Families remember ‘Disappeared’ in annual Silent walk

Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac, Seamus Maguire, and Lisa Dorrian will be commemorated at the 20th annual All Souls Silent Walk for the Disappeared, taking place at Stormont today.

The families will participate in a procession from Carson’s Statue to Parliament Buildings, where they will lay a black wreath adorned with five white lilies, symbolizing those still unfound.

Father Joe Gormley will lead prayers, and family members are expected to share reflections. Rosalie Flanagan, commissioner of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR), and lead investigator Eamonn Henry are also anticipated to attend.

The ICLVR is currently conducting a search for Mr. Maguire at Derryclone, near Lurgan.

A total of seventeen people were designated as ‘Disappeared’ during the Troubles, with thirteen having been located.

“Today, 20 years on from that first walk to the steps of Parliament Buildings, there are still five white lilies in the wreath,” stated Dr. Sandra Peake, chief executive of Wave Trauma Centre, which organizes the annual event and has supported the Families of the Disappeared since 1995.

“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. But each passing year takes its toll as everyone grows older. It is especially difficult for those still waiting but the resolve of all of the families of the Disappeared to see the remains of those yet to be found to be returned to their loved ones for Christian burial is undiminished. Our thoughts and prayers today will especially be with the Maguire family as the search for Seamus continues at Derryclone near Lurgan.”

While Ms. Dorrian’s disappearance occurred in 2005, falling outside the ICLVR’s scope – which focuses on cases prior to April 10, 1998 – Wave includes her among the ‘Disappeared.’

Last year’s search for Mr. McVeigh at Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan, yielded no results.

Dympna Kerr, Ms. McVeigh’s sister, is traveling from England to join the walk.

“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,” she said. “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.”

Individuals with information pertaining to any of the remaining ICLVR ‘Disappeared’ cases are urged to contact the commission.