Annual silent walk for the Disappeared to take place at Stormont today

The 14th annual All Souls Silent Walk for the Disappeared will take place at Stormont at 12 noon today.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Nov 2020, 06:00 BST
Lisa Dorrian, who went missing in 2005Lisa Dorrian, who went missing in 2005
Lisa Dorrian, who went missing in 2005

Oliver McVeigh whose brother Columba was murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in1975 will lead a small group to the steps of Parliament Buildings.

There will be a reduced number of families taking part due to Covid restrictions

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A black wreath with white lilies representing those who have yet to be found will be laid on the steps by Oliver.

Three lilies will represent Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh and Robert Nairac. A fourth white lily will be added for Lisa Dorrian who disappeared in 2005. Her father John and her sister Michelle will join the other families at Stormont.

Sandra Peake the CEO of the WAVE Trauma Centre which has supported the families of the disappeared since 1995 said: “Because Lisa disappeared in 2005 her case could not be taken on by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) because the legislation means that it cannot accept cases that came after the Good Friday Agreement of April 1998.

“The pain and grief of Lisa’s family is profound and like the other families of the disappeared their torment will continue until Lisa is brought home for Christian burial.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are glad John and Michelle will be with the other families and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Father Joe Gormley from Creggan will lead prayers while Father Paul Turley who cannot be present will light candles of remembrance at noon in Clonard and will pray for the families.

Sandra Peake continued: “Every year brings a deeply sad and painful anniversary.

“October 31 was the 45th anniversary of Columba McVeigh’s disappearance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“His sister Dympna has recorded a heartfelt appeal for any information that could lead the ICLVR to where he is buried. https://t.co/FB9IrLA5bx?amp=1

“But it was ten years ago on November 2 2010 that the family of Peter Wilson, whose sister Helen and brother in law Gerry will be at Stormont, heard the news that Peter’s remains had been found.

“We hope and pray that soon all the families will receive the news they have waited so long to hear.

“In the meantime they will stand together in an unbreakable bond of solidarity and support.”

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor