Murdered RUC man's memorial moved to new location

John Doherty was 31 and based in Omagh, County Tyrone, when he was murdered

A memorial stone dedicated to a murdered police officer will go on display at a new location after it was stolen and returned vandalised to his graveside.

John Doherty was shot by the IRA while visiting his mother in Lifford, County Donegal, in 1973.

A memorial stone to the officer was stolen from Castlefinn Cemetery in November 2023 and later returned daubed with pro-IRA graffiti.

The memorial stone has since been restored and a re-dedication ceremony was held on Sunday in Castlederg, County Tyrone, for Mr Doherty.

Terry Doherty (left) and his brother, William, at the grave of their late brother, John, in Castlefinn, County Donegal

The service was attended by representatives from both the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and An Garda Síochána (the Irish police service).

Mr Doherty was the first Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officer killed in the Republic of Ireland during the Troubles.

John's brother Terry Doherty told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme that the memorial stone would now go on permanent display at a British Legion Hall with a photograph of John rather than be placed back at his graveside.

"We wouldn't want to give those individuals the opportunity or satisfaction to desecrate the grave," he told the programme.

He said those who had carried out the vandalism would never win and that "good will always overcome evil".

"That stone and a picture of John will be hung proudly in that hall long after you've gone," he said.