A commemoration is being held today to mark the 50th anniversary of the Dublin- Monaghan bombings, the deadliest event in the history of the Troubles.
President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris will attend a memorial to honour the 34 people who were killed in the four bomb attacks in Dublin and Monaghan on May 17th, 1974.
The ceremony will take place on Talbot Street at the bombings monument following a memorial mass at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral.
Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin will also attend the memorial event.
The three explosions in Dublin and one in Monaghan saw the greatest loss of life in a single day throughout the Troubles, including one unborn baby.
Margaret Urwin of Justice for the Forgotten, who represents families of the victims, said the event is important to help victim's loved ones to grieve.
“It's very hard for the families when the anniversary comes around, and especially a big one like this one,” she said.
“But at the same time, they feel so much better when they're able to honour their lost loved ones - commemoration is very important for healing.”
Dublin-Monaghan bombings
On May 17th, 1974, around 5.30pm, three bombs exploded at Parnell Street, Talbot Street and South Leinster Street.
A fourth bomb exploded in Monaghan around 7pm.
Investigations at the time of the bombs were inconclusive but the attacks were attributed to loyalists. The bombs were claimed by the Ulster Volunteer Force in a 1993 statement.
Mr Harris said he wants people to remember “all those who lost their lives and were injured and think of their families”.
“I know their hurt has been compounded by a lack of truth and of justice for the victims since, and of immediate support for the families in the difficult years that followed,” he said.
“Today, we honour the memories of those who died, the more than 300 people injured, and the bereaved, both those living and those who have died in the years since.”
President Higgins will also attend a memorial event in Monaghan Town today to remember those killed and injured.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys will represent the Government in Monaghan Town.
