He was eventually killed during an attack on the RUC barracks in Keady in November 1973. Around this time IRA engineers in South Armagh pioneered the use of home-made mortars which were relatively inaccurate but highly destructive.
In November 1973, he was killed during an assault on the RUC barracks in Keady. During this period, IRA operatives in South Armagh began using improvised mortars that were inaccurate but incredibly powerful.