Two milestone anniversaries were marked for soldiers murdered by the Provisional IRA in Fermanagh.

Lisnaskea-based SEFF is working in partnership with local churches and community members to commemorate the anniversaries.

Prayers were said in Derrylin Church of Ireland on Sunday morning, December 1 to remember John Maddocks who was murdered on December 2, 1974.

Mr. Maddocks, a 32-year-old warrant officer in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, was killed when a bomb planted in a milk churn exploded.

(Image: Kenny Donaldson) Kenny Donaldson of SEFF said: "John was murdered instantly when a Provisional IRA bomb that was planted in a milk churn exploded.

"He was examining the bomb at Gortmullen, Derrylin."

The second commemoration will involved a short act of remembrance and the dedication of a new plaque at Tubrid Church of Ireland, Kesh, at 3pm last Sunday.

This is to mark the 40th anniversary of the murder of Alistair Slater on December 2, 1984.

Mr Donaldson said: "Alastair was 28 years old, and was a soldier with the Parachute Regiment but was serving with the SAS.

"Alistair was a soldier who served in B Squadron, Air Troop, 22 Special Air Service (SAS) and was murdered while on operations against the Provisional IRA at Drumrush, Kesh."

Mr. Slater's operation resulted in two deaths and two arrests within the Provisional IRA terror unit.

He was posthumously awarded the Military Medal for his role in the action.

Mr. Donaldson stressed the importance of these remembrances.

He said: "It is important to mark these milestone anniversaries and to remember two men who continue to be grieved by their families and former colleagues.

"10 years separate their murders but many people within Derrylin and Kesh still reflect on the events which led to these men’s lives being stolen away.

"We encourage the public to support these events held to remember John and Alistair."