23 September 2026

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has welcomed the findings of the Independent Commission for the Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) into the murder of SDLP founding member Rory O’Kelly by the Provisional IRA.

Rory O’Kelly was a prominent member of his community, contributing through his involvement in the GAA, his work as a lawyer , including defending civil rights campaigners, and his political activism with the SDLP. 

Commenting on the findings, Claire Hanna MP said:

“Rory O’Kelly was a good man who devoted his life to advocating for others. Those who murdered him cruelly cut short the life of a family man dedicated to public service and to anti sectarian, social democratic politics. He was shot dead after a funeral in his hometown. 

“It was moving to read of the positive effect that information and truth has had on the O’Kelly family, who like so many others had their suffering compounded by the unwillingness of his killers to offer accountability and healing. 

“The IRA have a continuing obligation to provide truth and accountability, and to show respect for the human rights and dignity of Rory O’Kelly and his family.

“The SDLP will continue to work to improve the Troubles Act so that all families have access to truth and justice, and so that neither state nor non-state actors can continue to thwart families for more years.”