On the night of December 18th 1972, 16-year-old Patrick Stanley and 15-year-old Geraldine O’Reilly were killed after a bomb exploded inside a red Ford Escort on Main Street Belturbit.

On the same night, at around 10 o’clock, a bomb contained in a blue Morris 11 hundred exploded in Clones, Co. Monaghan.

Two men were seriously injured in the Clones attack, while Patrick McCabe died while repairing a roof destroyed in the bombing.

In County Donegal at 10.50pm that night, one woman was injured near Pettigo.

Now, Gardaí have received new information in relation to these incidents and, for the first time, have publicly released two images.

Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern describes the driver of a blue ford cortina - who at least one of these photos is based on.

“About 18-years-old, 5ft8 inches in height, thin build, long, thin, pale face [and] long, dark, brown curly hair,” he said. 

“A very conspicuous nose, wearing a dark blazer, light coloured shirt and tie. 

“And he wore a steel or silver band around his wrist.” 

Assistant Commissioner for the North Western Region Michael McElgunn is appealing to anyone who might have been too afraid to speak at the time to come forward.

“In Ireland, families have suffered indescribably and parents have gone to their graves without answers,” he said.  

Earlier this year, an incident room was established in Ballyconnell Garda station.

Main image: Spilt of Patrick and Geraldine.