Northern Ireland's 'Murder Triangle' (Part 2): The Butcher of Glenanne
Aug 15, 2024
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Martin Breen, who had a notable collision with the infamous James Mitchell, delves into the dark legacy of the 'Glenanne Gang,' which was responsible for up to 120 murders, including the notorious Dublin Monaghan bombings. He sheds light on Mitchell's complex ties to loyalist paramilitaries and rogue security forces. Breen shares chilling insights into Mitchell's role in armed collusion and the murky world of complicity that allowed violence to flourish in Northern Ireland. This discussion not only highlights historical events but also the enduring impact of those times.
The Glenanne Gang, composed of loyalist paramilitaries and rogue security forces, was responsible for over 120 sectarian murders in Northern Ireland.
James Mitchell's farm served as a significant base for the gang, highlighting alarming connections between law enforcement and paramilitary activities during the Troubles.
Deep dives
Understanding the Glenan Gang
The Glenan Gang, based in North Armagh, has been linked to a staggering number of murders, estimated between 60 and 120. This group, reportedly composed of members from the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and even security forces, was involved in various attacks during the height of the Troubles, including the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings that resulted in 33 fatalities. The operational methods of the gang often included coordinated car bombings, which inflicted widespread civilian casualties and instilled fear in communities. The complex narrative surrounding the Glenan Gang reveals how deeply intertwined political and paramilitary activities were during that period, challenging the perception of typical loyalist operations.
James Mitchell: A Key Figure of Controversy
James Mitchell emerged as a significant yet contentious figure connected to the gang, having owned a farm that allegedly served as a storage site for a large cache of loyalist weapons, some smuggled from South Africa. His dual role as a part-time officer and a staunch loyalist raised many questions about the complicity of security forces during the Troubles; court documents even revealed that an RUC officer had tipped him off about a police raid that could have seized the weapons. This situation adds to the grim reality of the Troubles, where the boundaries between law enforcement and paramilitary group members often blurred, leading to allegations of collusion. The detailed examination of Mitchell's life illustrates the dark side of loyalty and complicity within the sociopolitical context of Northern Ireland.
Allegations of Collusion and Murky Dealings
The podcast elaborates on the troubling implications surrounding police and military connections with the Glenan Gang, particularly through James Mitchell, whose farm had been a notorious meeting place for loyalist figures and security forces. Throughout the years, evidence has emerged suggesting that some police officers were aware of Mitchell’s operations and were potentially involved in facilitating his activities, leading to successful arms smuggling and subsequent murders. Notably, one court case implicated that details surfaced around a large arms shipment that significantly contributed to numerous loyalist attacks, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in law enforcement. The ongoing revelations about Mitchell and his connections reveal a complicated legacy, as personal accounts of victims and survivors challenge the narrative of justice during and post-Troubles.
James Mitchell’s farm in Northern Ireland’s ‘murder triangle’ was the base of the ‘Glenanne Gang’, a mix of loyalist paramilitaries and rogue members of the security forces. The ‘Glenanne Gang’ were responsible for up 120 murders including the Dublin Monaghan bombings, the Miami Showband massacre, and scores of other sectarian killings. Martin Breen has had a run in with Mitchell, he explains what happened. This podcast was originally published in October 2023