UlsterNet.co.uk

We're praying for you Peadar

Thursday, 14 January 2010

Peadar Heffron: captain of the PSNI’s GAA team. GA020102F

LOCAL people have been urged to pray for PSNI constable Peadar Heffron who remains critically ill in hospital following last week's car bomb attack by suspected dissident republicans.
The 33-year-old Catholic officer, who has been a serving policeman for 10 years, was targeted with an under car device which exploded as he made his way to work along the Milltown Road on Friday morning.
His wife of six months was travelling in a car behind her husband, and witnessed the explosion which has left Constable Heffron - a nephew of former Antrim councillor John Heffron - fighting for his life in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital, where his condition was last night (Monday) described as 'critical but stable'.
The murder bid has brought memories of last year's slaughter of two soldiers at Massereene Barracks flooding back - the scene of the recent attack is only a couple of miles from the spot where Sappers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkar were gunned down in March 2009. Randalstown Parish Priest Father Con Boyle sought the prayers of Mass-goers on Sunday, and strongly condemned those behind the attack.
So far no group has claimed responsibility, but police believe dissident republicans were behind the attempted murder.
Antrim Mayor Adrian Watson said the attack was evidence that groups such as the Real IRA were actively targeting Catholic members of the security forces in a bid to dissuade others from joining.

Constable Heffron, who serves in West Belfast - one of the toughest areas for the police to gain community trust - is captain of the PSNI's GAA squad, and a fluent Irish speaker.
Only recently married, Mr Heffron - a former Antrim Borough Council employee - frequently attends St Macnissi's Parish Church in Randalstown, where Fr Boyle asked locals to keep the injured officer in their thoughts and prayers.
Speaking to parishioners at last Sunday's service, Fr Boyle said: "I saw Peadar Heffron and his wife, Fiona, at Mass here last Tuesday evening. They are, like many others, a little family beginning their married life, here in our parish. I am shocked; I am deeply dismayed at what happened to them on Friday morning.
“Later on Friday, the Bishops of our Diocese released a statement, and I quote: '... we condemn in the strongest possible terms today's attack on a young police officer near Randalstown. Such an attack is totally alien to the widespread desire, hope and prayer for a stable and peaceful society. We assure him, his wife and their extended families of our continued prayerful support at this extremely difficult time.'
“I agree with and totally endorse that statement. This morning, I earnestly ask your prayers for Peadar, that he may come through this critical time, for he remains very seriously ill - and in these terrible days, we seek, through our prayer and solidarity, to support Fiona and the whole family circle; our hearts go out to them."
“The attempt to murder Peadar Heffron was evil, completely evil and wrong, totally and grievously wrong - in every way contrary to what our faith and our life are about."
During a press conference in Antrim last Friday, Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williamson described those who carried out the attack as 'cowardly thugs', and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Subscribe to read full newspaper »

Send this page to a friend »