On 2 March 1983, Lindsay McCormack, a 50-year-old Royal Ulster Constabulary officer, was shot dead by the Provisional Irish Republican Army while on duty outside Ballygolan Primary School.

He was approached by two attackers, struggled with them, and was repeatedly shot at close range. One gunman stood over him and fired multiple shots into his head before leaving.

A local mother who witnessed the attack described trying to help him as he lay on the ground. Colleagues later praised him as a respected neighbourhood officer with over 11 years of service.