STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF
ROBERT HAMILL
BY MOST REVEREND SEAN BRADY
ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH
9 May, 1997

I am deeply shocked and saddened at the death of Robert Hamill. I am appalled that he died as a result of a brutal and sectarian beating in Portadown. I know that all right-minded people will join with me in condemning this killing.

I offer my sympathy to his parents and family. I welcome the statement that those responsible will be pursued and brought to justice. We must all work to bring about a situation of justice where people of different traditions can live together in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect for the rights of others.
I appeal for calm and restraint at this time. I know that his family is shocked, saddened and angry. The anger must be directed towards building a society where such a tragic event will not happen again, where no other family will have to go through the agony, the pain and the suffering which the Hamill family have endured over the past couple of weeks.