Robert McCartney was murdered by members of the IRA in January 2005; he died after being stabbed in the street outside a bar in Belfast.  Like many other murders, the IRA might have hoped that it would eventually blow over, it did not, it became an international news story.  Two of his sisters tell Suzanne Breen what they thought of the subsequent criminal trials, and if they think they were used by politicians. 

The BelTel brings you some of Northern Ireland's top journalists, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen to name but a few, giving you the inside stories behind what is in the news. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the Bel Tel investigates, debates and informs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The BelTel

The murder of Robert McCartney and the IRA cover up

On St Patrick’s Day 2024, Gardaí made a grim discovery, the body of a young woman in a canal just outside Monaghan town. She was 23-year-old Kelly Marie Lynch, originally from County Fermanagh. A former PSNI detective who has investigated a number of prominent murders, including the 2020 killing of Katie Simpson by Jonathan Creswell, believes Kelly Lynch’s case should be upgraded to a murder investigation. 

Host: Fionnán Sheehan Guest: Catherine Fegan & James Brannigan. 

Former PSNI detective says Fermanagh girl Kelly Lynch’s death warrants murder investigation 

A woman identified by Garda as the Enniskillen bombing IRA commander is living an ‘ordinary life’ in Fermanagh – reports have claimed. Twelve people died in the massacre which took place during a Remembrance Day service in 1987.  
Relatives of the victims, including Stephen Gault, who lost his father and was injured in the attack, say they are sickened by the allegation.  
 
David O’Dornan spoke to Ciarán Dunbar. 

Enniskillen Bombing: Reports claim female who ‘led’ massacre living a ‘comfortable life’ in Fermanagh

Northern Ireland women say they are shocked after finding out their clothing was removed from legitimate photographs taken when they were children. The PSNI are investigating allegations artificial intelligence software was used to remove teenagers’ clothing.  The story comes to light as the UK plans a law to make it illegal to create non-consensual intimate images.  
Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s crime correspondent, Allison Morris.

The murder of Robert McCartney and the IRA cover up

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