Kathleen Feeney was just 14 when she was killed by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) 50 years ago in the Brandywell area of Londonderry. Initially, the IRA blamed the British Army but later admitted that one of its members was responsible for the teenager’s death. After years of anger, Kathleen’s sister Mary Morrison has now forgiven the gunman who killed her. Reflecting on her decision, Mary revealed that it had taken many years to forgive him, but it was a crucial step towards healing her own pain.
For Mary, the loss of her sister has been a painful experience. She still finds it hard to recall the days and weeks after her death, which were a blur to her. She also struggles with the thought of all the missed opportunities, imagining a future where Kathleen would have had children of her own. However, she has come to accept her sister’s loss and focus on the good memories of their time together. She remembers Kathleen as a “funny, bright, brilliant sister” who was always by her side.
In recent years, many families in Northern Ireland have come to terms with painful truths about their loved ones’ deaths during the Troubles. The peace process has allowed for individuals and groups to take responsibility and provide apologies for past acts of violence. In Kathleen’s case, it took many years for the IRA to admit that it was responsible for her death, adding to the family’s hurt and pain. However, their eventual admission and apology provided some measure of closure for Mary.
Despite the loss of her sister, Mary has found the strength to move forward and live a happy life. Forgiving the man who killed Kathleen was a crucial step towards healing her own trauma, and she says it has allowed her to release the anger and bitterness she felt for so many years. She viewed the act of forgiveness as a way to free herself from the past and a chance to focus on the present and future
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