← Neil M. Gunn, author, died- March 12, 1974
Billy Fox, a Protestant Irish nationalist senator and member of the Fine Gael party from County Monaghan, was assassinated on March 12, 1974. Fox was a vocal supporter of civil rights and peace in Northern Ireland during a period of intense sectarian violence known as the Troubles, which spanned from the late 1960s through to 1998.
Fox’s murder was carried out by members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), marking one of the rare instances where the IRA killed a Protestant politician who was openly supportive of the nationalist cause and critical of the violence. His assassination took place near the border of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, in a climate of heightened tensions and frequent violent incidents.
Billy Fox’s killing shocked the community and the wider public, as he was well-regarded for his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation between the Catholic and Protestant communities. His death underscored the complexities and the tragic nature of the conflict in Northern Ireland, where lines between political beliefs and religious affiliations were often blurred.
In the aftermath of his assassination, there was widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Fox’s legacy is remembered for his commitment to peace, justice, and his efforts to bridge the divide between communities during one of the most turbulent periods in recent Irish history.