Special Event Announced to Mark 50th Anniversary of Reavey Brothers Killings

The fourth of January 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the deaths of the three Reavey Brothers, and a special event is being held in Silverbridge 9 January to remember the brothers and hear stories of those impacted by the event.

On 4 January 1976 John-Martin, Brian and Anthony Reavey were sitting watching the TV at their home in Whitecross when three masked gunmen broke in and opened fire on them. John and Brian were killed straight away, while Anthony managed to escape to the bedroom and take cover under a bed. He was shot several times and left for dead, after searching the house the gunmen found no one else and left.

Moments later, badly wounded Anthony crawled to a nearby neighbours house to seek help. Tragically Anthony died of a brain haemorrhage in hospital 26 days later.

50th Anniversary Event

The Reavey Brothers 50th Anniversary Event will take place at Silverbridge GAC on Friday 9 January, 2026 with all proceeds going towards the making of a full length feature film on the atrocity.

A special host will preside over the night of remembrance, which will feature victim stories from those impacted locally, including brother Eugene Reavey, who has released a book ‘The Killing of the Reavey Brothers’

A screening of ‘Reavey Brothers’ (2022) short film will follow, along with a Q&A from film director and nephew of the brothers John Reavey.

Reavey who never met his uncles said "Growing up in my house, the boys were always spoken about openly from no age. Their pictures were hung all around the house, so I’ve known their story my whole life. I’m grateful that my family didn’t force any opinions onto me. Things like politics or religion were never given an emphasis - this was just a tragedy. They, like the entire Reavey family, are fighters for peace."

Also at the event will be actors from the short film: Dylan Llewellyn ( Derry Girls, Big Boys, Celebrity Race Across the World ), Niall McNamee ( Love Without Walls, One Night in Bath), Kevin Nugent (Armagh GAA Minor Champion) and Geraldine McAlinden (Verdigris, Our Father). The night will finish with live music and traditional Irish dancing from Aine Malone (former Lord of the Dance)

Dylan Llewellyn who was Anthony Reavey in Reavey Brothers is really looking forward to coming back to Ireland. "It's like my home away from home. I admire the pride the Irish take in their stories. Coming back for the 50th Anniversary is important to me, in supporting the family and this project. Seeing the cast and crew will be special, but also the families of those with stories like the Reavey family."

This special anniversary screening will mark the 20th public screening of the short film since its original release in 2022. The film previously sold out 19 cinema screenings in London, Dublin, Newry, Belfast and Derry - selling over 5,000 tickets.

All earnings made from previous screenings and from the event will be used as development funding for the feature film version of Reavey Brothers, which is currently being written by director John Reavey, with hopes to start seeking further investment in 2026.

Speaking of the film Producer Tarr said "The whole team behind the short film have always been entirely grateful for the support that this project has received from audience all across the world. From the moment we started crowdfunding the short film in 2019, to modern day, people's passion for this story has shined through and is a testament to what these three brothers meant to everyone.

He added "We hope to see as many people as possible at this special 50th Anniversary event for what is not only an occasion to celebrate how far this project has come, but to honour John-Martin, Brian and Anthony Reavey."

Concluding John Reavey said "It will be a privilege to honour those lost in a remarkable local venue like Silverbridge. I was never fortunate enough to meet my uncles so moments like these are where I feel closest to them. The response to the short film was beyond what I could have expected, but I'm looking forward to honouring the 50 years that the family has been fighting for justice.

"It's nights like these where I admire all the families in the area who continue to fight for peace. I really hope this night can be memorable not only for the Reavey family but to all those impacted by the troubles."

Tickets for the event will be sold as unreserved seating for £20, and can be purchased from 6pm on Sunday 30th November 2025 at www.reaveybrothersfilm.com