Local photographer key witness
The brother of newly appointed Victims’ Commissioner Patricia McBride is set to be a key witness during an inquest into the death of a Derry City man during rioting in 1996.
Magherafelt man Oistin McBride confirmed last night he is willing to give evidence at an inquest into the death of Dermot McShane during fierce rioting in Derry in July 1996.
The award winning photographer was in the city to cover the rioting which erupted in the hours after members of the Orange order were forced down Portadown’s Garvaghy Road at the end of a tense, week long stand off at Drumcree.
Mr McShane was killed when hoarding he was standing behind was rammed by a heavily armoured British army vehicle.
Mr McBride was standing just yards from the victim when he was struck and captured a series of dramatic pictures as the injured man lay dying.
During a preliminary hearing held last week coroner Brian Sherrard said he intended to write to media outlets in a bid to identify press witnesses to the incident.
Mr McBride says he will give evidence at the full inquest.
“I intend to be there on whatever days I’m required,” he said. “I really couldn’t have been much closer unless I was driving the tank. We were on top of the action and saw him being killed. The pictures bear that out.”
Mr McBride’s sister, Patricia, was recently appointed to one of four Victims’ Commissioners positions.
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