The family of a UDR solider murdered by the IRA during The Troubles have paid tribute to him on his 40th anniversary.

Albert Beacom (44) was murdered by Provisional IRA terrorists while he worked on his farm outside Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh on November 17, 1981.

He was a serving member holding the rank of Corporal in the Ulster Defence Regiment. He was attacked and murdered while off duty. No-one was ever convicted of this murder.

Speaking on the anniversary of Albert’s death, his children recalled the event: “Mum was left a widow with five children – Anne (17), Trevor (14), Barbara (12), Nigel (11) and Julie, almost 11 months old – along with a working dairy farm to run.

“Mum also had no driving licence at that time, and we were living in a rural area. We very much relied on the help and support of close relatives and good neighbours.

“This ensured that we kept the farm in the family name until Trevor became the age to help out with the daily running of the farm, which he has successfully continued to do to the present day.”

Speaking on the type of man their father was, the family said: “Dad was a committed family man who had a great love for rural life and of serving the community.

“He was also very mechanically minded and travelled far and near fixing and repairing farm machinery and startamatics [generators].

“He was a former member of Maguiresbridge Silver Band, in which he played a cornet, and we, his children and his grandchildren, have carried on his love of music within the band.”

Looking back over the past 40 years, Albert’s daughter, Barbara McKeown, said: “It has been an incredibly difficult journey for us all.

“Our family have been robbed of a husband, a father and a grandfather and we have missed out on so much not having him with us at all our family occasions and gatherings.

“We have always had a strong connection with Aghavea Parish Church which has helped to carry us through. We are very proud of dad and the beliefs that he stood for.”

The Beacom family are members of South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF), and its Director, Kenny Donaldson, added: “Albert was a dairy farmer and did the majority of his work with a Fordson blue tractor, of which he was said to be ‘very proud’.

“This gives the significance to the symbol chosen for his individual patch on SEFF’s Memorial Quilt.

“The Beacom family represent the very best of our community – they are hard workers, and are committed to serving others, and they have not allowed the murder of Albert to destroy or embitter them.

“They continue to live with the injustice that no-one was held accountable for the heinous crime committed, but unlike the terrorists responsible, they live their lives well.

“On this 40th anniversary, our thoughts and prayers are with Albert’s surviving widow, Esther (Essie), his children, Anne, Trevor, Barbara, Nigel and Julie, and the wider family circle,” added Mr. Donaldson.