40th anniversary of Patsy Duffy assassination by SAS to be marked tomorrow

On Friday, November 24, 1978, the 50-year-old fitter was shot in the back by the SAS after entering a house in Maureen Avenue that was being used to store an IRA arms cache at the time.

It was later established that the house was being staked out by members of the British army unit but that no attempt had been made to arrest those who had placed the weapons despite the SAS having been in situ 24 hours before they were put there.

Mr. Duffy, who was unarmed was struck by up to 14 bullets when the SAS gunmen opened fire on him at approximately 9.30 p.m. 40 years ago tomorrow.

His daughter and grandchild were waiting outside the house in a car when he was killed. Survived by eight children, the late Mr. Duffy was described as a victim of Britain’s ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy by the late Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly.

This weekend a number of ceremonies will be taking place to remember the late IRA Volunteer.

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Moor District Electoral Area (DEA) Sharon Duddy said: “We will be gathering on Saturday to remember with dignity and pride the memory of Patsy and stand in solidarity with his family and friends on the 40th anniversary of his death.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to attend. Saturday’s commemoration will take place at 1 p.m. at the Republican Monument on the Lecky Road facing the Gasyard Centre and is organised by the Bogside and Brandywell Monument Committee,” she said.

Meanwhile, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, in conjunction with the Duffy family, will be unveiling a mural on the Brandywell Road at 7 p.m. They will also be holding a wreath laying ceremony at his grave on Sunday, November 25 at 1 p.m.