Sam McClenaghan – one of the oldest and most determined family members of the McGurk’s Bar Campaign for Truth – has died aged 94.
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Samuel "Sam" McClenaghan, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and tireless family campaigner. Sam left this world peacefully on July 22, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family in Belfast.
Sam was a beacon of strength and resilience in his community. He dedicated his life to seeking justice and preserving the memory of those lost in the McGurk's Bar bombing, a tragedy that deeply affected his family and countless others. His unwavering commitment to the truth and his compassionate nature made him one of our most respected and beloved family campaigners.
Sam's life was defined not by the McGurk’s Bar Massacre but by his love for his family. He was the devoted husband of Lily whom he married in 1953. Together, they raised six wonderful children. Lily sadly passed in 1976. Their thirteen grandchildren were the pride and joy of Sam's life.
As a campaigner, Sam's dedication was unparalleled. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the memories of the victims of the McGurk's Bar bombing were honoured and that their families received the justice and recognition they deserved. His efforts brought comfort to many and shone a light on the importance of truth and reconciliation.
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Beyond his campaigning, Sam was known for his kindness, his infectious smile, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued. His friends and neighbours admired his integrity and his unwavering sense of justice. Sam's door was always open, his advice always sound, and his spirit always generous.
He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice.
The passing of Sam McClenaghan is a terrible loss to his loving family and friends. Sam will also be greatly missed by our families and the McGurk’s Bar Campaign for Truth as Sam was our leading light and inspiration. No matter how stressful the protest or fraught the court appearance, Sam’s effortless smile and warmth put us all at ease.
Sam was one of the family members who witnessed the human devastation at the morgue after the McGurk’s Bar Massacre. He helped to identify the remains of his family’s loved one – Philip Garry – when he found a key on the victim’s body and he traveled back with it to the family home. The key fitted the lock and Sam opened the door, and that is how he identified Philip. Before Sam turned that key and formally identified Philip, the British armed forces had already lied to the press and blamed the victims for the bombing. Sam fought for truth and justice from then on.
Despite the dreadful setbacks that our Campaign for Truth faced over the last 53 years, Sam’s unconquerable positivity and infectious smile gave us great strength. Even when he was unwell in later life, a photograph or a message always reached us to let us know that we had his support.
Now, one of our most cherished photographs of Sam is one we received recently after the Attorney General ordered a new inquest for the victims of the McGurk’s Bar Massacre. This was a history-making win, secured by Sam and the families after more than half a century. He was in hospital but he still has that irrepressible smile. That smile is how we will remember Sam McClenaghan.
Read Robert McClenaghan's article on his father: The Ticking Clock Dilemma
Read Joe MCann's article: McGurk's Bar families’ campaign to continue despite the British government's Legacy Bill
