TRIBUTES are being paid today to murdered journalist Veronica Guerin on the 22nd anniversary of her death.
Guerin was shot dead in her car at a set of traffic lights near Newlands Cross on the Naas Road, Dublin on June 26, 1996.
Her murder was linked to her celebrated investigative work whereby she exposed members of the Irish criminal underworld.
Born in Artane, Dublin, Veronica Guerin became well-known in Ireland for her articles on crime and corruption in Ireland, revealing the identities of several key players within notorious Dublin gangs.
One of these key players was John Gilligan, who would later be jailed for ordering her killing.
Her work led to the establishment of the Criminal Assets Bureau, which has frozen over €110 and brought in a quarter of a billion in taxes.
Her life and death were depicted in the 2003 film, Veronica Guerin, starring Cate Blanchett as Veronica Guerin.
Veronica’s brother Jimmy, now an Independent councillor for Howth-Malahide, described today as a “sad time for everyone”.
Speaking to Independent.ie, he said: “It doesn’t get any easier as the years go by. We lost a great opportunity to really tackle crime, so I think that’s a pity. It doesn’t get any easier but we have to keep going.”
Several journalists and TDs have been paying tribute to Veronica on social media today.
TD Sean Haughey said today: "Remembering Veronica Guerin and thinking of her family today on the 22nd anniversary of her death - a fearless and inspirational journalist who courageously defended liberal democratic values."
Remembering Veronica Guerin and thinking of her family today on the 22nd anniversary of her death - a fearless and inspirational journalist who courageously defended liberal democratic values.
— Seán Haughey (@sean_haughey) June 26, 2018
Veronica Guerin 1959-1996. Hard to believe it is 22 years today. The inscription on the plaque says it all "Be not afraid" pic.twitter.com/KlOudhtvQu
— Pat McAuliffe (@PatMcA) June 26, 2018
Veronica Guerin, the most courageous of journalists, murdered by cowards on this day 22 years ago. Remembered forever. pic.twitter.com/ZRYD7nHkjQ
— David Blevins (@skydavidblevins) June 26, 2018
