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Efforts to locate the remains of Columba McVeigh, a victim of IRA violence whose disappearance dates back 50 years, have once again concluded without success. McVeigh, who was just 19 years old and hailed from Donaghmore, County Tyrone, was abducted and murdered in 1975, becoming one of the 17 individuals collectively referred to as the Disappeared—those who were secretly buried during Northern Ireland’s Troubles.
The most recent excavation took place at Bragan Bog, County Monaghan, where the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) has repeatedly searched. This latest search, which began in August following a careful review of previous digs that pinpointed a new target area, marks the seventh time the site has been investigated. To date, the ICLVR has excavated over 26 acres around Bragan Bog in pursuit of McVeigh’s remains.
On Wednesday, the commission informed McVeigh’s family that the search had once more come up empty. Eamonn Henry, the ICLVR’s lead investigator, described the news as “devastating” given its proximity to the 50th anniversary of Columba’s disappearance. He expressed shared disappointment among the search teams and extended sympathy to the family, stating, “Our hearts go out to them.”
Despite these setbacks, Henry affirmed the continued commitment of the commission: “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.” Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, who visited Bragan Bog alongside members of the McVeigh family last November, reiterated this dedication and encouraged anyone with information to come forward. Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the vital humanitarian role of the ICLVR and expressing disappointment that the search had not yet yielded results, while reaffirming government support.
The Disappeared refers to those who were abducted, killed, and clandestinely buried throughout the conflict in Northern Ireland. Alongside McVeigh, three other individuals—Joe Lynskey, Captain Robert Nairac, and Seamus Maguire—have yet to be located. The ICLVR continues to appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of their remains, assuring that all communications will be handled with the strictest confidentiality
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