The family of an Armagh prison officer murdered after leaving St Patrick’s Cathedral with two of his children has received one of the UK’s highest civilian honours for public service.
Patrick Thomas Kerr, who was 37, was shot dead by the Provisional IRA in 1985. He had been leaving 10.30am Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh with his two youngest children, who were aged eight and five.
Mr Kerr’s next of kin has now been awarded the Elizabeth Emblem, a national honour for families of public servants who died as a result of their duty. The emblem recognises those killed in the line of duty, including police officers, firefighters, council workers and Members of Parliament.
A lasting recognition for public-service families
The Elizabeth Emblem was first established in 2024 and is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which honours members of the UK Armed Forces killed in action or as a result of terrorism.
This is the fourth list of recipients to be published. The families of 67 people were named this month, including 39 police officers and other public servants from Northern Ireland whose deaths were linked to their public duties.
The design features a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, around the Tudor Crown. It carries the words “For A Life Given In Service”, with the name of the deceased engraved on the reverse. A pin enables the next of kin to wear it on clothing.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Sir Chris Bryant said: “In awarding these Elizabeth Emblems, we honour 39 public servants whose courage and sacrifice helped protect communities across Northern Ireland.”
He said the recipients had served “during some of the darkest days of the Troubles” and that the honour was intended to bring pride and comfort to the families who remember them.
Other Northern Ireland recipients
Among the other recipients is RUC Reserve Constable Samuel Cyril Stewart, who was murdered by the INLA in March 1998.
Mr Stewart had been shopping with his wife at the Safeway supermarket at Dobbin Street Lane in Armagh. As they returned to their car at around 8.15pm, two gunmen approached and opened fire at point-blank range. The source says they continued shooting as Mr Stewart lay on the ground, watched by his wife. He died from his injuries almost instantly.
Mr Stewart had served for 18 years with the Royal Ulster Constabulary and retired in March 1997.
Another recipient is RUC Constable Mervyn Basil Robinson, who was shot dead by the IRA while off duty outside the Wayside Inn public house in Whitecross in 1981.
On the night of Wednesday, May 27, Mr Robinson left the premises and was getting into his car when another vehicle pulled alongside and opened fire. He was badly wounded and died in the early hours of Thursday, May 28.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the honour placed on record the sacrifices made by the families of all 67 recipients. First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said she had met some of the families at 10 Downing Street.