Two men are still wanted for questioning by Gardaí about the murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, killed by an IRA gang during a botched robbery, 24 years ago today.
Detective McCabe was killed instantly in the audacious gun attack, when a member of a six-man terror squad opened fire on his unmarked patrol car, from an AK47 Kalashnikov assault rifle.
McCabe’s spine was severed in the atrocity, on Main Street, Adare, Co Limerick, on June 7, 1996.
Detective Garda Ben O’Sullivan, McCabe’s partner, sustained 11 gunshot wounds, but miraculously survived.
Both Gardaí had been protecting a mail van carrying £80,000 cash when the IRA unit struck early that morning.
Members of the IRA gang were convicted of Det McCabe’s manslaughter, and have since been released from prison.
McCabe and O’Sullivan were both awarded Scott medals for bravery in 2000, with Det McCabe’s widow Ann accepting the posthumous award on behalf of her slain husband.
The two hero Gardaí were also awarded the Freedom of Limerick at a ceremony in 2018.
Speaking then, Limerick Superintendent Derek Smart, now Tipperary Chief Superintendent, said two suspected members of the IRA gang were “still outstanding” and that Gardaí were eager to interview them.
“We are still pursuing it. The investigation hasn’t gone away. The investigation is still live,” he said.
“We are continuing to pursue people who may have been involved, and that will keep going until we bring them to justice.”
It has been previously suggested in media reports that one of the wanted men moved to Spain and the other had been hiding out in South America, but Gardaí said they did not know their exact locations.
Both men remain at large today.
Speaking a fortnight ago, Ann McCabe poignantly revealed how, due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, she and her family were prevented from attending an annual Garda Memorial event at Dublin Castle, where 88 gardai, including her late husband, who died in the line of duty, were remembered.
The event was streamed live for the families.
“I watched it in my sitting room, but it was very moving and a few tears were shed,” Mrs McCabe said.
“It was very sad for us really, because it is a lovely ceremony, and normally you do get to meet a lot of retired members, serving members, and friends you might not have met for some time,” she added.
Det McCabe was remembered at his anniversary mass today in Limerick, however, coronavirus restrictions again prevented, the McCabe family from attending.
Anyone with information about the location about the two suspected IRA gang members can contact gardai at Henry Street, Limerick, (061-212400) or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.
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