Seventeen people were designated as disappeared during the Troubles, and 13 have been found. Today, families and investigators mark the 20th annual All Souls Silent Walk for the Disappeared at Stormont to remember the remaining individuals who have still not been recovered for Christian burial.
The 20th Annual Silent Walk at Stormont
Families of the Disappeared are gathering today for the 20th annual All Souls Silent Walk, beginning at 12.30 at Stormont. Participants are walking from Carson’s Statue to the steps of Parliament Buildings to lay a black wreath bearing five white lilies. These flowers represent Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac, Seamus Maguire, and Lisa Dorrian.
Father Joe Gormley is leading prayers during the event, alongside contributions from family members. Rosalie Flanagan, commissioner on the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR), and Eamonn Henry, lead investigator of the ICLVR, are expected to attend the gathering in Parliament Buildings.
Did You Know? Lisa Dorrian’s disappearance occurred in 2005, which places her case outside the April 10, 1998 remit of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains, though the Wave Trauma Centre includes her alongside the other Disappeared in its annual remembrance and support work.
Ongoing Searches at Derryclone and Bragan Bog
Investigators continue active recovery efforts for Seamus Maguire at Derryclone, near Lurgan. Previous searches have included a search for Columba McVeigh at Bragan Bog in County Monaghan that ended without success last year. In an earlier separate effort, remains exhumed from a family grave in Anyalla were determined not to belong to Joe Lynskey.
Dr Sandra Peake, chief executive of the Wave Trauma Centre—which has supported the Families of the Disappeared since 1995 and organises the annual event—emphasised the heavy emotional toll on aging relatives. There is a process in place through the ICLVR that has worked and every successful search over the years has brought hope that the torment of the families can finally be brought to an end,
Dr Peake said.
On All Souls’ Day the families of the disappeared undertake a poignant silent walk at Stormont. A small group braved the torrential rain today! This year we added a lily to symbolise the disappearance of Lisa Dorrian. Someone can help these families. Please end their torment. pic.twitter.com/sFN9xS99hJ
Appeals for Information From Families
Dympna Kerr, sister of Columba McVeigh, has travelled from her home in England to join the walk, vowing that families will not rest until every missing person is returned home. 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,
Dympna Kerr stated. She urged anyone possessing knowledge about the four outstanding ICLVR cases to come forward. Anyone with information can contact the ICLVR by telephone at +353 1 602 8655, where all information is treated in the strictest confidence.
Answers About the Independent Commission and Missing Persons
What is the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains?
The ICLVR is an official body tasked with locating victims secretly murdered and buried by paramilitaries. Its remit covers cases occurring before April 10, 1998, which excludes subsequent disappearances like that of Lisa Dorrian in 2005.
How many people remain missing from the Troubles?
Seventeen individuals were designated as disappeared during the Troubles.
How can the public provide tips on outstanding cases?
Anyone with information regarding the four outstanding ICLVR Disappeared cases can contact the commission directly by phone at +353 1 602 8655. All information is treated in the strictest confidence.