 0864 at VCP [Vehicle Check Point] at GR GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square
reported to the media and at the Inquest Inquest the at and media the to reported reported to the media and at the Inquest Inquest the at and media the to reported
first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretext for the shooting of the the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretext for the shooting of the “At Approx. 1740 hrs in GR [Grid Reference] Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At “At Approx. 1740 hrs in GR [Grid Reference] Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At
discovered that the version of the killing killing the of version the that discovered discovered that the version of the killing killing the of version the that discovered in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader might query whether this is the the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader might query whether this is the
in the National Archives, Kew, London, Ciarán Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in in the National Archives, Kew, London, Ciarán Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in was no RUC Vehicle Check Point or road block, and we know there were no other occupants occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was was no RUC Vehicle Check Point or road block, and we know there were no other occupants
17th May 1973 (Serial 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th 17th May 1973 (Serial 15): 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th
detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this first report as we know that there there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this first report as we know that there researching British military operations logs logs operations military British researching researching British military operations logs logs operations military British researching
Near St. Angelo” at 1755 hours (5:55pm) (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near Near St. Angelo” at 1755 hours (5:55pm) (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near
or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should become clearer and more more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should become clearer and more
information buried in Public Records. Whilst Whilst Records. Public in buried information information buried in Public Records. Whilst Whilst Records. Public in buried information
16/5 L first recorded the “Shooting Incident Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5 16/5 L first recorded the “Shooting Incident Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5
“First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First “First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war charity’s work is to help families access access families help to is work charity’s charity’s work is to help families access access families help to is work charity’s
north of Ireland. A key component of the the of component key A Ireland. of north north of Ireland. A key component of the the of component key A Ireland. of north Headquarters Northern Ireland (HQNI). (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters Headquarters Northern Ireland (HQNI). (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters Researcher Ciarán MacAirt says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher Researcher Ciarán MacAirt says:
victims and survivors of the conflict in the the in conflict the of survivors and victims victims and survivors of the conflict in the the in conflict the of survivors and victims From there, reports were relayed to to relayed were reports there, From From there, reports were relayed to to relayed were reports there, From
Research) which advocates on behalf of of behalf on advocates which Research) Research) which advocates on behalf of of behalf on advocates which Research) minutes and reported to Brigade Command. Command. Brigade to reported and minutes minutes and reported to Brigade Command. Command. Brigade to reported and minutes
of the charity, Paper Trail (Legacy Archive Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of of the charity, Paper Trail (Legacy Archive Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of attended the scene of the killing within within killing the of scene the attended attended the scene of the killing within within killing the of scene the attended
Ciaran MacAirt is founder and manager manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran Ciaran MacAirt is founder and manager manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran Queen’s Royal Lancers (16/5 L) and its units units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s Queen’s Royal Lancers (16/5 L) and its units units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s
area of the incident was the 16th/5th The The 16th/5th the was incident the of area area of the incident was the 16th/5th The The 16th/5th the was incident the of area
MULTIPLE SHOTS MULTIPLE MULTIPLE SHOTS SHOTS MULTIPLE
The resident British Army Battalion in the the in Battalion Army British resident The The resident British Army Battalion in the the in Battalion Army British resident The
8 8 8 9 9 9
9 8 89 98
The resident British Army Battalion in the the in Battalion Army British resident The SHOTS MULTIPLE MULTIPLE SHOTS The resident British Army Battalion in the the in Battalion Army British resident The SHOTS MULTIPLE area of the incident was the 16th/5th The The 16th/5th the was incident the of area area of the incident was the 16th/5th The The 16th/5th the was incident the of area Queen’s Royal Lancers (16/5 L) and its units units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran Ciaran MacAirt is founder and manager Queen’s Royal Lancers (16/5 L) and its units units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran attended the scene of the killing within within killing the of scene the attended Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of of the charity, Paper Trail (Legacy Archive attended the scene of the killing within within killing the of scene the attended Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of minutes and reported to Brigade Command. Command. Brigade to reported and minutes of behalf on advocates which Research) Research) which advocates on behalf of minutes and reported to Brigade Command. Command. Brigade to reported and minutes of behalf on advocates which Research) From there, reports were relayed to to relayed were reports there, From the in conflict the of survivors and victims victims and survivors of the conflict in the From there, reports were relayed to to relayed were reports there, From the in conflict the of survivors and victims Researcher Ciarán MacAirt says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters the of component key A Ireland. of north north of Ireland. A key component of the Headquarters Northernsays: IrelandMacAirt (HQNI).Ciarán Researcher Researcher Ciarán(HQNI). MacAirtIreland says:Northern Headquarters the of component key A Ireland. of north charity’s work is to help families access access families help to is work charity’s charity’s work is to help families access access families help to is work charity’s “First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5 war of fog the shock, as such 16/5reasons of L first recordednumber a for the “Shootingmuddled be can Incidentreports “First “First reportsIncident can be muddled“Shooting the for a numberrecorded first L of reasons16/5 such as shock, the fog of war or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should become clearer and more more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or Whilst Records. Public in buried information information buried more in Publicand Records.clearer become Whilst should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should Whilst become clearerRecords. andPublic in more buried information Near St. Angelo” at 1755 hours (5:55pm) (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near Near St. Angelo” at 1755 hours (5:55pm) (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this first report as we know that there there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. logs operations military British researching researching Britishthere militarythat know operationswe as report logsfirst this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this firstlogs report as weoperations know thatmilitary thereBritish researching was no RUC Vehicle Check Point or road block, and we know there were no other occupants occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in in the National Archives,occupants other Kew,no London,were there Ciaránknow we 17thand Mayblock, 1973road or (SerialPoint 15):Check Vehicle RUC no was was no RUC Vehicle Check15): Point(Serial or road1973 block,May and17th we knowCiarán there wereLondon, noKew, other occupantsArchives, National the in in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader might query whether this is the the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in killing the of version the that discovered discovered thatthe is thethis versionwhether of thequery killingmight reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader mightkilling querythe of whetherversion thisthe is thethat discovered “At Approx. 1740 hrs in GR [Grid Reference] Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At “At Approx. 1740 hrs in GR [Grid Reference] Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretext for the shooting of the the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first Inquest the at and media the to reported reported to thethe of media andshooting atthe thefor Inquestpretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretextInquest forthe theat shootingand media of thethe to reported victim.” GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square square 0864 at VCP [Vehicle Check Point] at GR victim.” victim.” GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square in October 1973 does not correspond correspond not does 1973 October in in October 1973 does not correspond correspond not does 1973 October in 085652 an RUC Police road block, a car tried tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652 085652 an RUC Police road block, a car tried tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652 to contemporaneous reports made by by made reports contemporaneous to to contemporaneous reports made by by made reports contemporaneous to At 2100 hours (Serial 18, 9pm), 16/5 L reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At The Police. by at shot was and through break to to breakreports: throughL 16/5 and was9pm), 18, shot at(Serial by Police.hours The2100 At At 2100The hoursPolice. by (Serialat shot 18, 9pm),was and 16/5 Lthrough reports:break to British Armed Forces at the scene to their their to scene the at Forces Armed British British Armed Forces at the scene to their their to scene the at Forces Armed British driver is wounded and the occupants have been been have occupants the and wounded is driver driver is wounded and the occupants have been been have occupants the and wounded is driver “The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The Commanders. Commanders. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The “The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. Commanders. Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended. driving was He Ireland. Northern into apprehended.driving was he 2 x470, ChiefGMM Inspectors40, A [RUC]Austin Red froma Driving Driving afrom Red Austin[RUC] A 40,Inspectors GMMChief 470,x 2 he was drivingapprehended. into Northern Ireland. He was driving while disqualified and it is thought that this was the reason he did not stop. There was no no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen how show also documents startling The The startling no documents was There alsostop. shownot did how he reason Enniskillenthe was this arethat going tothought theis it scene.and 1 x sub unitdisqualified while while disqualifiedunit sub x 1 andscene. it isthe thoughtto going thatare this was theEnniskillen reason he how did notshow stop.also There was documents no startling The other occupant in the car.” the in occupant other car.” the in occupant other other occupant in the car.” 16/5 L going to the scene” the to going L 16/5 after hours the in changed story RUC’s the the RUC’s story changed in the hours after 16/5 L going to the scene” scene” the to going L 16/5 after hours the in changed story RUC’s the the killing and yet not one of these versions versions these of one not yet and killing the the killing and yet not one of these versions versions these of one not yet and killing the “Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: “Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” record a single, accidental discharge. discharge. accidental single, a record record a single, accidental discharge. discharge. accidental single, a record
In fact, the logs record multiple, deliberate deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In In fact, the logs record multiple, deliberate deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In gunshots and the attempt to criminalize criminalize to attempt the and gunshots gunshots and the attempt to criminalize criminalize to attempt the and gunshots Michael and his family as members of the the of members as family his and Michael Michael and his family as members of the the of members as family his and Michael “The Logs record record Logs “The (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed proscribed Irish Republican Army (IRA). “The Logs record record Logs “The (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct that he was was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This Logs Military British British Military was he Logsthat correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct thatLogs he was Military British disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified deliberate ultiple, m Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael mthat ultiple, records deliberateerroneously but disqualified disqualified but erroneouslydeliberate records ultiple, thatm Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland and did not stop, presumably at the RUC vehicle check point in the previous report. report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and the and unshots g reports RUC relevant and military British British military andreport. relevant previous RUC the reportsin point check vehicle gunshotsRUC the at andpresumably stop, the not did and and did not the stop, presumablyand at the RUCunshots g vehicle check point inreports the RUC previous relevant report.and military British Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnesses to Michael Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Army’s British the to relayed were were relayed to theMichael to British Army’switnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnessesArmy’s British to Michaelthe to relayed were leaving Rowe’s Shop and the police in pursuit as he tried to get across the border to to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving criminalize to empt tt a a in recorded and Command Brigade Brigade Command to andborder recordedthe across in aget to tried he as apursuit tt in emptpolice the toand criminalizeShop Rowe’s leaving leaving Rowe’s Shopcriminalize andto the policeempt in tt pursuita as he tried to geta in across therecorded borderand to Command Brigade his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were fired” – not a single shot shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his The log. operations contemporaneous contemporaneous shot operationssingle a not – log. fired” The were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were The fired” log. – not a singleoperations shot contemporaneous – and implies that these shots were fired because Michael did not stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and – his d an el a h c i M (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command command area of 3rd Infantrystop. Brigadenot did (3 Michael because Mfired i chwere aelshots anthese d histhat implies and – – and implies thathis d thesean shotsel a wereh c i firedM because Michael (3 did notBrigade stop. Infantry 3rd of area command Brigade) took in the counties of Fermanagh Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade) Brigade) took in the counties of Fermanagh Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade) This record also proves that the British Armed Forces injected disinformation about about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This of members s a mily a f of counties the of most and Armagh and and Armagh and mostabout of the countiesdisinformation of injected Forces fArmed amilyBritish the asthat membersproves also record ofThis Thisof record also provesmembers thats a the Britishmily a Armedf Forces injected of disinformationcounties the of aboutmost and Armagh and their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. The falsified report that that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their the period, this During Down. and Tyrone Tyrone and Down.that Duringreport thisfalsified period,The the further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. the Theperiod, falsifiedthis reportDuring thatDown. and Tyrone Michael was a member of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was referenced to B2 – Annex B, B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael Irish proscribed e h t the over primacy assumed Army British British Army B, assumedAnnex – primacyB2 to over thereferenced was (PIRA) IRA the proscribedProvisional the of member a Irishwas Michael Michael wasIrish a member of the Provisionalproscribed e h t IRA (PIRA) was referencedthe over to B2primacy – Annexassumed B, Army British Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted and replaced by an unrelated file file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number and IRA the against war waged they as police police as they file waged warunrelated againstan by the IRAreplaced andand extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted andand replacedIRA the by anagainst unrelatedwar waged file they as police by the time Paper Trail recovered it. This is a horrific lie. Michael was not a member of of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by Army n a c epubli R community. Catholic Irish the the Irish Catholic of community.member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is RepubliThis it. crecovered a nTrail ArmyPaper time the by by the time PaperArmy Trailn a recoveredc it. Thisepubli R is a horrific lie. Michael was not a membercommunity. of Catholic Irish the
any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any (IRA)” that. knew police the and civilian a (IRA)”was He group. paramilitary Republican any any Republican paramilitary group. He was(IRA)” a civilian and the police knew that.
(IRA)” (IRA)” (IRA)”
any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that.
the Irish Catholic community. Catholic Irish the the Irish Catholic community. community. Catholic Irish the
by the time Paper Trail recovered it. This is a horrific lie. Michael was not a member of of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by by the time Paper Trail recovered it. This is a horrific lie. Michael was not a member of n Army Army n a c epubli R Republican Army Army n a c epubli R
police as they waged war against the IRA and and IRA the against war waged they as police police as they waged war against the IRA and and IRA the against war waged they as police
Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted and replaced by an unrelated file file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted and replaced by an unrelated file
British Army assumed primacy over the the over primacy assumed Army British British Army assumed primacy over the the over primacy assumed Army British e proscribed Irish Irish proscribed e h t the proscribed Irish Irish proscribed e h t
Michael was a member of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was referenced to B2 – Annex B, B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael Michael was a member of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was referenced to B2 – Annex B,
Tyrone and Down. During this period, the the period, this During Down. and Tyrone Tyrone and Down. During this period, the the period, this During Down. and Tyrone their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. The falsified report that that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. The falsified report that
s members of of members s a mily a f family as members of of members s a mily a f and Armagh and most of the counties of of counties the of most and Armagh and and Armagh and most of the counties of of counties the of most and Armagh and
This record also proves that the British Armed Forces injected disinformation about about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This This record also proves that the British Armed Forces injected disinformation about
Brigade) took in the counties of Fermanagh Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade) Brigade) took in the counties of Fermanagh Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade)
his his d an el a h c i M Michael and his his d an el a h c i M command area of 3rd Infantry Brigade (3 (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command command area of 3rd Infantry Brigade (3 (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command
– and implies that these shots were fired because Michael did not stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and – stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and – – and implies that these shots were fired because Michael did not stop.
contemporaneous operations log. The The log. operations contemporaneous contemporaneous operations log. The The log. operations contemporaneous his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were fired” – not a single shot shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were fired” – not a single shot
empt to criminalize criminalize to empt tt a attempt to criminalize criminalize to empt tt a
Brigade Command and recorded in a a in recorded and Command Brigade Brigade Command and recorded in a a in recorded and Command Brigade leaving Rowe’s Shop and the police in pursuit as he tried to get across the border to to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving leaving Rowe’s Shop and the police in pursuit as he tried to get across the border to
were relayed to the British Army’s Army’s British the to relayed were were relayed to the British Army’s Army’s British the to relayed were
Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnesses to Michael Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnesses to Michael unshots and the the and unshots g gunshots and the the and unshots g
British military and relevant RUC reports reports RUC relevant and military British British military and relevant RUC reports reports RUC relevant and military British and did not stop, presumably at the RUC vehicle check point in the previous report. report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and and did not stop, presumably at the RUC vehicle check point in the previous report.
disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland ultiple, deliberate deliberate ultiple, m multiple, deliberate deliberate ultiple, m
British Military Logs Military British British Military Logs Logs Military British
This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct that he was was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct that he was
“The Logs record record Logs “The “The Logs record record Logs “The
proscribed Irish Republican Army (IRA). (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed proscribed Irish Republican Army (IRA). (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed
Michael and his family as members of the the of members as family his and Michael Michael and his family as members of the the of members as family his and Michael
gunshots and the attempt to criminalize criminalize to attempt the and gunshots gunshots and the attempt to criminalize criminalize to attempt the and gunshots
In fact, the logs record multiple, deliberate deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In In fact, the logs record multiple, deliberate deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In
record a single, accidental discharge. discharge. accidental single, a record record a single, accidental discharge. discharge. accidental single, a record
“Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: “Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” the killing and yet not one of these versions versions these of one not yet and killing the the killing and yet not one of these versions versions these of one not yet and killing the
the RUC’s story changed in the hours after after hours the in changed story RUC’s the the RUC’s story changed in the hours after after hours the in changed story RUC’s the
16/5 L going to the scene” the to going L 16/5 16/5 L going to the scene” scene” the to going L 16/5 other occupant in the car.” the in occupant other car.” the in occupant other other occupant in the car.”
The startling documents also show how how show also documents startling The The startling documents also show how how show also documents startling The
while disqualified and it is thought that this was the reason he did not stop. There was no no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while while disqualified and it is thought that this was the reason he did not stop. There was no Enniskillen are going to the scene. 1 x sub unit unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen Enniskillen are going to the scene. 1 x sub unit unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen
Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving apprehended. 2 x Chief Inspectors [RUC] from from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended. apprehended. 2 x Chief Inspectors [RUC] from from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended.
Commanders. Commanders. Commanders. Commanders.
“The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The “The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. driver is wounded and the occupants have been been have occupants the and wounded is driver driver is wounded and the occupants have been been have occupants the and wounded is driver
British Armed Forces at the scene to their their to scene the at Forces Armed British British Armed Forces at the scene to their their to scene the at Forces Armed British
to break through and was shot at by Police. The The Police. by at shot was and through break to to break through and was shot at by Police. The The Police. by at shot was and through break to
At 2100 hours (Serial 18, 9pm), 16/5 L reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At At 2100 hours (Serial 18, 9pm), 16/5 L reports: to contemporaneous reports made by by made reports contemporaneous to to contemporaneous reports made by by made reports contemporaneous to
085652 an RUC Police road block, a car tried tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652 085652 an RUC Police road block, a car tried tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652
in October 1973 does not correspond correspond not does 1973 October in in October 1973 does not correspond correspond not does 1973 October in
victim.” victim.” victim.” square 0864 at VCP [Vehicle Check Point] at GR GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square square 0864 at VCP [Vehicle Check Point] at GR GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square
reported to the media and at the Inquest Inquest the at and media the to reported reported to the media and at the Inquest Inquest the at and media the to reported
first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretext for the shooting of the the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretext for the shooting of the “At Approx. 1740 hrs in GR [Grid Reference] Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At “At Approx. 1740 hrs in GR [Grid Reference] Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At
discovered that the version of the killing killing the of version the that discovered discovered that the version of the killing killing the of version the that discovered in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader might query whether this is the the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader might query whether this is the
in the National Archives, Kew, London, Ciarán Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in in the National Archives, Kew, London, Ciarán Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in was no RUC Vehicle Check Point or road block, and we know there were no other occupants occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was was no RUC Vehicle Check Point or road block, and we know there were no other occupants
17th May 1973 (Serial 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th 17th May 1973 (Serial 15): 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th
detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this first report as we know that there there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this first report as we know that there researching British military operations logs logs operations military British researching researching British military operations logs logs operations military British researching
Near St. Angelo” at 1755 hours (5:55pm) (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near Near St. Angelo” at 1755 hours (5:55pm) (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near
or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should become clearer and more more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should become clearer and more
information buried in Public Records. Whilst Whilst Records. Public in buried information information buried in Public Records. Whilst Whilst Records. Public in buried information
16/5 L first recorded the “Shooting Incident Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5 16/5 L first recorded the “Shooting Incident Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5
“First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First “First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war charity’s work is to help families access access families help to is work charity’s charity’s work is to help families access access families help to is work charity’s
north of Ireland. A key component of the the of component key A Ireland. of north north of Ireland. A key component of the the of component key A Ireland. of north Headquarters Northern Ireland (HQNI). (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters Headquarters Northern Ireland (HQNI). (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters Researcher Ciarán MacAirt says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher Researcher Ciarán MacAirt says:
victims and survivors of the conflict in the the in conflict the of survivors and victims victims and survivors of the conflict in the the in conflict the of survivors and victims From there, reports were relayed to to relayed were reports there, From From there, reports were relayed to to relayed were reports there, From
Research) which advocates on behalf of of behalf on advocates which Research) Research) which advocates on behalf of of behalf on advocates which Research) minutes and reported to Brigade Command. Command. Brigade to reported and minutes minutes and reported to Brigade Command. Command. Brigade to reported and minutes
of the charity, Paper Trail (Legacy Archive Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of of the charity, Paper Trail (Legacy Archive Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of attended the scene of the killing within within killing the of scene the attended attended the scene of the killing within within killing the of scene the attended
Ciaran MacAirt is founder and manager manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran Ciaran MacAirt is founder and manager manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran Queen’s Royal Lancers (16/5 L) and its units units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s Queen’s Royal Lancers (16/5 L) and its units units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s
area of the incident was the 16th/5th The The 16th/5th the was incident the of area area of the incident was the 16th/5th The The 16th/5th the was incident the of area
MULTIPLE SHOTS MULTIPLE MULTIPLE SHOTS SHOTS MULTIPLE
The resident British Army Battalion in the the in Battalion Army British resident The The resident British Army Battalion in the the in Battalion Army British resident The
8 8 8 9 9 9
(IRA)” (IRA)” (IRA)”
any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that. that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any
the Irish Catholic community. community. Catholic Irish the community. Catholic Irish the
by the time Paper Trail recovered it. This is a horrific lie. Michael was not a member of of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by by the time Paper Trail recovered it. This is a horrific lie. Michael was not a member of of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by Republican Army Army n a c epubli R Army n a c epubli R
police as they waged war against the IRA and and IRA the against war waged they as police and IRA the against war waged they as police
Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted and replaced by an unrelated file file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted and replaced by an unrelated file file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number
British Army assumed primacy over the the over primacy assumed Army British the over primacy assumed Army British the proscribed Irish Irish proscribed e h t Irish proscribed e h t
Michael was a member of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was referenced to B2 – Annex B, B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael Michael was a member of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was referenced to B2 – Annex B, B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael
Tyrone and Down. During this period, the the period, this During Down. and Tyrone the period, this During Down. and Tyrone their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. The falsified report that that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. The falsified report that that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their
family as members of of members s a mily a f of members s a mily a f and Armagh and most of the counties of of counties the of most and Armagh and of counties the of most and Armagh and
This record also proves that the British Armed Forces injected disinformation about about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This This record also proves that the British Armed Forces injected disinformation about about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This
Brigade) took in the counties of Fermanagh Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade) Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade)
Michael and his his d an el a h c i M his d an el a h c i M command area of 3rd Infantry Brigade (3 (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command
– and implies that these shots were fired because Michael did not stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and – – and implies that these shots were fired because Michael did not stop. stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and –
contemporaneous operations log. The The log. operations contemporaneous The log. operations contemporaneous his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were fired” – not a single shot shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were fired” – not a single shot shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his
attempt to criminalize criminalize to empt tt a criminalize to empt tt a
Brigade Command and recorded in a a in recorded and Command Brigade a in recorded and Command Brigade leaving Rowe’s Shop and the police in pursuit as he tried to get across the border to to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving leaving Rowe’s Shop and the police in pursuit as he tried to get across the border to to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving
were relayed to the British Army’s Army’s British the to relayed were Army’s British the to relayed were
Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnesses to Michael Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnesses to Michael Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither gunshots and the the and unshots g the and unshots g
British military and relevant RUC reports reports RUC relevant and military British reports RUC relevant and military British and did not stop, presumably at the RUC vehicle check point in the previous report. report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and and did not stop, presumably at the RUC vehicle check point in the previous report. report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and
disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified multiple, deliberate deliberate ultiple, m deliberate ultiple, m
British Military Logs Logs Military British Logs Military British
This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct that he was was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct that he was was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This
“The Logs record record Logs “The record Logs “The
proscribed Irish Republican Army (IRA). (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed
Michael and his family as members of the the of members as family his and Michael the of members as family his and Michael
gunshots and the attempt to criminalize criminalize to attempt the and gunshots criminalize to attempt the and gunshots
In fact, the logs record multiple, deliberate deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In
record a single, accidental discharge. discharge. accidental single, a record discharge. accidental single, a record
“Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: “Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: the killing and yet not one of these versions versions these of one not yet and killing the versions these of one not yet and killing the
the RUC’s story changed in the hours after after hours the in changed story RUC’s the after hours the in changed story RUC’s the
16/5 L going to the scene” scene” the to going L 16/5 scene” the to going L 16/5 other occupant in the car.” the in occupant other other occupant in the car.” car.” the in occupant other
The startling documents also show how how show also documents startling The how show also documents startling The
while disqualified and it is thought that this was the reason he did not stop. There was no no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while while disqualified and it is thought that this was the reason he did not stop. There was no no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while Enniskillen are going to the scene. 1 x sub unit unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen
Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving apprehended. 2 x Chief Inspectors [RUC] from from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended. from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended.
Commanders. Commanders. Commanders.
“The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The “The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The driver is wounded and the occupants have been been have occupants the and wounded is driver been have occupants the and wounded is driver
British Armed Forces at the scene to their their to scene the at Forces Armed British their to scene the at Forces Armed British
to break through and was shot at by Police. The The Police. by at shot was and through break to The Police. by at shot was and through break to
At 2100 hours (Serial 18, 9pm), 16/5 L reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At At 2100 hours (Serial 18, 9pm), 16/5 L reports: reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At to contemporaneous reports made by by made reports contemporaneous to by made reports contemporaneous to
085652 an RUC Police road block, a car tried tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652 tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652
in October 1973 does not correspond correspond not does 1973 October in correspond not does 1973 October in
victim.” victim.” victim.” square 0864 at VCP [Vehicle Check Point] at GR GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square
reported to the media and at the Inquest Inquest the at and media the to reported Inquest the at and media the to reported
first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretext for the shooting of the the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretext for the shooting of the the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first “At Approx. 1740 hrs in GR [Grid Reference] Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At
discovered that the version of the killing killing the of version the that discovered killing the of version the that discovered in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader might query whether this is the the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader might query whether this is the the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in
in the National Archives, Kew, London, Ciarán Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in was no RUC Vehicle Check Point or road block, and we know there were no other occupants occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was was no RUC Vehicle Check Point or road block, and we know there were no other occupants occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was
17th May 1973 (Serial 15): 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th
detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this first report as we know that there there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this first report as we know that there there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. researching British military operations logs logs operations military British researching logs operations military British researching
Near St. Angelo” at 1755 hours (5:55pm) (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near
or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should become clearer and more more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should become clearer and more more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or
information buried in Public Records. Whilst Whilst Records. Public in buried information Whilst Records. Public in buried information
16/5 L first recorded the “Shooting Incident Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5 Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5
“First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First “First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First charity’s work is to help families access access families help to is work charity’s access families help to is work charity’s
north of Ireland. A key component of the the of component key A Ireland. of north the of component key A Ireland. of north Headquarters Northern Ireland (HQNI). (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters Researcher Ciarán MacAirt says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher Researcher Ciarán MacAirt says: says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher
victims and survivors of the conflict in the the in conflict the of survivors and victims the in conflict the of survivors and victims From there, reports were relayed to to relayed were reports there, From to relayed were reports there, From
Research) which advocates on behalf of of behalf on advocates which Research) of behalf on advocates which Research) minutes and reported to Brigade Command. Command. Brigade to reported and minutes Command. Brigade to reported and minutes
of the charity, Paper Trail (Legacy Archive Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of attended the scene of the killing within within killing the of scene the attended within killing the of scene the attended
Ciaran MacAirt is founder and manager manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran Queen’s Royal Lancers (16/5 L) and its units units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s
area of the incident was the 16th/5th The The 16th/5th the was incident the of area The 16th/5th the was incident the of area
MULTIPLE SHOTS SHOTS MULTIPLE SHOTS MULTIPLE
The resident British Army Battalion in the the in Battalion Army British resident The the in Battalion Army British resident The
8 8 8 9 9 9
89 98 9 8
MULTIPLE SHOTS The resident British Army Battalion in the the in Battalion Army British resident The SHOTS MULTIPLE the in Battalion Army British resident The SHOTS MULTIPLE area of the incident was the 16th/5th The The 16th/5th the was incident the of area The 16th/5th the was incident the of area Ciaran MacAirt is founder and manager Queen’s Royal Lancers (16/5 L) and its units units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran of the charity, Paper Trail (Legacy Archive attended the scene of the killing within within killing the of scene the attended Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of within killing the of scene the attended Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of Research) which advocates on behalf of minutes and reported to Brigade Command. Command. Brigade to reported and minutes of behalf on advocates which Research) Command. Brigade to reported and minutes of behalf on advocates which Research) victims and survivors of the conflict in the From there, reports were relayed to to relayed were reports there, From the in conflict the of survivors and victims to relayed were reports there, From the in conflict the of survivors and victims north of Ireland. A key component of the Headquarters Northernsays: IrelandMacAirt (HQNI).Ciarán Researcher Researcher Ciarán(HQNI). MacAirtIreland says:Northern Headquarters the of component key A Ireland. of north says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters the of component key A Ireland. of north charity’s work is to help families access access families help to is work charity’s access families help to is work charity’s “First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war war of fog the shock, as such 16/5reasons of L first recordednumber a for the “Shootingmuddled be can Incidentreports “First “First reportsIncident can be muddled“Shooting the for a numberrecorded first L of reasons16/5 such as shock, the fog of war war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5 information buried more in Publicand Records.clearer become Whilst should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should Whilst become clearerRecords. andPublic in more buried information more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or Whilst Records. Public in buried information Near St. Angelo” at 1755 hours (5:55pm) (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near researching Britishthere militarythat know operationswe as report logsfirst this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this firstlogs report as weoperations know thatmilitary thereBritish researching there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. logs operations military British researching in the National Archives,occupants other Kew,no London,were there Ciaránknow we 17thand Mayblock, 1973road or (SerialPoint 15):Check Vehicle RUC no was was no RUC Vehicle Check15): Point(Serial or road1973 block,May and17th we knowCiarán there wereLondon, noKew, other occupantsArchives, National the in occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in discovered thatthe is thethis versionwhether of thequery killingmight reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader mightkilling querythe of whetherversion thisthe is thethat discovered the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in killing the of version the that discovered “At Approx. 1740 hrs in GR [Grid Reference] Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At reported to thethe of media andshooting atthe thefor Inquestpretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretextInquest forthe theat shootingand media of thethe to reported the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first Inquest the at and media the to reported square 0864 at VCP [Vehicle Check Point] at GR victim.” victim.” GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square victim.” GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square in October 1973 does not correspond correspond not does 1973 October in correspond not does 1973 October in 085652 an RUC Police road block, a car tried tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652 tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652 to contemporaneous reports made by by made reports contemporaneous to by made reports contemporaneous to to breakreports: throughL 16/5 and was9pm), 18, shot at(Serial by Police.hours The2100 At At 2100The hoursPolice. by (Serialat shot 18, 9pm),was and 16/5 Lthrough reports:break to reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At The Police. by at shot was and through break to British Armed Forces at the scene to their their to scene the at Forces Armed British their to scene the at Forces Armed British driver is wounded and the occupants have been been have occupants the and wounded is driver been have occupants the and wounded is driver Commanders. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The “The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. Commanders. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The Commanders. Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into apprehended.driving was he 2 x470, ChiefGMM Inspectors40, A [RUC]Austin Red froma Driving Driving afrom Red Austin[RUC] A 40,Inspectors GMMChief 470,x 2 he was drivingapprehended. into Northern Ireland. He was driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended. The startling no documents was There alsostop. shownot did how he reason Enniskillenthe was this arethat going tothought theis it scene.and 1 x sub unitdisqualified while while disqualifiedunit sub x 1 andscene. it isthe thoughtto going thatare this was theEnniskillen reason he how did notshow stop.also There was documents no startling The no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen how show also documents startling The other occupant in the car.” the in occupant other other occupant in the car.” car.” the in occupant other the RUC’s story changed in the hours after 16/5 L going to the scene” scene” the to going L 16/5 after hours the in changed story RUC’s the scene” the to going L 16/5 after hours the in changed story RUC’s the the killing and yet not one of these versions versions these of one not yet and killing the versions these of one not yet and killing the “Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: “Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: record a single, accidental discharge. discharge. accidental single, a record discharge. accidental single, a record
In fact, the logs record multiple, deliberate deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In gunshots and the attempt to criminalize criminalize to attempt the and gunshots criminalize to attempt the and gunshots Michael and his family as members of the the of members as family his and Michael the of members as family his and Michael proscribed Irish Republican Army (IRA). “The Logs record record Logs “The (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed record Logs “The (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed British Military was he Logsthat correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct thatLogs he was Military British was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This Logs Military British disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael mthat ultiple, records deliberateerroneously but disqualified disqualified but erroneouslydeliberate records ultiple, thatm Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified deliberate ultiple, m British military andreport. relevant previous RUC the reportsin point check vehicle gunshotsRUC the at andpresumably stop, the not did and and did not the stop, presumablyand at the RUCunshots g vehicle check point inreports the RUC previous relevant report.and military British report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and the and unshots g reports RUC relevant and military British were relayed to theMichael to British Army’switnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnessesArmy’s British to Michaelthe to relayed were Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Army’s British the to relayed were Brigade Command to andborder recordedthe across in aget to tried he as apursuit tt in emptpolice the toand criminalizeShop Rowe’s leaving leaving Rowe’s Shopcriminalize andto the policeempt in tt pursuita as he tried to geta in across therecorded borderand to Command Brigade to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving criminalize to empt tt a a in recorded and Command Brigade contemporaneous shot operationssingle a not – log. fired” The were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were The fired” log. – not a singleoperations shot contemporaneous shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his The log. operations contemporaneous command area of 3rd Infantrystop. Brigadenot did (3 Michael because Mfired i chwere aelshots anthese d histhat implies and – – and implies thathis d thesean shotsel a wereh c i firedM because Michael (3 did notBrigade stop. Infantry 3rd of area command stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and – his d an el a h c i M (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command Brigade) took in the counties of Fermanagh Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade) Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade) and Armagh and mostabout of the countiesdisinformation of injected Forces fArmed amilyBritish the asthat membersproves also record ofThis Thisof record also provesmembers thats a the Britishmily a Armedf Forces injected of disinformationcounties the of aboutmost and Armagh and about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This of members s a mily a f of counties the of most and Armagh and Tyrone and Down.that Duringreport thisfalsified period,The the further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. the Theperiod, falsifiedthis reportDuring thatDown. and Tyrone that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their the period, this During Down. and Tyrone British Army B, assumedAnnex – primacyB2 to over thereferenced was (PIRA) IRA the proscribedProvisional the of member a Irishwas Michael Michael wasIrish a member of the Provisionalproscribed e h t IRA (PIRA) was referencedthe over to B2primacy – Annexassumed B, Army British B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael Irish proscribed e h t the over primacy assumed Army British police as they file waged warunrelated againstan by the IRAreplaced andand extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted andand replacedIRA the by anagainst unrelatedwar waged file they as police file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number and IRA the against war waged they as police the Irish Catholic of community.member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is RepubliThis it. crecovered a nTrail ArmyPaper time the by by the time PaperArmy Trailn a recoveredc it. Thisepubli R is a horrific lie. Michael was not a membercommunity. of Catholic Irish the of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by Army n a c epubli R community. Catholic Irish the
any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that. knew police the and civilian a (IRA)”was He group. paramilitary Republican any any Republican paramilitary group. He was(IRA)” a civilian and the police knew that. that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any (IRA)”
(IRA)” (IRA)” (IRA)”
any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any any Republican paramilitary group. He was a civilian and the police knew that. that. knew police the and civilian a was He group. paramilitary Republican any
the Irish Catholic community. community. Catholic Irish the community. Catholic Irish the
by the time Paper Trail recovered it. This is a horrific lie. Michael was not a member of of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by by the time Paper Trail recovered it. This is a horrific lie. Michael was not a member of of member a not was Michael lie. horrific a is This it. recovered Trail Paper time the by Republican Army Army n a c epubli R Army n a c epubli R
police as they waged war against the IRA and and IRA the against war waged they as police and IRA the against war waged they as police
Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted and replaced by an unrelated file file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number Number 2 – in the file but had since been extracted and replaced by an unrelated file file unrelated an by replaced and extracted been since had but file the in – 2 Number
British Army assumed primacy over the the over primacy assumed Army British the over primacy assumed Army British the proscribed Irish Irish proscribed e h t Irish proscribed e h t
Michael was a member of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was referenced to B2 – Annex B, B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael Michael was a member of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) was referenced to B2 – Annex B, B, Annex – B2 to referenced was (PIRA) IRA Provisional the of member a was Michael
Tyrone and Down. During this period, the the period, this During Down. and Tyrone the period, this During Down. and Tyrone their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. The falsified report that that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their their victim within hours of his killing as if to justify it further. The falsified report that that report falsified The further. it justify to if as killing his of hours within victim their
family as members of of members s a mily a f of members s a mily a f and Armagh and most of the counties of of counties the of most and Armagh and of counties the of most and Armagh and
This record also proves that the British Armed Forces injected disinformation about about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This This record also proves that the British Armed Forces injected disinformation about about disinformation injected Forces Armed British the that proves also record This
Brigade) took in the counties of Fermanagh Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade) Fermanagh of counties the in took Brigade)
Michael and his his d an el a h c i M his d an el a h c i M command area of 3rd Infantry Brigade (3 (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command (3 Brigade Infantry 3rd of area command
– and implies that these shots were fired because Michael did not stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and – – and implies that these shots were fired because Michael did not stop. stop. not did Michael because fired were shots these that implies and –
contemporaneous operations log. The The log. operations contemporaneous The log. operations contemporaneous his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were fired” – not a single shot shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his his home in Donegal. Worryingly, it records that “shots were fired” – not a single shot shot single a not – fired” were “shots that records it Worryingly, Donegal. in home his
attempt to criminalize criminalize to empt tt a criminalize to empt tt a
Brigade Command and recorded in a a in recorded and Command Brigade a in recorded and Command Brigade leaving Rowe’s Shop and the police in pursuit as he tried to get across the border to to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving leaving Rowe’s Shop and the police in pursuit as he tried to get across the border to to border the across get to tried he as pursuit in police the and Shop Rowe’s leaving
were relayed to the British Army’s Army’s British the to relayed were Army’s British the to relayed were
Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnesses to Michael Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither Neither of these reports – hours apart – take account of obvious witnesses to Michael Michael to witnesses obvious of account take – apart hours – reports these of Neither gunshots and the the and unshots g the and unshots g
British military and relevant RUC reports reports RUC relevant and military British reports RUC relevant and military British and did not stop, presumably at the RUC vehicle check point in the previous report. report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and and did not stop, presumably at the RUC vehicle check point in the previous report. report. previous the in point check vehicle RUC the at presumably stop, not did and
disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified disqualified but erroneously records that Michael was travelling into Northern Ireland Ireland Northern into travelling was Michael that records erroneously but disqualified multiple, deliberate deliberate ultiple, m deliberate ultiple, m
British Military Logs Logs Military British Logs Military British
This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct that he was was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This This clarifies that there were no other people in the car and is correct that he was was he that correct is and car the in people other no were there that clarifies This
“The Logs record record Logs “The record Logs “The
proscribed Irish Republican Army (IRA). (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed (IRA). Army Republican Irish proscribed
Michael and his family as members of the the of members as family his and Michael the of members as family his and Michael
gunshots and the attempt to criminalize criminalize to attempt the and gunshots criminalize to attempt the and gunshots
In fact, the logs record multiple, deliberate deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In deliberate multiple, record logs the fact, In
record a single, accidental discharge. discharge. accidental single, a record discharge. accidental single, a record
“Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: “Action: Passed to HQNI. 2215 hours B2 report says he is PIRA” PIRA” is he says report B2 hours 2215 HQNI. to Passed “Action: the killing and yet not one of these versions versions these of one not yet and killing the versions these of one not yet and killing the
the RUC’s story changed in the hours after after hours the in changed story RUC’s the after hours the in changed story RUC’s the
16/5 L going to the scene” scene” the to going L 16/5 scene” the to going L 16/5 other occupant in the car.” the in occupant other other occupant in the car.” car.” the in occupant other
The startling documents also show how how show also documents startling The how show also documents startling The
while disqualified and it is thought that this was the reason he did not stop. There was no no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while while disqualified and it is thought that this was the reason he did not stop. There was no no was There stop. not did he reason the was this that thought is it and disqualified while Enniskillen are going to the scene. 1 x sub unit unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen unit sub x 1 scene. the to going are Enniskillen
Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving Driving a Red Austin A 40, GMM 470, he was driving into Northern Ireland. He was driving driving was He Ireland. Northern into driving was he 470, GMM 40, A Austin Red a Driving apprehended. 2 x Chief Inspectors [RUC] from from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended. from [RUC] Inspectors Chief x 2 apprehended.
Commanders. Commanders. Commanders.
“The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The “The shots were fired at 1750 hours, Michael Joseph Leonard… died after the incident. incident. the after died Leonard… Joseph Michael hours, 1750 at fired were shots “The driver is wounded and the occupants have been been have occupants the and wounded is driver been have occupants the and wounded is driver
British Armed Forces at the scene to their their to scene the at Forces Armed British their to scene the at Forces Armed British
to break through and was shot at by Police. The The Police. by at shot was and through break to The Police. by at shot was and through break to
At 2100 hours (Serial 18, 9pm), 16/5 L reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At At 2100 hours (Serial 18, 9pm), 16/5 L reports: reports: L 16/5 9pm), 18, (Serial hours 2100 At to contemporaneous reports made by by made reports contemporaneous to by made reports contemporaneous to
085652 an RUC Police road block, a car tried tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652 tried car a block, road Police RUC an 085652
in October 1973 does not correspond correspond not does 1973 October in correspond not does 1973 October in
victim.” victim.” victim.” square 0864 at VCP [Vehicle Check Point] at GR GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square GR at Point] Check [Vehicle VCP at 0864 square
reported to the media and at the Inquest Inquest the at and media the to reported Inquest the at and media the to reported
first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretext for the shooting of the the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first first instance that the police involved are trying to develop a pretext for the shooting of the the of shooting the for pretext a develop to trying are involved police the that instance first “At Approx. 1740 hrs in GR [Grid Reference] Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At Reference] [Grid GR in hrs 1740 Approx. “At
discovered that the version of the killing killing the of version the that discovered killing the of version the that discovered in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader might query whether this is the the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in in the car with Michael when he was killed. Another reader might query whether this is the the is this whether query might reader Another killed. was he when Michael with car the in
in the National Archives, Kew, London, Ciarán Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in Ciarán London, Kew, Archives, National the in was no RUC Vehicle Check Point or road block, and we know there were no other occupants occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was was no RUC Vehicle Check Point or road block, and we know there were no other occupants occupants other no were there know we and block, road or Point Check Vehicle RUC no was
17th May 1973 (Serial 15): 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th 15): (Serial 1973 May 17th
detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this first report as we know that there there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. detailed. So, the less cynical researcher can excuse this first report as we know that there there that know we as report first this excuse can researcher cynical less the So, detailed. researching British military operations logs logs operations military British researching logs operations military British researching
Near St. Angelo” at 1755 hours (5:55pm) (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near (5:55pm) hours 1755 at Angelo” St. Near
or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should become clearer and more more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or or simple miscommunication; but subsequent reports should become clearer and more more and clearer become should reports subsequent but miscommunication; simple or
information buried in Public Records. Whilst Whilst Records. Public in buried information Whilst Records. Public in buried information
16/5 L first recorded the “Shooting Incident Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5 Incident “Shooting the recorded first L 16/5
“First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First “First reports can be muddled for a number of reasons such as shock, the fog of war war of fog the shock, as such reasons of number a for muddled be can reports “First charity’s work is to help families access access families help to is work charity’s access families help to is work charity’s
north of Ireland. A key component of the the of component key A Ireland. of north the of component key A Ireland. of north Headquarters Northern Ireland (HQNI). (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters (HQNI). Ireland Northern Headquarters Researcher Ciarán MacAirt says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher Researcher Ciarán MacAirt says: says: MacAirt Ciarán Researcher
victims and survivors of the conflict in the the in conflict the of survivors and victims the in conflict the of survivors and victims From there, reports were relayed to to relayed were reports there, From to relayed were reports there, From
Research) which advocates on behalf of of behalf on advocates which Research) of behalf on advocates which Research) minutes and reported to Brigade Command. Command. Brigade to reported and minutes Command. Brigade to reported and minutes
of the charity, Paper Trail (Legacy Archive Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of Archive (Legacy Trail Paper charity, the of attended the scene of the killing within within killing the of scene the attended within killing the of scene the attended
Ciaran MacAirt is founder and manager manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran manager and founder is MacAirt Ciaran Queen’s Royal Lancers (16/5 L) and its units units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s units its and L) (16/5 Lancers Royal Queen’s
area of the incident was the 16th/5th The The 16th/5th the was incident the of area The 16th/5th the was incident the of area
MULTIPLE SHOTS SHOTS MULTIPLE SHOTS MULTIPLE
The resident British Army Battalion in the the in Battalion Army British resident The the in Battalion Army British resident The
8 8 8 9 9 9
urdered M en Citiz ish r I urdered M en Citiz ish r I Irish Citizen Murdered
family, the general public and the Inquest.” the and public general the family, Inquest.” the and public general the family, family, the general public and the Inquest.”
concoction, designed to fool the Leonard Leonard the fool to designed concoction, Leonard the fool to designed concoction, concoction, designed to fool the Leonard
“In other words, the police account was a a was account police the words, other “In a was account police the words, other “In “In other words, the police account was a
fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal fatal shot as Michael neared the border.”
left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the
driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car
fired three deliberate shots in total at the car car the at total in shots deliberate three fired car the at total in shots deliberate three fired fired three deliberate shots in total at the car
the police and then re-confirm that the RUC RUC the that re-confirm then and police the RUC the that re-confirm then and police the the police and then re-confirm that the RUC
British Army archives record multiple shots by by shots multiple record archives Army British by shots multiple record archives Army British British Army archives record multiple shots by
was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The
police to the family, the media and the Coroner Coroner the and media the family, the to police Coroner the and media the family, the to police police to the family, the media and the Coroner
after the killing, that the account given by by given account the that killing, the after by given account the that killing, the after after the killing, that the account given by
British military logs, compiled immediately immediately compiled logs, military British immediately compiled logs, military British British military logs, compiled immediately
“It is now clear from the new evidence in the the in evidence new the from clear now is “It the in evidence new the from clear now is “It “It is now clear from the new evidence in the
The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says:
NEW STORY NEW NEW STORY STORY NEW
10 10 10 11 11 11
11 10 1011 1110
NEW STORY NEW NEW STORY fired again and killed him. They knew that STORY NEW The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The his only misdemeanoursays: Fahy, Pat was thatsolicitor, he wasfamily’s a The The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: An hour and a half later at 2330 hours disqualified driver and they killed him for “It is now clear from the new evidence in the the in evidence new the from clear now is “It (11:30pm), less than six hours after Michael that. the in evidence new the from clear now is “It “It is now clear from the new evidence in the British military logs, compiled immediately immediately compiled logs, military British was shot dead, 16/5 L reference the previous immediately compiled logs, military British British military logs, compiled immediately after the killing, that the account given by by given account the that killing, the after two reports and record a “NEW STORY”. By In the by monthgiven beforeaccount thethe Inquestthat inkilling, Octoberthe after after the killing, that the account given by police to the family, the media and the Coroner Coroner the and media the family, the to police now, the Security Forces have had plenty 1973,Coroner thethe Britishand Armedmedia the Forcesfamily, againthe to triedpolice police to the family, the media and the Coroner was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was of time to gather the facts or for the police to justify The itslies. killingof oftissue a Michaelthan andless againnothing nowas was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The British Army archives record multiple shots by by shots multiple record archives Army British involved to get their stories straight. “accidental”by shots shotmultiple is recorded.record archives Army British British Army archives record multiple shots by the police and then re-confirm that the RUC RUC the that re-confirm then and police the RUC the that re-confirm then and police the the police and then re-confirm that the RUC fired three deliberate shots in total at the car car the at total in shots deliberate three fired Brigadiercar the at Commandertotal in shots CS Wallis-Kingdeliberate three of 3 fired fired three deliberate shots in total at the car driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven Brigadecar the preparedafter two – a reportLeonard on the Michael security by driven driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left of thethe Pettigoethen and borderisland, areaBoa at andshop includedRowe’s left left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal a “Summaryborder.” ofthe Incidentsneared in PettigoeMichael as Areashot fatal fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” Over the Last Nine Months”, dated 8 September 1973: “In other words, the police account was a a was account police the words, other “In REFERENCE SERIAL 15 AND 18 – NEW STORY a was account police the words, other “In “In other words, the police account was a concoction, designed to fool the Leonard Leonard the fool to designed concoction, Leonard the fool to designed concoction, concoction, designed to fool the Leonard “17 May 73 At 1740 hrs Michael Joseph family, the general public and the Inquest.” the and public general the family, “RUC on a routine patrol entered a shop GR Inquest.” the and public general the family, family, the general public and the Inquest.” Leonard… was shot dead by the RUC after 0865. They recognised Leonard and went to refusing to halt in a car. He was known son of question him, he ran off despite the fact that an IRA man [sic].” he was told to stop. He drove off in his car and urdered M en Citiz ish r I the police fired 2 shots at the car which did not urdered M en Citiz ish r I Irish Citizen Murdered stop. They gave chase in a Land Rover and fired another shot which hit him [author’s emphasis]. His home is at GR 170746 in Eire .” This tries to excuse the killing as Michael did not stop and that he was the son of an This is a damning admission that the police IRA member which is an egregious lie and did not fire a single, “accidental” shot which attempt to blacken the name of Michael’s killed Michael, but two shots at his car before father and the Leonard family. Again, the fatal, deliberate shot. The local police there is no attempt to disguise that it was force also admit that its officers recognised a deliberate shot which killed Michael Michael. They knew who he was when they although the RUC officers’ story changed killed him. when it was relayed to the Inquest the The RUC had rectified its report within six following month. hours that its patrol had indeed spotted The police account also changed when the Michael in the shop, recognised him and RUC Assistant Chief Constable and Office of pursued him. They fired two shots at the the Chief Constable had to answer to the Irish car but Michael did not stop. Just before he Government for the killing of one of its
reached the sanctuary of the border, the RUC citizens.
urdered M en Citiz ish r I urdered M en Citiz ish r I Irish Citizen Murdered
family, the general public and the Inquest.” the and public general the family, Inquest.” the and public general the family, family, the general public and the Inquest.”
concoction, designed to fool the Leonard Leonard the fool to designed concoction, Leonard the fool to designed concoction, concoction, designed to fool the Leonard
“In other words, the police account was a a was account police the words, other “In a was account police the words, other “In “In other words, the police account was a
fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal fatal shot as Michael neared the border.”
left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the
driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car
fired three deliberate shots in total at the car car the at total in shots deliberate three fired car the at total in shots deliberate three fired fired three deliberate shots in total at the car
the police and then re-confirm that the RUC RUC the that re-confirm then and police the RUC the that re-confirm then and police the the police and then re-confirm that the RUC
British Army archives record multiple shots by by shots multiple record archives Army British by shots multiple record archives Army British British Army archives record multiple shots by
was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The
police to the family, the media and the Coroner Coroner the and media the family, the to police Coroner the and media the family, the to police police to the family, the media and the Coroner
after the killing, that the account given by by given account the that killing, the after by given account the that killing, the after after the killing, that the account given by
British military logs, compiled immediately immediately compiled logs, military British immediately compiled logs, military British British military logs, compiled immediately
“It is now clear from the new evidence in the the in evidence new the from clear now is “It the in evidence new the from clear now is “It “It is now clear from the new evidence in the
The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says:
NEW STORY NEW NEW STORY STORY NEW
10 10 10 11 11 11
urdered M en Citiz ish r I Irish Citizen Murdered urdered M en Citiz ish r I
family, the general public and the Inquest.” the and public general the family, family, the general public and the Inquest.” Inquest.” the and public general the family,
concoction, designed to fool the Leonard Leonard the fool to designed concoction, concoction, designed to fool the Leonard Leonard the fool to designed concoction,
“In other words, the police account was a a was account police the words, other “In “In other words, the police account was a a was account police the words, other “In
fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal
left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left
driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven
fired three deliberate shots in total at the car car the at total in shots deliberate three fired fired three deliberate shots in total at the car car the at total in shots deliberate three fired
the police and then re-confirm that the RUC RUC the that re-confirm then and police the the police and then re-confirm that the RUC RUC the that re-confirm then and police the
British Army archives record multiple shots by by shots multiple record archives Army British British Army archives record multiple shots by by shots multiple record archives Army British
was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was
police to the family, the media and the Coroner Coroner the and media the family, the to police police to the family, the media and the Coroner Coroner the and media the family, the to police
after the killing, that the account given by by given account the that killing, the after after the killing, that the account given by by given account the that killing, the after
British military logs, compiled immediately immediately compiled logs, military British British military logs, compiled immediately immediately compiled logs, military British
“It is now clear from the new evidence in the the in evidence new the from clear now is “It “It is now clear from the new evidence in the the in evidence new the from clear now is “It
The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The
NEW STORY STORY NEW STORY NEW
10 10 10 11 11 11
1011 1110 11 10
NEW STORY STORY NEW STORY NEW The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The Office and the Assistant Chief Constable “Rules “It is now clear from the new evidence in the the in evidence new the from clear now is “It “It is now clear from the new evidence in the of the RUC to a file relating to the the in evidence new the from clear now is “It for the Use of Firearms by the Security Forces British military logs, compiled immediately immediately compiled logs, military British British military logs, compiled immediately in Northern Ireland (1974 – 1979)” which immediately compiled logs, military British after the killing, that the account given by by given account the that killing, the after after the killing, that the account given by only opened to the public after 30 years in by given account the that killing, the after police to the family, the media and the Coroner Coroner the and media the family, the to police police to the family, the media and the Coroner 2010. Coroner the and media the family, the to police was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was British Army archives record multiple shots by by shots multiple record archives Army British British Army archives record multiple shots by The chain of correspondence opens with by shots multiple record archives Army British John Swift of the Irish Department of the police and then re-confirm that the RUC RUC the that re-confirm then and police the the police and then re-confirm that the RUC RUC the that re-confirm then and police the Foreign Affairs asking Kenneth Thom of fired three deliberate shots in total at the car car the at total in shots deliberate three fired fired three deliberate shots in total at the car the British Embassy in Dublin in February car the at total in shots deliberate three fired driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car 1974 for further information on the car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the following aspects of the case which show the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” which areas were problematic even then border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal for the Irish state. Thom refers the same “In other words, the police account was a a was account police the words, other “In “In other words, the police account was a to J P B Simeon of the British Foreign and a was account police the words, other “In Commonwealth Office in March 1974: concoction, designed to fool the Leonard Leonard the fool to designed concoction, concoction, designed to fool the Leonard Leonard the fool to designed concoction, family, the general public and the Inquest.” the and public general the family, family, the general public and the Inquest.” “(a) For what specific purpose was a shot Inquest.” the and public general the family, fired. Did the only information on Mr Leonard available to the constables at the time relate to motoring offences? Was there any suspicion that Mr Leonard was at that time urdered M en Citiz ish r I Irish Citizen Murdered a member of the IRA? [“No” is handwritten in urdered M en Citiz ish r I answer to this] Are there written regulations We knew it then and now have the proof that the governing the use of firearms by the RUC in Inquest into Michael’s death failed to investigate such circumstances? the circumstances of the shooting or even interrogate those involved in the killing so our (b) In what sense is the matter under enquiry? family was left with even more questions than Was any disciplinary action taken or is any answers. It remained a highly contentious killing envisaged in respect of the constables? in the local area too as Michael was well known Is it true that a possible prosecution in the farming community on both sides of the was considered by the Director of Public border. Prosecutions and, if so, on what grounds was a decision not to prosecute taken? Even the Irish Government had questions unanswered and so sought to remedy this (c) Are the inquest depositions made available through quiet, diplomatic channels as Paper to us complete in all respects? You will note Trail discovered again in the National Archives, that they do not include any direct evidence by the constables involved in the incident. If London. The charity tracked contact and there are further depositions, we would be correspondence between the Dublin glad to receive copies. If not, a summary of authorities, the British Foreign and the constables’ evidence, even if not used at
Commonwealth, the Northern Ireland the inquest would be appreciated.”
urdered M en Citiz ish r I Irish Citizen Murdered urdered M en Citiz ish r I
family, the general public and the Inquest.” the and public general the family, family, the general public and the Inquest.” Inquest.” the and public general the family,
concoction, designed to fool the Leonard Leonard the fool to designed concoction, concoction, designed to fool the Leonard Leonard the fool to designed concoction,
“In other words, the police account was a a was account police the words, other “In “In other words, the police account was a a was account police the words, other “In
fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal fatal shot as Michael neared the border.” border.” the neared Michael as shot fatal
left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left left Rowe’s shop at Boa island, and then the the then and island, Boa at shop Rowe’s left
driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven driven by Michael Leonard – two after the car car the after two – Leonard Michael by driven
fired three deliberate shots in total at the car car the at total in shots deliberate three fired fired three deliberate shots in total at the car car the at total in shots deliberate three fired
the police and then re-confirm that the RUC RUC the that re-confirm then and police the the police and then re-confirm that the RUC RUC the that re-confirm then and police the
British Army archives record multiple shots by by shots multiple record archives Army British British Army archives record multiple shots by by shots multiple record archives Army British
was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was was nothing less than a tissue of lies. The The lies. of tissue a than less nothing was
police to the family, the media and the Coroner Coroner the and media the family, the to police police to the family, the media and the Coroner Coroner the and media the family, the to police
after the killing, that the account given by by given account the that killing, the after after the killing, that the account given by by given account the that killing, the after
British military logs, compiled immediately immediately compiled logs, military British British military logs, compiled immediately immediately compiled logs, military British
“It is now clear from the new evidence in the the in evidence new the from clear now is “It “It is now clear from the new evidence in the the in evidence new the from clear now is “It
The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The The family’s solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family’s The
NEW STORY STORY NEW STORY NEW
10 10 10 11 11 11 12 13
Wendy Clements of the Northern Ireland Office Ward chased Coulson for a reply from NIO furnished David Ward of the Republic of Ireland Belfast on 11September 1974 in CONCLUSION Department, Foreign and Commonwealth correspondence which also contains the hand- Office, with the answers to these questions in written memo: correspondence dated 27th March 1974: “last year – border – RUC. Failed to stop. The discovery of these archives has produced The family solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: startling new evidence which has confirmed “1 (a) The shot was presumably intended as a Warning shot hit – killed him”. many of our family’s worst fears. They point “There is no other way of putting it – warning shot (although the incident is still subject The disclosure of the RUC rules for opening fire to a senseless and unlawful killing of our loved Michael was killed deliberately and to investigation – see 1(b)). The only information to the Irish authorities was a major stumbling one – an Irish citizen – close to the safety unjustifiably. Therefore, the inquest was available to the constables at the time was of Mr of the border and his home in Donegal. They block as it had to be referred to the Chief a sham and the Coroner did not have the Leonard’s motoring offences, but suspicion was also point to a heinous cover-up by the British true facts in front of him. There was no Constable himself. On 5th November 1974, aroused by his behaviour in refusing to stop both state and its Armed Forces in the wake of the single, accidental ‘million-to-one shot’. Assistant Chief Constable Bill Meharg replied to before and after driving away. There are written killing. These British state records prove that there the Northern Ireland Office: regulations governing the use of firearms by were three shots. If the Coroner had known We now have hard evidence that: this, he could not have reached a finding of members of the RUC. (Copies of these are not, “I am directed by the Chief Constable to misadventure, as he did.” however available to the public.) furnish, as requested, a copy of Force Order 1. The RUC changed its story in the hours No. 181/71 which was in force at the time of afterwards. There was no vehicle “Justice requires that there should be a fresh 1 (b) Papers were referred to the DPP for a the shooting incident in question.” checkpoint and Michael was alone in the inquest at which the truth can be made decision on possible criminal proceedings, but car known. We have written to the Attorney after very careful consideration of the evidence “The fatal shooting of Michael Joseph Leonard at General for Northern Ireland asking that a the DPP directed that there were not sufficient Brookhill, Letter, Co. Fermanagh, on 17th May 2. None of these reports in the 3 Brigade fresh inquest be held into Michael’s death. grounds to institute a prosecution. The reasons 1973, was fully investigated. The investigation Operations Logs record that Michael was Pending that, the Leonard family are fully behind this decision are entirely a matter for the papers were referred to the DPP, who, upon killed by an accidental discharge entitled to make the truth of what occurred DPP. A further detailed investigation of the careful consideration of all the facts and known publicly.” incident is at present being conducted by the RUC circumstances, directed that the file be marked 3. Nowhere is it reported that Michael posed What made it even more senseless was with a view to placing a report before the Chief “No Prosecution”. a threat to the police officers or made any movement which caused them to take that the RUC officers knew Michael, Constable for consideration of possible disciplinary “At the Inquest on the deceased… a verdict of evasive action or open fire they knew he was a local man and, even measures. I have asked to be advised of the if they wanted to hold him to task him outcome of the investigation. ‘misadventure’ was returned.” 4. The RUC officers knew Michael and knew about motoring offences, they could have picked him up the next time he crossed “On 24th May 1974, the Chief Constable dismissed that his only crime was driving whilst 1 (c) The inquest depositions are complete. It is the border to visit his girlfriend’s house or the disciplinary case on the grounds that the fatal disqualified not unusual, in cases involving security at the many cattle markets he attended. shot was discharged accidentally.” considerations, for a senior RUC officer 5. The Security Forces tried to criminalize to give evidence on behalf of the officers actually The Irish must have pressed for details of the Michael and even his father as being IRA What the family fear now is involved, as happened in this case. The Inspector’s members disciplinary as NIO correspondence from D. that the RUC officers who deposition may therefore be regarded as a Petch on 26th March 1975 wrote: summary of the constables’ evidence.” 6. Most importantly, these files record killed Michael and covered “The RUC would resist giving any details of an multiple, deliberate shots at Michael’s car – not “a million-to-one” accidental shot up the crime, killed others Ward then records in correspondence back to internal enquiry to an outside body and certainly Paul Coulson of the Northern Ireland Office on consider that the details of such a case should not and got away with murder. 4th June 1974 that, whilst “grateful for the be passed to the Irish Government. The Chief information”, Dublin pressed for the “precise Constable dismissed the disciplinary case on 24 RUC regulations concerning the use of firearms May 1974 on the grounds that the fatal shot was in this type of case and asked whether he could discharged accidentally.” inform the Irish Government of this pending the outcome of the disciplinary investigation. Our family now know it was no accident. 12 13 13 12 CONCLUSION CONCLUSION
The discovery of these archives has produced The family solicitor, Pat Fahy, says: says: Fahy, Pat solicitor, family The produced has archives these of discovery The startling new evidence which has confirmed confirmed has which evidence new startling many of our family’s worst fears. They point “There is no other way of putting it – – it putting of way other no is “There point They fears. worst family’s our of many to a senseless and unlawful killing of our loved Michael was killed deliberately and and deliberately killed was Michael loved our of killing unlawful and senseless a to one – an Irish citizen – close to the safety unjustifiably. Therefore, the inquest was was inquest the Therefore, unjustifiably. safety the to close – citizen Irish an – one of the border and his home in Donegal. They a sham and the Coroner did not have the the have not did Coroner the and sham a They Donegal. in home his and border the of also point to a heinous cover-up by the British true facts in front of him. There was no no was There him. of front in facts true British the by cover-up heinous a to point also state and its Armed Forces in the wake of the single, accidental ‘million-to-one shot’. shot’. ‘million-to-one accidental single, the of wake the in Forces Armed its and state killing. These British state records prove that there there that prove records state British These killing. were three shots. If the Coroner had known known had Coroner the If shots. three were We now have hard evidence that: this, he could not have reached a finding of of finding a reached have not could he this, that: evidence hard have now We misadventure, as he did.” did.” he as misadventure, 1. The RUC changed its story in the hours hours the in story its changed RUC The 1. afterwards. There was no vehicle “Justice requires that there should be a fresh fresh a be should there that requires “Justice vehicle no was There afterwards. checkpoint and Michael was alone in the inquest at which the truth can be made made be can truth the which at inquest the in alone was Michael and checkpoint car known. We have written to the Attorney Attorney the to written have We known. car General for Northern Ireland asking that a a that asking Ireland Northern for General 2. None of these reports in the 3 Brigade fresh inquest be held into Michael’s death. death. Michael’s into held be inquest fresh Brigade 3 the in reports these of None 2. Operations Logs record that Michael was Pending that, the Leonard family are fully fully are family Leonard the that, Pending was Michael that record Logs Operations killed by an accidental discharge entitled to make the truth of what occurred occurred what of truth the make to entitled discharge accidental an by killed known publicly.” publicly.” known 3. Nowhere is it reported that Michael posed posed Michael that reported it is Nowhere 3. a threat to the police officers or made any What made it even more senseless was was senseless more even it made What any made or officers police the to threat a movement which caused them to take that the RUC officers knew Michael, Michael, knew officers RUC the that take to them caused which movement evasive action or open fire they knew he was a local man and, even even and, man local a was he knew they fire open or action evasive if they wanted to hold him to task him him task to him hold to wanted they if 4. The RUC officers knew Michael and knew about motoring offences, they could have have could they offences, motoring about knew and Michael knew officers RUC The 4. that his only crime was driving whilst picked him up the next time he crossed crossed he time next the up him picked whilst driving was crime only his that disqualified the border to visit his girlfriend’s house or or house girlfriend’s his visit to border the disqualified at the many cattle markets he attended. attended. he markets cattle many the at 5. The Security Forces tried to criminalize criminalize to tried Forces Security The 5. Michael and even his father as being IRA What the family fear now is is now fear family the What IRA being as father his even and Michael members members that the RUC officers who who officers RUC the that 6. Most importantly, these files record killed Michael and covered covered and Michael killed record files these importantly, Most 6. multiple, deliberate shots at Michael’s car car Michael’s at shots deliberate multiple, – not “a million-to-one” accidental shot up the crime, killed others others killed , crime the up shot accidental million-to-one” “a not – and got away with murder. murder. with away got and
Our family now know it was no accident. accident. no was it know now family Our 14 15 REMEMBERING MICHAEL
Wedding photo of Michael’s sister Carmel to Eugene McNamara (RIP) on 29th January 1972 Back left to right: John (brother), Maurice Jnr. (brother), Mary (Maurice’s wife), Eugene, Carmel (sister), Gertrude (sister), Mena RIP (fiancée), Michael RIP Front left to right: Paul (brother), Maureen RIP (mother), Maurice RIP (father) Michael is in the back row, third from right
All who knew Michael were heartbroken at regularly attended Mass in Lettercran Michael was always on the move, going the news of his killing. He was only 24 years Catholic Chapel. to cattle-marts and, in his free time, of age and was highly regarded by everyone calling to see Mena, his fiancée. She was in the community. He was vivacious, so full Michael’s parents never recovered from shattered when he was killed just a year of life and always smiling. the shock of losing their son in such before they had planned to be married. dreadful and cruel circumstances. She too has died since and she too He had been a student in St. Macartan’s carried the heartbreak of Michael’s killing. college, Monaghan, for a number of years Michael’s sister, Carmel, remembers him: but came back to work on the family farm No matter how re-traumatizing this new at Tievemore when his other brothers “Michael was a great guy. There was evidence is to us, the family of Michael emigrated. There he learned the demands something very special about him. He was Leonard will not rest in our campaign of farming and caring for animals from his older than me and older than my other for truth and we will fight in Michael’s father, Maurice. sister Gertie and he always looked out for us. He was always smiling and had a head memory. Maurice was a well-known cattle-dealer of black curly hair with curls hanging down throughout Donegal and the nearby counties on his forehead. He was generous to me of Tyrone and Fermanagh. Maureen, when I was travelling back and forward to We now demand: Michael’s mother, was a hard-working Dublin to train for nursing. home-maker, always there when you called, 1. A fresh Inquest at which the new evidence in the British Ministry of Defence always welcoming and ready to serve a “I will never forget seeing him in the morgue in the Erne hospital in Enniskillen. His body records can be considered in relation to any finding regarding the killing of Michael meal at any time of the day. Maureen (nee Leonard. Gallagher) was born and reared in the was pure black. Michael bled to death. After Michael’s death we all got on with our lives. Montiagh area of county Fermanagh, not far 2. An immediate criminal investigation into the actions of the personnel travelling in When Daddy died years later, Mammy came from Ederney. She cared deeply for each of the police Land Rover from which the shots directed at Michael Leonard’s car were to live with me for some time. It was only her children and encouraged them in their fired. Such investigation to be overseen by the office of the Police Ombudsman. choice of career. then I realised that she never got over the Michael’s cruel death. She would talk about 3. The Irish government to commit to pressing the British government to cooperate Maurice and Maureen made their family Michael every day. Mammy died broken- fully with the fresh investigation, including making discovery of all relevant police home on the farm at Tievemore and raised hearted.” and military records relating to the killing of Michael Leonard, an Irish citizen from their children as committed Catholics who County Donegal. 14 15 REMEMBERING MICHAEL
Wedding photo of Michael’s sister Carmel to Eugene McNamara (RIP) on 29th January 1972 Back left to right: John (brother), Maurice Jnr. (brother), Mary (Maurice’s wife), Eugene, Carmel (sister), Gertrude (sister), Mena RIP (fiancée), Michael RIP Front left to right: Paul (brother), Maureen RIP (mother), Maurice RIP (father) Michael is in the back row, third from right
All who knew Michael were heartbroken at regularly attended Mass in Lettercran Michael was always on the move, going the news of his killing. He was only 24 years Catholic Chapel. to cattle-marts and, in his free time, of age and was highly regarded by everyone calling to see Mena, his fiancée. She was in the community. He was vivacious, so full Michael’s parents never recovered from shattered when he was killed just a year of life and always smiling. the shock of losing their son in such before they had planned to be married. dreadful and cruel circumstances. She too has died since and she too He had been a student in St. Macartan’s carried the heartbreak of Michael’s killing. college, Monaghan, for a number of years Michael’s sister, Carmel, remembers him: but came back to work on the family farm No matter how re-traumatizing this new at Tievemore when his other brothers “Michael was a great guy. There was evidence is to us, the family of Michael emigrated. There he learned the demands something very special about him. He was Leonard will not rest in our campaign of farming and caring for animals from his older than me and older than my other for truth and we will fight in Michael’s father, Maurice. sister Gertie and he always looked out for us. He was always smiling and had a head memory. Maurice was a well-known cattle-dealer of black curly hair with curls hanging down throughout Donegal and the nearby counties on his forehead. He was generous to me of Tyrone and Fermanagh. Maureen, when I was travelling back and forward to We now demand: Michael’s mother, was a hard-working Dublin to train for nursing. home-maker, always there when you called, 1. A fresh Inquest at which the new evidence in the British Ministry of Defence always welcoming and ready to serve a “I will never forget seeing him in the morgue in the Erne hospital in Enniskillen. His body records can be considered in relation to any finding regarding the killing of Michael meal at any time of the day. Maureen (nee Leonard. Gallagher) was born and reared in the was pure black. Michael bled to death. After Michael’s death we all got on with our lives. Montiagh area of county Fermanagh, not far 2. An immediate criminal investigation into the actions of the personnel travelling in When Daddy died years later, Mammy came from Ederney. She cared deeply for each of the police Land Rover from which the shots directed at Michael Leonard’s car were to live with me for some time. It was only her children and encouraged them in their fired. Such investigation to be overseen by the office of the Police Ombudsman. choice of career. then I realised that she never got over the Michael’s cruel death. She would talk about 3. The Irish government to commit to pressing the British government to cooperate Maurice and Maureen made their family Michael every day. Mammy died broken- fully with the fresh investigation, including making discovery of all relevant police home on the farm at Tievemore and raised hearted.” and military records relating to the killing of Michael Leonard, an Irish citizen from their children as committed Catholics who County Donegal. THE MURDER OF MICHAEL LEONARD
17th May 1973
Fr. Joe McVeigh
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