THE FAMILY of Limerick detective Jerry McCabe who was murdered in 1996 has said the completion of the sentences of those jailed for their part in the garda’s killing “brings closure and consolation that the rule of law at least has been served”.
The family was reacting to reports that Kevin Walsh (52) and Pearse McCauley (44) will be released next week.
Walsh and McCauley have reached the end of their 14-year sentences for manslaughter.
The pair were jailed in 1999 for their part in a botched armed raid on a post office truck in Adare, Co Limerick, in 1996, which left Det Garda Jerry McCabe dead and his colleague Det Garda Ben O’Sullivan wounded.
It is understood the two men are to be released over the August bank holiday weekend.
Their sentences officially expire on August 2nd after both benefited from the standard one-quarter remission available to all prisoners.
A statement issued last night on behalf of the McCabe family said: “The life of Mrs Ann McCabe is now and will continue to be focused on her five children and the six grandchildren who have been denied of a loving and gentle father and grandfather because of a treacherous deed for which there is yet no healing word of apology or expression of sorrow.
“The entire McCabe family rejoices in the recovery to full health of the retired Detective Garda Ben O’Sullivan, who will always have an honoured place in the hearts of the family.
“Although there are outstanding matters from the events in Adare of June 7th, 1996, for the McCabe family, the completion of the sentences brings closure and consolation that the rule of law at least has been served,” the statement concluded.
Two others convicted in connection with the killing have already been released from prison.
Jeremiah Sheehy was released in 2008, while Michael O’Neill, who was also convicted of manslaughter, left prison in 2007.
Meanwhile, UK authorities are still seeking the extradition of Pearse McCauley in connection with conspiracy to murder and explosives charges.
McCauley escaped from London’s Brixton prison in 1991 together with fellow IRA man Nessan Quinlivan.
McCauley had been awaiting trial for conspiracy to murder at the time.
Extradition proceedings are likely to take years and are expected to be challenged under the terms of the Belfast Agreement.
The McCabe family said they will make no further public statement.