Posted online: Mar 2nd, 2010

The killing of Derry man Kieran Doherty by the Real IRA has led to increased security along the Inishowen-Derry border.

Speaking to the “Inish Times” last night, Garda Superintendent William Johnston confirmed security had been increased.

He said: “It is a result of increased tension in the North and the shooting of Kieran Doherty last week. His remains were found only three or four miles from the border. The increased Garda prsence is to counteract paramilitary activity as well as detecting road traffic offences.”

Hundreds of mourners yesterday attended Mr. Doherty’s funeral in St. Columba’s Church, Long Tower. The body of the 31-year-old father of one, who was due to be married in tthree months time, was found semi-naked and bound on the Braehead Road on the outskirts of the city,  several miles from Killea. He had been shot twice in the back of the head.

Mr.Doherty’s family have called for an inquiry into claims the British intelligence agency M15 had tried to recruit him as an informer prior to his death.

They also rejected suggestions Mr. Doherty was involved in criminal activity. In January, he denied involvement in a cannabis haul, worth 500,000 euro, found in a house at Carrigans. 

At the time, he said the house belonged to fellow republican inmate Seamus McGreevy whom he met in Portlaoise prison while serving a jail term for his part in  a robbery at the Redcastle Hotel in 2002. McGreevy (56) was earlier this month found dead at his home in Co Meath. Gardaí are not looking for anybody else in relation to the death.

Mr. Doherty’s killing has been widely condemned on both sides of the border.