Former British soldier David Holden has been found guilty of the manslaughter of Aidan McAnespie who was shot on his way to a GAA match in February 1988.
McAnespie was killed in Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone as he walked through a checkpoint.
Holden, who was a member of Grenadier Guards had previously admitted shooting McAnespie but claimed it was accidental.
McAnespie, who was just 23 at the time, died when a bullet ricocheted off the road and hit in the back.
Holden claimed that he had accidentally fired due to his hands being wet. He was 18 at the time.
The non-jury trial at Belfast Crown Court dismissed Holden's claim.
Trial judge Mr Justice O'Hara stated that he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Holden was guilty of manslaughter gross negligence.
There was emotional scenes in court when the verdict was declared. Members of the McAnespie family spoke outside the court. After decades they finally believe they have got justice.
"We waited 34 years, we never thought we would have got it," McAnespie's brother Sean said.
"I'm thinking of my father and my mother that prayed and prayed for this day, and they're not here to see it.
"As a family we're very relieved and happy. We've such a big family, cousins, community and relations to help us through this, it took the whole lot to get us over the line."
Aidan McAnespie was a member of the Aghaloo O'Neill's club in Tyrone and was travelling to a match against Kileeshil on the day he was killed. On Friday evening, his club released a statement to Balls,ie commending Aidan's family.
Achadh Lú Uí Neill want to pay tribute to the family of Aidan McAnespie who have campaigned with dignity over the past 34 years.
Aidan McAnespie was harassed by the British Army and RUC, for years before being shot dead by a British soldier in Aughnacloy on his way to our GAA grounds.
Despite years of delays, lies and cover-up by the British state, the McAnespies remained steadfast in their search for justice for Aidan.
They should be commended for their courage, determination, and dignity.
Achadh Lú Uí Neill are proud to stand with the McAnespie family
Brian Gormley, McAnespie's cousin, also welcomed the ruling.
"Some people will wonder why do families persist for 34 years following cases this old. Well it's very clear: John - Aidan's father - the day that the PPS announced that David Holden was going to be prosecuted, said the only demand he had is that he hears the truth, because as a family we did not believe the version of events that David Holden or the British government put out at the time of Aidan's shooting.
"I think we have been corroborated in terms of Justice O'Hara's ruling today."
McAnespie has a GAA club named after him in Boston.
