The family of a Louth man murdered 44 years ago will today make the “most significant statement” of their campaign for justice thus far.
Seamus Ludlow was murdered outside Dundalk in May 1976.
It is believed he was murdered by members of the British Army and loyalist paramilitaries.
A Commission of Investigation led by retired Judge Henry Barron found that the murder was a ‘random, sectarian killing of a blameless Catholic civilian by loyalist extremists.’
No-one has ever been charged in connection with the murder and Mr Ludlow’s has spent the last four decades campaigning for an independent investigation.
The 44-year-old forestry worker was found dead in a lane near his home on May 2nd, 1976. It is believed he was shot after leaving a bar in Dundalk.
In 2015, then Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald apologised to the family over the 'inexcusable' handling of the Garda investigation; however, she refused to order a commission of inquiry.
The family has continued its campaign, seeking a further investigation, north and south of the border.
Local Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú told Newstalk that his family finally deserves justice.
“For too long, they have had justice denied,” he said.
“Since Seamus Ludlow was killed outside Dundalk in May 1976, we have had an absolute failure to investigate properly.
“We have had a family that has been given false information. We have also had a situation where this State has absolutely failed to look into this properly.”
In a statement released through their solicitor the family have said they will make their 'most significant public statement in their campaign thus far' later today.
