Lottery Winner Named as Suspected IRA Driver in 1988 Killing

A new investigation into one of the most infamous murders during the Troubles, a prolonged period of conflict in Northern Ireland, has resulted in reporters identifying a former lottery millionaire as a suspected participant in the attack. 

Operation Kenova Connects Late Millionaire to IRA Murder Plot

Joe Clarke, who won over GBP 10 million ($13.4 million) in the EuroMillions in 2013 and passed away ten years later, has been connected to the role of getaway driver in the 1988 murder of off-duty police officer John Larmour in south Belfast.

The claim stems from a fresh look at Operation Kenova’s results, reported the Belfast Telegraph. This long investigation delved into the IRA’s internal security arm and its most notorious double agent, Freddie Scappaticci. While the official report does not name Clarke, the document’s details, along with separate reporting, have linked him to the operation.

Officer John Larmour was killed in October 1988 while helping at his brother’s ice-cream shop on Belfast’s Lisburn Road. Two armed men came in just before closing time. One shot Larmour dead, while the other shot at customers, injuring civilians. A third IRA member was thought to be waiting outside in a car.

The IRA’s Internal Security Unit started its own investigation because civilians got caught in the crossfire. Scappaticci had a top role in that unit at the time. He later gave information from his internal debriefing to his contacts in the British Army’s Force Research Unit. RUC Special Branch received some of that intelligence, which led to tension between agencies. They worried this might reveal another undercover source.

Lottery Winner’s Past and Intelligence Failures Reignite Belfast Murder Debate

Operation Kenova found that Scappaticci took part in many serious crimes, like killing and kidnapping people, while intelligence agencies protected him. The investigation showed he could not stop Larmour’s murder, but it said that information collected after the killing might have helped bring charges. Even though police caught the two shooters soon after the attack, they did not file any charges, and they never even questioned the person they thought drove the getaway car.

Clarke’s later years were very different from his alleged past. He used to fix cars in West Belfast, but after winning the lottery, he became well-known. He was also part of the group called the “Hooded Men.” These were republicans who British forces held and mistreated in 1971.

Just before he died in 2023, he got money and a formal apology for what happened to him. Larmour’s family now has to think again about old troubles. They are concerned about informers, problems with intelligence, and chances to get justice that did not happen. Even after almost 40 years, this case still affects Northern Ireland. It reminds everyone of the violence from the past that is still not been sorted out.