The families of six men gunned down by loyalists 12 years ago as they watched a World Cup match in Co Down twelve years ago have met with leaders of all the major parties in the EU, many of whom pledged support to their call for an inquiry into the deaths of their loved ones.
Relatives of the six victims of the June 1994 Loughinisland massacre in Co Down were joined by Sinn Féin Assembly member Caitriona Ruane in Brussels to call for an investigation into claims of British security force collusion in the murders.
Patrick McCreanor, whose family lost two generations in the attack, said he was delighted by the all-party support.
"If things were right at home we should not have to do this. If the police had tried to investigate this properly we would not be here," he said.
"Although I have no reason to believe the Police Ombudsman will not do her job properly, we want to make sure there's no slippage and no stone left unturned.
"There's not a day goes by that you don't think of your loved ones at all but it is important to remember that there were also survivors and we are fighting for them as well."
The victims were watching the Republic beat Italy in the 1994 USA World Cup when they were attacked. They came from Loughinisland, Ballynahinch, Drumaness, and Downpatrick.
They were Adrian Rogan, 39-year-old Eamon Byrne, who was married with four children, his brother-in-law Patsy O'Hare, who was 35 and a single man, 59-year-old Dan McCreanor, a single farmer, his uncle Barney Green, an 87-year-old retired pig farmer who was married, and 54-year-old Malcolm Jenkinson, a building contractor who was married with three children.
Earlier this year the families, through their solicitors, formally complained to Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan about serious flaws in the police investigation.
In particular, the families are concerned about the loss of potentially vital forensic evidence and the decision by the police to destroy the UVF's getaway car, a red Honda Triumph, in 1996.
They also expressed concerns about recent claims that a police agent codenamed Mechanic was believed to have supplied the car.
The relatives also have called for a investigation into the link between the Czech-made VZ rifle used in the attack and the arms shipment brought to Northern Ireland from South Africa by loyalists, including Ulster Defence Association member and British agent Brian Nelson.
The Loughinisland Justice Group published a six-page leaflet outlining the reasons for their campaign and containing 10 portraits of the six victims. They also launched a telephone number and email address for information relating to the case.
Charlton's team learnt of the atrocity after securing their historic victory over Italy and the Football Association of Ireland sent a message of condolence. The attack was also condemned by the Queen and Pope John Paul II. A declaration of support was agreed following today's meetings.