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© Copyright, Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery 2026.

ICRIR launches witness appeal for the family of Michael Kay

Published:

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (the Commission) has launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward in relation to its investigation into the death of Michael Kay. 

Michael was a married father of one son, and he worked as an RUC Reserve Constable. He was killed while on duty by a car bomb which detonated at Newry Courthouse at 9.39am on Wednesday 3 April 1985.  

Michael died at the scene of the attack. A civilian member of court staff was also critically injured and later died in hospital. 

A number of police officers sustained significant injuries, and several civilians were also injured. 

Assistant Commissioner Amanda Logan is leading the investigation and is encouraging anyone who has information concerning the attack to come forward to the Commission.

Speaking about the witness appeal, Assistant Commissioner Logan said: “First and foremost my thoughts and those of my colleagues are with the family of Michael Kay. Michael’s family have endured a loss no one should have to experience and they have carried the pain of this tragedy for decades. Today’s witness appeal is central to helping find out what happened to Michael.”

The Assistant Commissioner added: “Information received as a result of previous witness appeals conducted by the Commission has proven incredibly helpful to our investigations. If members of the public have any details about this case, please come forward. All information we receive will be treated in the strictest confidence. What you know could help uncover the truth for Michael’s family of what happened on that awful day.” 

ENDS  

Notes to editors:   

Case details  

  • The police investigation following the attack established that the vehicle used in the bombing was a beige Toyota Corolla, registration number SZY 367, which had been stolen from outside the Star and Crescent Club in Drogheda, Republic of Ireland, on 22 November 1984. It had been fitted with false registration plates displaying FIB 9922. 
  • On the night before the attack, a house in Stream Street, Newry, was taken over by a number of masked men who claimed to be members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army. A rear window of the property had a direct line of sight towards Newry Courthouse at Trevor Hill. The three occupants of the house were held hostage until shortly after 10am on the morning of 3 April 1985. 
  • One person was convicted for their role in the attack that resulted in the death of Michael Kay and the civilian member of court staff. 

Anyone with information can contact the ICRIR by:    

The Commission also has an appeals for information page on its website where more information is available.    

The family will not be providing interviews.     

For further queries contact press@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk