John Finucane, MP and son of the murdered human rights lawyer Pat Finucane, addressed a packed room of lawyers at the New York City Bar Association on Wednesday, January 25.
John was speaking on the long-awaited investigation into his father’s brutal assassination in February 1989.
The event, co-hosted by the Brehon Law Society, marked a significant moment in a 35-year struggle for justice and transparency.
For those of us in the room, some of whom had known Pat personally and worked alongside him on civil rights campaigns in Northern Ireland, this was not just another legal discussion—it was a poignant reminder of the enduring fight for truth.
John’s words carried a cautious sense of optimism: after decades of delays, the British government has finally committed to launching a public, independent inquiry into his father’s murder.
Although this can be heralded as a breakthrough, it is one that is long overdue. Pat Finucane was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in 1989 in front of his wife and three children, John being one of them.
There have long been allegations, investigations, and findings of collusion linking the British state to his assassination. For years, efforts to secure a thorough investigation have been obstructed, leaving the Finucane family in a state of prolonged uncertainty and grief.
January 29, 2025: Jonathan Moore of the Brehon Law Society and MP John Finucane speaking at the New York City Bar Association.
The presence of the Political Director for the British Consulate of New York on Wednesday did not go unnoticed. Sitting directly in front of John, he took copious notes as he spoke. The fact that they sent their Political Director should tell you all you need to know about the Brits approach to justice.
One audience member, Sean Downes, an Irish American lawyer, welcomed the representative from the British consulate to the room, noting the justified skepticism many in the room felt toward the British government’s handling of inquiries and the search for justice in the past.
The message was clear: the Irish American legal community will not rest until justice is done, regardless of how long it takes.
January 29, 2025: A packed room at the New York City Bar Association to hear MP John Finucane speak.
The packed room itself spoke volumes. After 35 years, the legacy of Pat Finucane—his tireless advocacy for human rights and his tragic death—remains a powerful rallying cry. The support of those who gathered at the New York City Bar Association that evening, along with their commitment to hold the British government accountable, is a testament to the lasting impact of Pat’s work and the strength of his family’s resolve.
The message was unmistakable: the quest for justice is far from over. We stand with the Finucane family, unwavering in our commitment to see this inquiry through to the truth.
*This article was submitted by attorney Marty Glennon, a co-organizer of the event.
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