THE mother of a North Belfast man who was shot dead in 1992 by the Ulster Volunteer Force has said that the publication of a book on the experience of women who lost children during the conflict has "brought up a lot of memories".
Conor Maguire was one of seven children of Ann Maguire from Ligoniel. He was shot dead by the UVF when he was 26. A member of the Irish People's Liberation Organisation (IPLO), he was murdered while working for the Housing Executive.
"Conor got shot dead at his work," said his mother Ann. "He was working for the Housing Executive. When that all happened I didn't know who could help me. I didn't have a clue where to go or anything else."
Ann got in touch with Relatives for Justice (RFJ) and travelled over to the Falls every week to classes and support groups, something which she said really helped her.
"It was good to hear other people's stories and for them to hear mine. You thought you were the only one."
The book, 'It's Different for Mothers' was launched last week, and features Ann and thirty-two other women who lost children during the conflict. Ann said it was good to know "someone was thinking about you".
"It was very sad though. One woman had two sons who were both murdered, it was very sad. But at least somebody was thinking about us.
"I am a strong person. I believe in what I believe in. I didn't want Conor to get involved but that was his choice," she continued.
"Conor and I always used to have our lunch together, and I would say to him 'Conor, would you not give up. Don't bother with anything.'
"He used to say to me, 'Ma I'll be alright.' But he wasn't alright, God help him."
