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Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Loyalist bomber and Loughlinisland massacre suspect led part of Orange Order parade
Gorman McMullan (71) is a flag carrier in the well-known UVF Regimental Band from east Belfast. Gormy McMullan a notorious loyalist terrorist who featured in an RTÉ documentary about the murder of six Catholics during the Troubles, was out marching with the East Belfast band yesterday. McMullan, a serial jailbird was a leading suspect in the shocking Loughinisland massacre, is to tie the knot with stunning Asian beauty Bannapon Nuch Jathasan. Interior of O'Toole's bar in Loughinisland the morning after the UVF shot dead 6 people. A convicted loyalist bomber and major suspect in the shocking Loughinisland massacre stepped out in the summer sunshine on Saturday to lead part of the largest Orange Order parade in Northern Ireland, the Sunday World can reveal. Gorman McMullan (71) is a flag carrier in the well-known UVF Regimental Band from east Belfast. And despite his age, McMullan was one of the front runners in the colour party as the khaki-clad marching men made their way into Belfast city centre to meet up with other lodges and bands. McMullan and his mates appeared to revel in the applause they drew from onlookers who cheered loudly as the bandsmen passed by. He had an air of respectability about him as he kept perfect step on his seven-mile journey through the streets of the city over the weekend. Interior of O'Toole's bar in Loughinisland the morning after the UVF shot dead 6 people. He told the Sunday World: 'I've had a great day. It's half-time, I've had a wee drink and we are about to start our journey home.' But it was clear that very few of those standing on the sidelines had any idea that the flag-carrying pensioner has in fact a lengthy loyalist paramilitary past. And that he was still a suspect in one of the worst atrocities of the entire Troubles. Six men died when the UVF carried out a machine-gun attack on the Heights Bar in the sleepy Catholic village of Loughinisalnd in rural Co Down. Five others were seriously wounded. Shortly after 10pm on June 18, 1994, two UVF gunmen walked into the packed pub and shouted 'Fenian bastards' before opening fire on the customers who were watching Ireland playing in the World Cup. The dead were Adrian Rogan (34), Daniel McCreanor (59), Eamon Byrne (59), Patrick O'Hare (35), Barney Green (87) and Malcolm Jenkinson (53). As the gunmen fled to their red Triumph Acclaim car, they were heard to be laughing at the bloody handiwork they left back in the bar. Gormy McMullan is still suspected of being the getaway driver of the vehicle, which was found abandoned in a field between Crossgar and Ballynahinch the following day. No Stone Unturned – an award-winning documentary by Alex Gibney on the atrocity – names McMullan as the 41-year-old getaway driver. Gormy McMullan a notorious loyalist terrorist. News in 90 Seconds - Monday July 14th And a bestselling book Shooting Crows by investigative reporter Trevor Birnie does the same. McMullan was one of several suspects arrested and questioned after the attack, but he was never charged. Decked out in a replica World War I army uniform complete with woollen tunic and puttee leg wraps, Gormy – as McMullan is known in loyalist circles – appeared to weaken in the searing heat as the parade pulled up outside Belfast City Hall for a break. 'Our band's uniform is identical to what the men wore in World War One,' said McMullan. And the veteran loyalist added: 'We even wear long johns underwear, so we are melted in the heat.' It's exactly a year ago this week since the Sunday World revealed that former ladies man McMullan had decided to tie the knot with Asian beauty, Bannapon Nuch Jathasan. A tiler by trade and a well-known singer in the loyalist pubs and clubs in east Belfast, McMullan was inundated with messages of congratulations and goodwill. It is understood the couple met two years ago during one of Gormy's many trips to Pattaya in Thailand. He is known to enjoy extended holidays to the tourist hotspots of Thailand and Vietnam. And he took to Facebook to officially announce his engagement. And when the Sunday World contacted him days later to pass on our regards, Gormy said: 'Aye dead on. Thanks very much.' He also remained tight-lipped regarding exactly where the couple planned to live after they tie the knot. On Saturday, Belfast businessman Jim Murtagh, who has known McMullan from childhood, told us: 'I'm not 100 percent sure, but I think Gormy and Bam Bam got married recently. I know, she refers to him as her husband,' Originally from the Clarawood estate in east Belfast, McMullan first came to the attention of the authorities shortly after the Troubles erupted in August 1969. At that time, he was a member of the ruthless loyalist paramilitary group the Red Hand Commando. And he was caught 'red-handed' blowing up the Catholic-owned Hillfoot Bar on the edge of the Braniel estate. McMullan was sent down for eight years. Behind bars, McMullan built up a close relationship with members of the notorious Shankill Butchers murder gang, including its psycho leader Lenny Murphy. In a BBC TV documentary called Loyalists, McMullan told veteran journalist Peter Taylor he believed Lenny Murphy and his mates in the Shankill Butchers were 'a decent bunch of lads'. On his release from prison, McMullan maintained his new-found links with the Shankill Road UVF and he took part in and armed robbery at a meat plant in the Woodvale area. But he was caught again and this time he went down for five years. In 1985, McMullan was scooped at the ferry port of Stranraer. Travelling to Scotland to see his beloved Rangers, he refused to fill in a Disembarkation Card – a requirement under the Prevention of Terrorism Act – and he was arrested. An associate who was with him was fined £100. But McMullan was sent to Barlinnie Prison for 30 days. In a recent exchange with the Sunday World, McMullan declined to discuss his paramilitary past. 'I'm expecting big things from the Rangers this season,' was all he said. When we challenged Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland secretary, the Reverend Mervyn Gibson, about people with a paramilitary criminal past marching in Orange Order parades, he told us: 'If they have gone to prison and paid their debt to society, then there is nothing to stop them.'
The 42
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Waterford overcome Cork to move up to seventh
Waterford 2 Cork City 0 Adrian Flanagan reports from the RSC FIRST-HALF goals from Sam Glenfield and Tommy Lonergan steered Waterford FC to bragging rights over Cork City in their SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division Munster derby clash at a sun-drenched RSC. Goalkeeper Stephen McMullan returned to the starting team with a man-of-the-match display, producing a couple of outstanding saves to keep the bottom side in the division at bay. The Waterford stopper denied Kitt Nelson and Cathal O'Sullivan as Glenfield's stunner and Lonergan's super header moved the Blues up to seventh spot in the division. After Ryan Burke went close when heading Conan Noonan's right-wing corner inches wide, the Blues were celebrating striking the front eight minutes later. Advertisement Defender Fiacre Kelleher tried to play a short clearance to Evan McLaughlin, who looked to have been fouled when dispossessed by Sam Glenfield, and he arrowed an unstoppable right-footed shot from 20 yards past David Odumosu. Malik Dijksteel ghosted past three tackles out on the left with considerable ease moments later, only to see his effort trickle inches wide of McMullan's far post. Tommy Lonergan then should have had a penalty when replays showed he was onside when hacked down by Odumosu. The striker was celebrating doubling the Blues' lead three minutes later. Padraig Amond laid the ball back to Grant Horton, who put in a superb ball. Lonergan produced an instinctive header that saw it loop over the head of the Cork netminder. McMullan maintained his side's two-goal cushion with a brilliant double save just before the break. He first got down low to save a 25-yarder from Nelson before getting the faintest of touches to turn an Evan McLaughlin effort onto the crossbar. McMullan had to be at his best again on the hour mark for the Blues when Nelson turned provider for O'Sullivan, but the teenager's left-footed strike was tipped over the crossbar. Charlie Lutz was also denied by the Blues' netminder after cutting in from the left. But from that point on, the expected late Cork rally never materialised, as the hosts saw the game out with ease. Waterford FC: McMullan; Horton, Boyle, Leahy, Burke; White (Dempsey 58), McDonald (McMenamy 83), Glenfield (Olayinka 45); Lonergan, Amond, Noonan (McCormack 83). Cork City: Odumosu; Crowley, Feely (Murray 76), Kelleher, Kieran; Bolger (Anderson 28), O'Sullivan, Dijksteel, McLaughlin; Nelson, Maguire (Lutz 64). Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin). Attendance: 3,043
RTÉ News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Waterford find their spark to put Cork deeper in mire
First-half goals from Sam Glenfield and Tommy Lonergan steered Waterford FC to bragging rights over Cork City in their SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division Munster derby clash at a sun-drenched RSC in a game where goalkeeper Stephen McMullan returned to the starting team with a man-of the-match display. McMullan produced a couple of outstandings saves to keep the bottom side in the division at bay as he denied Kitt Nelson and Cathal O'Sullivan. Glenfield's stunner and Lonergan's super header moved the Blues up to seventh spot in the table. After Ryan Burke went close with a brilliant header on 13 minutes when heading Conan Noonan's right-wing corner inches wide, the Blues were celebrating striking the front eight minutes later. Defender Fiacre Kelleher tried to play a short clearance to Evan McLaughlin, who looked to have been fouled when dispossessed by Glenfield, who arrowed an unstoppable right-footed shot from 20 yards past David Odumosu. Malik Dijksteel ghosted past three tackles out on the left with considerable ease 60 seconds later only to see his effort trickled inches wide of McMullan's far post before Lonergan should have had penalty on 34 minutes when replays showed that he was onside when hacked down by keeper Odumosu. The striker was celebrating doubling the Blues' lead three minutes with a header of quality. Padraig Amond laid the ball back to Grant Horton, who put in a superb ball that saw Lonergan get in an instinctive header that looped over the head of the Cork netminder. It was the brilliance of keeper McMullan that maintained his side's two-goal cushion with a smashing double save on 44 minutes. He firstly got down low to save a 25-yarder from Nelson before getting the faintest of touches to turn an Evan McLaughlin effort onto the crossbar. McMullan was the hero on the hour mark for the Blues when Nelson turned provider for O'Sullivan, but his left-footed strike was tipped over the crossbar before Charlie Lutz was also denied by the home stopper after cutting in from the left on 75 minutes as the hosts saw the game out with ease. Waterford FC: McMullan; Horton, Boyle, Leahy, Burke; White (Dempsey 58), McDonald (McMenamy 83), Glenfield (Olayinka 45); Lonergan, Amond, Noonan (McCormack 83).
Irish Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Derry City winger completes move to Scottish Championship side
Paul McMullan has completed his move to Raith Rovers after leaving Derry City. The winger left the Candystripes at the start of the week and signed a two-year deal with the Scottish Championship side yesterday. McMullan, 29, has won the Scottish Championship twice with Dundee United and derby rivals Dundee. The Scot joined Derry City in 2023 and made 80 appearances in all competitions for the Candystripes, scoring three goals and providing 18 assists. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. On social media, McMullan posted: Thank you Derry City for the last 2 years! Met so many incredible people that made our time over in Ireland so great! All the best and will be back over to take in some games when I can.' Raith Rovers said: 'A former Scotland youth international at U16, U17, U19, and U21 levels, Paul is known for his blistering pace, direct style, and ability to create chances These qualities made him a perfect addition for the squad Barry Robson is building.' Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch last week bolstered his midfield with the signing of another Scottish player, Adam Frizzell. The attacking midfielder has signed an 18-month deal and said: 'It was time for me to come over and challenge myself and I'm looking forward to doing that.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Mad 24 hours' – Interim boss Joey O'Brien breaks silence on Damien Duff's shock exit from Shelbourne
JOEY O'BRIEN admitted Shelbourne endured a 'mad 24 hours' after Damien Duff's departure. Shels began life without Duff last night with 2 He oversaw a 2-2 draw where they should've taken all three points 2 Duff had been in charge since November 2021 And it was Duff's former No 2 who took interim charge. O'Brien said: 'It was a shock for everyone in the football club. From a personal point of view, I absolutely loved the manager. He will always be my manager.' When asked if he would be interested in taking the Shels reins, O'Brien said: 'I'm here but I'm as shocked and stunned as everyone else was. 'What has happened is part of the game. The only thing you can do is perform and that's your job. I felt that all of them stood up and put in a performance.' Read More On Irish Football Harry Wood scored a brace as Shels shared the spoils with Waterford at the RSC. The man who The post-Duff era was only three minutes old when the champions struck the front. Tyreke Wilson found space on the left before putting in a cross that saw Mipo Odubeko get a touche that took the ball into the path of Wood at the back post, and he squeezed the ball past Stephen McMullan. Most read in Football The madness continued five minutes later as Shels gifted their hosts an equalising goal. McMullan's long clearance was touched back to Kameron Ledwidge but his header to stopper Conor Kearns fell short before Grant Horton nipped in between defender and keeper to finish to an empty net. Fulham eye £10m Zinchenko move It took strong hands from Blues No 1 McMullan to deny the visitors from regaining the lead on 20 minutes. Ali Coote cut through the centre before slipping the ball out left to his hitman Odubeko only for his stinging to be kept out. And when Reds attacker Odubeko outmuscled Darragh Leahy on the right five minutes later, he released Wood into a one-on-one run with Jesse Dempsey. And after the winger got the better of the battle, he could not beat McMullan, who saved at his near post. A wind-assisted McMullan goal kick on 41 minutes almost bounced for Amond on 41 minutes but keeper Kearns came out to collect just in front of the striker. HALF-TIME TURNAROUND An incredible start to the first-half was bettered by a kamikaze start to the second. Within three minutes, the champions were the cause of their own downfall again as they fell behind. Paddy Barrett got his clearance all wrong and Conan Noonan's effort was parried by Kearns but striker Amond was on hand to finish the rebound from close range. Sixty seconds later though, interim chief O'Brien was celebrating after Mark Coyle made a lung-bursting run towards goal. He then sprayed the ball out for Ali Coote who put in a teasing delivery and Wood was on hand to touch home. There was even time for more drama in the seventh added minute of five added on as the impressive Wood burst from midfield to slip the ball out wide right for Kelly — who let fly with a thunderous strike. But his effort came crashing back off the bar with McMullan beaten.
