Republican group criticised for having 'no place on the streets of the capital' 48 hours after Lyra McKee killing

The Colour Party marches along O’Connell Street during the Saoradh Easter Commemoration in Dublin. Photo: Tony Gavin 20/4/2019

The attack happened on O'Connell Street (Stock picture)

thumbnail: The Colour Party marches along O’Connell Street during the Saoradh Easter Commemoration in Dublin. Photo: Tony Gavin 20/4/2019
thumbnail: The attack happened on O'Connell Street (Stock picture)
Maeve Sheehan

THE political republican group that issued a statement absolving the “IRA volunteer” who shot Lyra McKee has marched on the streets of Dublin within 48 hours of her murder.

Up to 150 men and women in military fatigues, their faces covered by berets and sunglasses, paraded outside the GPO on Saturday.

Saoradh, which denies it is a mouthpiece for the New IRA, issued a self-serving statement within 12 hours of Ms McKee’s murder, blaming it on “Crown Forces”.

The group’s chairman and spokesperson, Brian Kenna, hit out at the “irresponsible PSNI who went into a nationalist area on Thursday night and provoked a young community”.

Fine Gael senator Neale Richmond said Saoradh had “no place on the streets of the capital”.

Earlier today, the detective leading the investigation into the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry has said it is "very worrying" that a new breed of terrorist is coming through the ranks on the streets of Northern Ireland.

The Colour Party leads off the Saoradh Easter Commemoration in Dublin. Photo: Tony Gavin 20/4/2019

Lyra, who was 29-years-old, died after being shot during disturbances in the Creggan area of the city on Thursday night.

Police have arrested two teenagers who they suspect are members of the dissident republican New IRA and were involved in shooting dead the promising young journalist.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of Ms McKee.

A PSNI spokesperson said this morning: "Major Investigation Team detectives have arrested two men, aged 18 and 19 under the Terrorism Act, in connection with the murder of Lyra McKee in the Creggan area of Derry on Thursday, 18th April.

"They have been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite."