The key facts
- Brian Stack was shot in the neck in 1983 after a boxing match in Dublin and died 18 months later at the age of 49
- Three garda investigations led to no convictions; according to his son, a review identified 194 errors and omissions
- The IRA admitted responsibility in 2013; in 2019 garda commissioner Drew Harris had already apologised to the family
State apology for 1983 killing
On Wednesday, Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin will deliver a formal apology on behalf of the state to the family of Brian Stack — chief officer of the maximum-security Portlaoise Prison, who was shot dead by the IRA in 1983. The apology will be made at a sitting of Dáil Éireann. Before that, the family will meet the Taoiseach and Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan at Government Buildings.
Circumstances of the killing
Brian Stack, a father of three, was wounded by a shot to the back of the neck as he crossed a street in Dublin after a boxing match. He was left paralysed and died 18 months later at the age of 49. According to the BBC, he was the only prison officer in the state killed in connection with the Northern Ireland conflict. For his work he was awarded the highest bravery award of the Irish Prison Service.
Failures of the investigations
The killing was investigated three times, but no one was ever brought to justice. The victim's son Austin Stack told BBC Radio Ulster that a serious crime review group identified '194 errors and omissions' in the first investigation. The family repeatedly asked to see the report but was refused each time: the document was described as 'internally significant' and unavailable. In 2023, the gardaí told the family that the case, which had been with the Director of Public Prosecutions, had been returned to police for further investigation.
Family and Sinn Féin reaction
Austin Stack said the apology 'means a great deal to us' and gives 'a great sense of relief', especially to his mother and brothers, as the state officially acknowledges the errors. He called Wednesday a very emotional day and added that it is 'further vindication' of his father's good name. The IRA admitted responsibility for the killing in 2013 after a long campaign by the family, which met with Gerry Adams and a former IRA commander; Adams at the time expressed 'regret'. A Sinn Féin spokesperson confirmed that in the 2013 statement the former IRA leader acknowledged the responsibility of volunteers, stated that the shooting was not sanctioned by the IRA leadership, and expressed sorrow. He added: 'As republicans, we acknowledge the pain caused by the actions of republicans. That suffering cannot be denied.'
Previous apologies
In 2019, the family had already received an apology from then garda commissioner Drew Harris for the handling of the murder investigation.
Image source, Handout Brian Stack was shot in the back of the neck as he left a boxing match in 1983
