Families of the Disappeared took part in the 20th annual All Souls Silent Walk at Stormont on Monday 2 November. Columba McVeigh is still missing, more than a year after the latest search for his remains at Bragan Bog in Co Monaghan ended without success.
RTÉ and Northern Sound report that the families walked from Carson's Statue to the steps of Parliament Buildings. There they laid a black wreath with five white lilies, one for each of the Disappeared who have not been found: Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac, Seamus Maguire and Lisa Dorrian.
A sister's appeal
RTÉ reports that Columba McVeigh's sister, Dympna Kerr, travelled from her home in England to walk with the other families. She said: "As long as I am able I'll walk with those whose support over so many difficult years has meant more to me and our family than I can say and we'll not rest until all of the Disappeared are found and returned home."
"There are people who have the information that the ICLVR needs to finish its work. Please look into your hearts and do what you know is right to bring an end to our suffering."
Where the searches stand
- RTÉ reports that 17 people were designated as Disappeared during the Troubles and 13 have been found.
- The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) is still searching for Seamus Maguire at Derryclone, near Lurgan, Co Armagh.
- Northern Sound reports that remains exhumed from a family grave in Anyalla were previously found not to be those of Joe Lynskey.
- Lisa Dorrian disappeared in 2005. That is outside the ICLVR's remit, which covers only cases from before 10 April 1998, but the Wave Trauma Centre includes her among the Disappeared.
Dr Sandra Peake, chief executive of Wave Trauma Centre, organises the walk. She told RTÉ that the ICLVR process "has worked". She said that "each passing year takes its toll as everyone grows older", but that the families' resolve is "undiminished".
Anyone with information on the four outstanding ICLVR cases is asked to contact the ICLVR. All information is treated in the strictest confidence.
