Columba McVeigh search moves to new section of bog

The search for the remains of Columba McVeigh, who was murdered by the IRA and secretly buried 50 years ago, is moving to a different section of bogland in County Monaghan.

The 19-year-old, from Donaghmore in County Tyrone, was murdered in 1975. He is one of 17 victims of the troubles known as the Disappeared.

The latest search for Mr McVeigh’s remains has been ongoing at Bragan Bog since August. The search team is moving on to a section of the bog that is roughly eight acres in size.

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) has previously conducted six searches of the bog since 1999, covering more than 26 acres.

Eamon Henry, lead investigator for the ICLVR, said: “Everyone involved in the search for Columba is acutely aware that the 50th anniversary of his murder and secret burial is approaching at the end of October.

“The pain and anguish this causes his family is almost impossible to imagine.

“If he is here we will find him”.

The Disappeared were people abducted and murdered by republican paramilitaries, and then buried at secret locations.

The remains of four of the 17 have yet to be found.

As well as Mr McVeigh, the ICLVR is still working on the cases of Joe Lynskey, Capt Robert Nairac and Seamus Maguire.