Memorial to murdered band members

The last photograph of the showband before the attack

A memorial has been unveiled to members of the Miami Showband murdered by loyalists in 1975.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern attended a ceremony and prayer service outside the National Ballroom in Parnell Square North in Dublin.

Three band members, Tony Geraghty, Fran O'Toole and Brian McCoy, were shot dead by a UVF gang at Buskhill, Newry. The killers were also members of the UDR.

The attack happened after the band's van was stopped at a bogus checkpoint.

While the band members were lined up outside, two UVF men attempted to plant a bomb in the van.

It exploded prematurely killing the would-be bombers. The rest of the gang then opened fire on the band members, killing three of them.

During the 60s and 70s showbands were without a doubt the most effective fighting force against sectarianism on this island Stephen Travers Survived attack

Two surviving members of the band, Des McAlea and Stephen Travers, attended the unveiling of the memorial.

Mr Travers said it was a fitting way to remember his bandmates.

"We mustn't forget that during the 60s and 70s showbands were, without a doubt, the most effective fighting force against sectarianism on this island," he said.

Three band members were shot dead after a van bomb exploded

"They were a great antidote to the poison of the bigots and the evil of the people who tried to drive a wedge between the communities."

Margaret Irwin from the Dublin-based victims' group, Justice for the Forgotten, has campaigned for the memorial.

"It is going to be a very important event for the families who have looked forward to this for quite a long time," she said.

"It is reinforced by the fact that members of the families will travel from Canada and from South Africa."

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paddy Bourke, accompanied the taoiseach at the unveiling of the limestone, bronze and granite piece created by Donegal artist Redmond Herrity.

The event also included an inter-denominational prayer service led by Father Brian D'Arcy and the Reverend Robert Dean, a Church of Ireland Minister from Swords.