‘Bravery’ of man who lifted bomb
A coroner has praised the bravery of a Derry builder killed in a Real IRA bomb attack on an army base.
David Caldwell died after picking up a box containing explosives
David Caldwell, 51, from the Waterside area, died in hospital after picking up a lunchbox containing explosives at Caw Territorial Army base in August 2002.
An inquest heard how, despite his injuries, he was able to give police information about what happened.
His partner said she did not believe the killers will ever be caught but the inquest had given the family closure.
The hearing in Limavady was told Mr Caldwell’s last words were that he loved his family.
Coroner John Leckey paid tribute to the former soldier’s courage after he managed to leave the site of the bomb and tell rescuers what he had done.
Speaking afterwards, the digger driver’s partner Mavis McFaul said she was glad the inquest had brought them closure.
“It has been an awful five years, but I think me and the young girl (Mr Caldwell’s 18-year-old daughter) can get on.”
'So venceremos, beidh bua againn eigin lá eigin. Sealadaigh abú.'
--Bobby Sands