Anniversary Mass held for victims of Dublin Monaghan car bombings

50 years ago today, 34 people, including an infant, were killed, and more than 300 were injured across Dublin and Monaghan as a result of a series of four coordinated car bombs.

Three car bombs exploded in Dublin City during rush hour on May 17 1974 with no warning; later, a fourth bomb exploded outside of a pub in Monaghan. The Dublin Monaghan car bombings remain as one of the most extensive loss of lives during the troubles, and whilst no single person or people have been convicted, the UVF took responsibility for the act 19 years later.

Today, a Mass is being held at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin to remember those who were killed or injured in the bombings.

The Mass began at 10.30 am at Pro-Cathedral on Marlborough Street, a short distance from where the second car bomb exploded 50 years ago. Led by the Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, he began the Mass by reading out a list of names of those who were killed in the bombings.

Archbishop Farell asked those in attendance to remember that these names represent the lives that were cut short and the lost hope and love.

He reminded people that “We call out their names, we name our loss..They're not forgotten, we remember,” saying that they serve as a living reminder of what we lost that day.

Later, at 12:30 am, President Michael D. Higgins placed a wreath at the memorial for victims on Talbot Street. Others in attendance included Taoiseach Simon Harris, the Tánaiste, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and the Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council.

Addressing those in attendance, President Higgins said, “While I know that the people of Ireland stand in solidarity with you in your loss, it is yourselves and your families who have had to bear the grief of those tragic events, and, added to it, have had to bear the long wait for information on those tragic events, that was and is your right.”

A second wreath-placing ceremony will take place in Monaghan tonight near the time the fourth bomb went off; it will take place at the victims' memorial on Church Square in Monaghan town.