Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
A SEARCH OF a Co Monaghan site for the remains of one of the “Disappeared” has come to a “devastating” unsuccessful end.
Columba McVeigh, 19, from Donaghmore in Co Tyrone, was last seen in November 1975.
He was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA and is one of the “Disappeared” victims of the Troubles whose bodies have yet to be found.
The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) has carried out a number of searches of Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan since 1999, with the latest beginning in August.
Lead Investigator Eamonn Henry said the news, which comes just weeks after the 50th anniversary of his disappearance, is “devastating” for the McVeigh family.
“Our hearts go out to them,” he said.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has said he’s “disappointed” that the recent search has concluded without success and shared his sympathies with the McVeigh family.
“When the Commission began this search in August, I hoped that Columba McVeigh’s family would finally have the solace of being able to lay him to rest. I am disappointed that, in spite of the continued efforts of the Commission, Columba’s remains have not been located at Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan,” he said.
“I want to acknowledge the unwavering determination of the Commission to locate Columba since the first search at Bragan Bog was conducted in 1999. I would also like to thank the National Parks and Wildlife Service for its assistance in the preparation of this search.
He appealed for anyone with any information that could help the families of Columba McVeigh, Joseph Lynskey, Seamus Maguire and Robert Nairac to share this information with the Commission.
The ICLVR said it still believes the information it was given that Mr McVeigh’s body is there was given in good faith.
Lead Investigator Eamonn Henry said: “Everyone involved in the search including the ICLVR investigators, the forensic archaeologists and the contractors who operate the machinery are bitterly disappointed and share the frustration of the McVeigh family that yet another search of the bog has ended in this way.
“Over 26 acres of Bragan Bog have now been searched and while we continue to believe that the information we are working on has been given in good faith clearly there is still something missing.”
He added: “I can assure the McVeigh family and the other families of the Disappeared who give them invaluable support that the commission remains fully committed to finding Columba and we will not rest until his remains are returned and he receives the Christian burial that he has been denied for far too long.”
The ICLVR has recovered the bodies of eleven of the 17 men and women who were disappeared by paramilitaries during the Northern Ireland Troubles.
Those still to be found also include former monk Joe Lynskey, soldier Robert Nairac and Co Armagh man Seamus Maguire.
The ICLVR has renewed its appeal for information to help find them.
It said all information which it receives is treated in the strictest confidence.
The ICLVR can be contacted by telephone on +353 1 602 8655, by email to Secretary@iclvr.ie or by post to ICLVR PO Box 10827.
With additional reporting from PA
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say