Inquiry reveals Real IRA’s role and likely cooperation with Continuity IRA in Omagh bombing

At the ongoing inquiry into the 1998 Omagh car bombing, academic John Morrison detailed the formation and objectives of the Real IRA, which broke away from the Provisional IRA in 1997 to oppose the ceasefire and peace process. He stated that Michael McKevitt served as the group’s quartermaster general and Liam Campbell as director of operations, both later found civilly liable for the attack that killed 29 people, including a pregnant woman.

Morrison noted the Real IRA’s expertise in locating weapons and developing bomb technology, and estimated its 1998 membership at roughly 90, with about a third actively engaged in violence. When questioned about collaboration, he affirmed that the Real IRA likely coordinated with the Continuity IRA for the Omagh bombing. The hearing, attended by victims’ families, continues to examine whether UK authorities could have prevented the massacre.