Menu
23/09/2019
Search For Disappeared Columba McVeigh Ends
The sister of a man murdered and buried in secret by the IRA in 1975 has spoken of her family's "pain and torment" as a search for his body ends without success.
Columba McVeigh, from Donaghmore in County Tyrone, was just aged 19 when he was killed. He is one of the 16 murder victims known as the Disappeared.
A fresh search of the Bragan Bog in County Monaghan ended without success on Sunday 22 September, the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has confirmed.
It's been over 44 years since Columba was murdered.
"Someone knows where he is," his sister Dympna Kerr said in a statement released through the WAVE Trauma Centre.
"It's impossible to describe the continuing pain and torment of yet another year passing and another search ending with Columba still lying in some desolate unmarked hole in the ground where he was left by his murderers.
"All we want is for him to be brought home to be buried alongside his mother and father so that he and they can rest in peace.
"Why is that too much to ask?
"What have we done to deserve this inhuman treatment?
"What cause is served by denying an ordinary Catholic family the sacrament of a funeral Mass for over 40 years?"
Ms Kerr said she believes someone would hold information if her brother's body was moved from one place to another.
"If they have any decency or humanity about them they will end this torture now," she continued.
The bereaved woman went on to thank all those who have supported the family over the years.
Columba's brother Oliver added: "We are devastated by this news but we are also angry.
"Angry that people who have information are watching us suffer and are doing nothing.
"They keep saying that they have told the Commission where he is.
"They've searched over 21 acres for Columba's remains and the one thing we can say with complete certainty is that he is not where they are telling us he is, so we then have to look at the possibility: 'Are they telling us the truth?'
"I don't believe this is the end, in fact it will just strengthen our resolve to locate Columba's body by what ever means possible."
Anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of the remains of Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh or Robert Nairac should contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
An untraceable online form can also be used to pass on information.
(JG/CM)
Columba McVeigh, from Donaghmore in County Tyrone, was just aged 19 when he was killed. He is one of the 16 murder victims known as the Disappeared.
A fresh search of the Bragan Bog in County Monaghan ended without success on Sunday 22 September, the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has confirmed.
It's been over 44 years since Columba was murdered.
"Someone knows where he is," his sister Dympna Kerr said in a statement released through the WAVE Trauma Centre.
"It's impossible to describe the continuing pain and torment of yet another year passing and another search ending with Columba still lying in some desolate unmarked hole in the ground where he was left by his murderers.
"All we want is for him to be brought home to be buried alongside his mother and father so that he and they can rest in peace.
"Why is that too much to ask?
"What have we done to deserve this inhuman treatment?
"What cause is served by denying an ordinary Catholic family the sacrament of a funeral Mass for over 40 years?"
Ms Kerr said she believes someone would hold information if her brother's body was moved from one place to another.
"If they have any decency or humanity about them they will end this torture now," she continued.
The bereaved woman went on to thank all those who have supported the family over the years.
Columba's brother Oliver added: "We are devastated by this news but we are also angry.
"Angry that people who have information are watching us suffer and are doing nothing.
"They keep saying that they have told the Commission where he is.
"They've searched over 21 acres for Columba's remains and the one thing we can say with complete certainty is that he is not where they are telling us he is, so we then have to look at the possibility: 'Are they telling us the truth?'
"I don't believe this is the end, in fact it will just strengthen our resolve to locate Columba's body by what ever means possible."
Anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of the remains of Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh or Robert Nairac should contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
An untraceable online form can also be used to pass on information.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 September 2018
Fresh Search Begins For 'Disappeared' Victim Columba McVeigh
A fresh search operation is underway to locate the remains of IRA victim Columba McVeigh. The 19-year-old, who was from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in October 1975. He is one of 16 victims known as the 'Disappeared' who were murdered by republicans during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Fresh Search Begins For 'Disappeared' Victim Columba McVeigh
A fresh search operation is underway to locate the remains of IRA victim Columba McVeigh. The 19-year-old, who was from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in October 1975. He is one of 16 victims known as the 'Disappeared' who were murdered by republicans during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
13 May 2024
New Campaign To Expose 'Cruel Reality' Of Predatory Money Lending
Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign to expose the "cruel reality" of predatory money lending, working in partnership with the PSNI, the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime and Advice NI.
New Campaign To Expose 'Cruel Reality' Of Predatory Money Lending
Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign to expose the "cruel reality" of predatory money lending, working in partnership with the PSNI, the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime and Advice NI.
16 June 2022
DUP 'Making It Impossible To Deliver Support' – SDLP
The refusal of the DUP to re-enter the Executive is making it impossible to deliver the support that people need to cope with the cost-of-living emergency, SDLP Foyle MLA Mark Durkan has said.
DUP 'Making It Impossible To Deliver Support' – SDLP
The refusal of the DUP to re-enter the Executive is making it impossible to deliver the support that people need to cope with the cost-of-living emergency, SDLP Foyle MLA Mark Durkan has said.
28 April 2005
Coca-Cola investment secures 250 NI jobs
More than 250 jobs have been secured in Co Antrim after Coca-Cola confirmed it is to build a new plant on the outskirts of Lisburn at a cost of £53 million.
Coca-Cola investment secures 250 NI jobs
More than 250 jobs have been secured in Co Antrim after Coca-Cola confirmed it is to build a new plant on the outskirts of Lisburn at a cost of £53 million.
30 October 2015
The Disappeared: Family Of Columba McVeigh Renew Appeal
The family of a teenager kidnapped and buried by the IRA have issued a renewed appeal for information on the eve of the 40th anniversary of his disappearance. Columba McVeigh, 19, one of the Disappeared victims, was abducted and killed on 01 November 1975. His body has never been found.
The Disappeared: Family Of Columba McVeigh Renew Appeal
The family of a teenager kidnapped and buried by the IRA have issued a renewed appeal for information on the eve of the 40th anniversary of his disappearance. Columba McVeigh, 19, one of the Disappeared victims, was abducted and killed on 01 November 1975. His body has never been found.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
