FOOTBALLERS from Newtownards have helped restore a memorial to four UDR soldiers murdered by the IRA 34 years ago.
John Bradley (25) , John Birch (28), Stephen Smart (23) and Michael Adams (23) were killed in a 1,000lb IRA landmine attack in Downpatrick on April 9, 1990.
The attack took place on the Ballydugan Road – the main road towards Newcastle.
Afterwards the farmer who owned the land into which the Land Rover carrying the soldiers was thrown, gave permission for a small memorial to be created in a fenced off area at the side of the road.
Four cherry trees were planted and a small granite plinth was installed marking what was one of the worst losses of life for the UDR during the troubles.
However, in recent years the area has become overgrown, with long grass obscuring the plinth and nearby trees growing into the cherries.
However, a group from North Down Football Club has travelled to the area, cut the grass and overgrowth, put down a small paved area and painted and tidied up the memorial.
Club member Mark Smith, a UDR veteran, said the club members were only too pleased to carry out the work….
(Read Annie Stewarts two page story in this weeks paper.)
