Daughter reaches settlement with MoD after mother shot dead by soldiers

The daughter of an IRA woman shot dead by British soldiers in west Belfast 55 years ago has reached an undisclosed settlement in her claim for damages.

Mother-of-four Maura Meehan, 30, and her sister Dorothy Maguire,19, were shot in the Lower Falls area of the city in October 1971.

They were said to have been travelling unarmed in a car when soldiers opened fire.

Margaret Kennedy sued the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over the circumstances surrounding her mother Maura's death and the alleged failure to conduct an effective investigation.

Eyewitnesses denied claims by the British Army that shots had been fired and a nail bomb had been thrown from the car they were travelling in.

The original investigation into their deaths was carried out by the Royal Military Police.

Kennedy's legal team argued that the probe by members of the same organisation as the troops involved in the shooting lacked the required independence.

Damages were sought for assault and battery and breaches of Kennedy's human rights.

Kennedy, who is also having her costs paid by the MoD, said she felt vindicated by the outcome of the proceedings at the High Court on Friday.

"Bringing this case was never simply about obtaining a legal remedy," she said.

"It was about seeking the truth, establishing accountability and ensuring that my mother's name was cleared.

"I believe this process has vindicated the decision to bring these proceedings, and I feel that I have done right by my mummy."

Judge Justice Rooney commended both sides for reaching the outcome and described it as a "long saga".