Gardaí reissue appeal over theft from murdered RUC officer’s grave

Gardaí say their investigations are continuing into the theft of a memorial to a Donegal RUC officer from Castlefin Cemetery.

A black marble memorial plaque and a wreath were stolen from John Doherty’s grave between 8.45pm on Saturday November 4th and Midday on Sunday November 5th.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have any information in relation to the incident to contact them on 0749167100 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111.

Two weeks ago, the family of the late Mr Doherty laid a bespoke plaque and poppy wreath on his family plot.

Detective Constable Doherty was 31 years old when he was shot by the IRA on October 28, 1973. He had been visiting his widowed mother in Ballindrait, who lived just 5 minutes from the border. He was gunned down at the entrance to his mother’s home and his girlfriend was also seriously injured in the attack, but survived. Nobody was convicted of the murder.

A service was held on Saturday 28th October last to mark the 50th anniversary of Detective Constable Doherty’s death.