26/06/2015

More Than One Body Found During Search For 'Disappeared' Joe Lynskey

More than one body is believed to have been discovered during the search for 'Disappeared' victim Joe Lynskey.

Mr Lynskey was abducted and murdered by the IRA in 1972.

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains IVCLR) said a second body was found during the search at a site in Coghalstown, County Meath.

It is thought the bodies may be of IRA victims Seamus Wright and Kevin McKee, however this has yet to be confirmed.

A spokesperson said: "We have always said that we think three bodies are in that area and until there is further identification we just don't know."

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD welcomed the news.

He said: "I hope the identity of the remains can be quickly verified and that this discovery will bring some closure to the family and loved ones of Joe Lynskey.

"This is the 11th set of remains recovered since the Commission was established.

"I want to appeal again for anyone with any information on those remains still not found to bring that information forward to the families, to the Commission or myself.

"Any information passed to the Commission cannot be used in a court of law or transmitted to any other agency and those passing on this information have absolute immunity in relation to this information."

SDLP MLA Alex Attwood said: "The thoughts of everyone today will be with the family of Joe Lynskey and with all the families of the Disappeared.

"The resilience and dignity of the families has been remarkable. It should inform everyone that the Past must be addressed comprehensively and ethically.

"Nothing less will be good enough or measure up to the needs of victims and survivors."

A post-mortem and a formal identification will be carried out as soon as the remains have been fully recovered.




Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 December 2014
Specialist Dog Joins Lynskey Search
A specialist dog is to be used in the search for the body of Joe Lynskey, the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has confirmed. Mr Lynskey, a former Cisterian monk, was abducted from west Belfast in August 1972 and murdered by the IRA.
11 March 2015
Forensic Experts To Start Digging For 'Disappeared' Joe Lynskey
Forensic experts are to start digging today in a search for one of the so-called Disappeared, who went missing from west Belfast in August 1972. The IRA has admitted to abducting, killing and burying Mr Joe Lynskey almost 40 years ago. Investigators have narrowed the search for Mr Lynskey to 15 acres of bogland at Coghalstown in Co Meath.
08 May 2024
PSNI And Partners Hail Success Of Operation Encompass
The PSNI and its education partners have hailed the success of the first year of Operation Encompass. The scheme, designed to support children affected by domestic abuse, was rolled out across all 1,162 schools and EOTAS (Education Other Than at School) centres in Northern Ireland in May 2023.
19 September 2023
Legacy Bill Receives Royal Assent
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act has reached the last stage of its path to being enacted, having officially received Royal Assent.
21 September 2022
Lyons Launches Series Of Energy Advice And Support Videos
A series of consumer information videos providing energy advice and support to help households this winter, has been launched by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons. The consumer information videos are part of an energy information campaign involving the Department for the Economy, the Consumer Council and the Utility Regulator.