William (known as Willie) and his 11-year-old daughter, Lesley, were tragically murdered 41 years ago today, on 8th February 1978.

At the time of his death, Willie was 41 years old and worked as a School Welfare Officer. He was also a part-time member of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR). He was married to Georgina, and together they had three children.

On that fateful morning, Willie was taking two of his children—Lesley and her seven-year-old brother—to Culnady Primary School. His car had been parked outside their home at Grove Terrace, Maghera. As was his routine, a neighbor saw him checking under the car and in the boot before letting his children in. However, as he reversed out and began to move forward, a booby-trap bomb planted by the IRA exploded beneath the vehicle. Willie and Lesley were killed instantly, while his young son was severely injured.

Their memory lives on through SEFF’s memorial quilt, A Patchwork of Innocents. Lesley is featured in a centerpiece dedicated to child victims of terrorism.

Willie was a devoted family man who loved fishing, a pastime he enjoyed in his spare time. In honor of this, his patch on the memorial quilt features a fishing symbol, along with the UDR cap badge to commemorate his service in the 5th Battalion UDR.

Lesley, only 11 years old when she was murdered alongside her father, was described as a ‘delightful child.’ Her school, Culnady Primary, mourned her deeply, and she is remembered fondly to this day. She was an active member of the Brownies and loved participating in their activities. She was also a devoted fan of the band Showaddywaddy. To reflect these special parts of her life, her patch on the quilt features images of the Brownies, Showaddywaddy, and the crest of Culnady Primary School.

One of Lesley’s schoolteachers wrote a poem in her memory, speaking of her gentle, sweet nature and how the world was brighter for having heard her merry laughter.

This heinous attack was a stark demonstration of the Provisional IRA’s brutality, showing their willingness to murder innocent children as part of their terrorist campaign, driven by sectarian and ethnic motives.