Disappeared (Northern Ireland)

People believed to have been murdered during the Troubles in Northern Ireland

Main articles: The Troubles and Forced disappearance

The Disappeared were 17 individuals from Northern Ireland who are believed to have been abducted, killed, and secretly buried during the Troubles, primarily by Irish republican paramilitaries. On 27 April 1999, the British and Irish governments established the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) to recover their bodies. The Commission operates on a confidential basis and focuses solely on locating and returning the remains to victims’ families.

## Background

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During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a number of individuals were abducted, killed, and secretly buried by paramilitary groups — a practice that came to be known as “disappearing.” While some groups have acknowledged responsibility for certain cases, others remain unresolved, with no formal admission and only circumstantial evidence suggesting involvement. In 1999, following the Good Friday Agreement of 10 April 1998 and its implementation on 2 December 1999,[1] the British and Irish governments established the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) to recover the bodies of those who had been secretly buried. The Commission operates on a strictly confidential basis, relying on information provided by members of the public and former paramilitary groups. Its findings cannot be used in legal proceedings, and its sole purpose is to locate and return the remains of the Disappeared to their families.[2]

Of the 17 individuals investigated by the ICLVR, all were Irish Catholics (Jean McConville was a Protestant convert), and she was the only woman among them.[3] The rest were men, and most are believed to have been abducted and killed by Irish republican paramilitaries.[4] While the Provisional IRA admitted responsibility for several cases, including that of Danny McIlhone, and provided varying levels of information about burial sites,[5] one case, that of Seamus Ruddy, who was abducted in France in 1985, was attributed to the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), a separate republican paramilitary group.[6] As of March 2025, the remains of four victims have yet to be recovered.[7]

## Victims

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### 1970s

[edit]

Joseph Lynskey (40), a veteran Irish Republican paramilitary and IRA member from Cavendish Street in Belfast, disappeared during a violent internal IRA feud in the city in August 1972. In 2009 Dolours Price, a former IRA member, stated in an interview with a newspaper that she drove the car which took him out of Northern Ireland to an IRA safe house in County Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland shortly before his disappearance. In January 2010 the IRA issued a statement that Lynskey had been killed as part of an internal disciplinary process, and his body had subsequently been buried in an unmarked grave. The Irish Indo Daily podcast on 3 December 2024, entitled, Joe Lynskey: The monk who joined the IRA and was 'disappeared’ over trying to kill his love rival, gives an update on the Lynskey case. On 16 May 2025, it was announced that human remains were discovered at a cemetery in Annyalla, County Monaghan, during the search for Lynskey. An earlier search of the same area had uncovered remains that were subsequently confirmed not to be his. The newly recovered remains are now undergoing forensic examination to determine if they belong to Lynskey.[8]

Seamus Wright (25) and Kevin McKee (17) were members of the Provisional IRA, who were abducted together in October 1972, suspected of being informants for the British Army’s Military Reaction Force (MRF).[9] After interrogation, they were executed and secretly buried in County Meath. Their remains were discovered on 25 June 2015, buried in a single shallow grave.[10] Following the discovery, their funerals were held in Belfast in September 2015. McKee’s funeral took place on 14 September 2015 at St Peter’s Cathedral on the Falls Road, where his family finally received the chance to give him a Christian burial after more than four decades of uncertainty. His coffin was carried into the cathedral, and following the service, he was buried beside his mother in Blaris Cemetery in Lisburn, with his family releasing doves in his memory as a symbol of peace and closure.[11] Wright’s service was held the next day, on 15 September 2015, at St Agnes’ Church in Andersonstown, where mourners learned he had been buried with rosary beads, a programme from the 1968 All-Ireland Football Final, and an autograph from Manchester United manager Matt Busby, items that had been found in his pocket when his remains were recovered. After the funeral, he was cremated at Roselawn Crematorium in Belfast.[9]

Jean McConville (37), a widowed mother of ten, disappeared in December 1972 after being abducted from her home in Belfast by the Provisional IRA, who accused her of acting as an informer for the British Army.[12] This allegation was later found to be unsubstantiated by official investigations.[13] It was later revealed that she was murdered, executed by a single gunshot to the back of the head, and secretly buried.[14] Her remains were discovered 31 years later, in August 2003 on Shelling Hill Beach in County Louth, Republic of Ireland.[15] On 1 November 2003, a Requiem Mass was held at St Paul’s Church in Belfast, followed by a funeral procession that paused at Divis Flats, where she had been taken. She was then laid to rest at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Lisburn alongside her husband, Arthur, in a funeral attended by her family and the wider community.[16] In October 2014, a man was arrested in connection with her murder, and two further men were arrested in December 2014.[17][18] While some suspects, including former IRA member Dolours Price, admitted involvement, no one has been convicted.[19]

Peter Wilson (21) was a native of West Belfast and one of six siblings. He was described by those who knew him as a vulnerable individual with learning difficulties. In the summer of 1973, Wilson was abducted by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in the St James area of Belfast, a neighborhood known at the time for intense conflict during the Troubles.[20] He was suspected by the IRA of acting as an informer for British security forces.[21] Following his abduction, he was killed and his body was secretly buried at Waterfoot, County Antrim. His remains were discovered there in 2010, approximately 37 years later.[20] A funeral service was held on December 17, 2010, at Holy Cross Church, Belfast, near his home on St James Road. Family, friends, and community members gathered to pay their respects during the Requiem Mass. Following the service, he was laid to rest at Milltown Cemetery beside his parents.[22] An inquest was held on 11 March 2011, at Belfast Coroner’s Court, concluding that Wilson died from four gunshot wounds to the back of the head.[23]

Seamus Maguire (29) was officially added to the list of The Disappeared in 2022, marking the first new case in over a decade. He was last seen leaving his home in Aghagallon, near Lurgan, sometime between 1973 and 1974, though later investigations suggest he may have been killed in 1976 after returning from Manchester. His death is believed to have resulted from republican paramilitary activity, though it remains unclear which wing of the IRA was responsible. The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has been investigating his case since it was referred by the PSNI in 2022, but no burial site has been identified. It is suspected that Maguire was secretly buried in the Aghagallon/Derryclone area, though searches have yet to yield results.[24]

Eamon Molloy (21) was a man from north Belfast who was abducted by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 1 July 1975. The IRA accused Molloy of being an informant. His remains were recovered on 28 May 1999 at Old Faughart Cemetery, near Dundalk, County Louth, following information provided to the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains.[25] He was found clutching a small cross in his hands. After the recovery of his body was reported in the media, a Catholic priest, Father Eugene McCoy, came forward to say he had been brought by the IRA to pray with Molloy shortly before his execution, after the young man requested a priest to hear his confession. Molloy, who was bound and distraught, asked the priest to ensure that his wife and mother received two letters he had written during his captivity, and to tell his family that he was not an informer.[26] He was buried on 21 July 1999 following a requiem Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Belfast, with mourners including relatives of other Disappeared victims.[27]

Columba McVeigh (19) from Donaghmore, County Tyrone, disappeared on 31 October 1975, while living in Dublin, he was abducted by the Irish Republican Army (IRA). They suspected he had been acting as an informer for British security forces.[28] After his disappearance, McVeigh was killed and is believed to have been secretly buried in Bragan Bog, County Monaghan. Although six significant search operations have taken place since 1999, spanning over 26 acres, his remains have yet to be recovered.[29] The latest search, which concluded in November 2023, was hindered by challenging terrain and unfavourable weather conditions.[30] His sister, Dympna Kerr, remains hopeful and continues to seek any information that could lead to the discovery of his remains, allowing for a proper burial alongside their parents in Donaghmore.[29]

Brendan Megraw (23) was abducted by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) from his home in Twinbrook, Belfast, on April 8, 1978.[31] At the time of his disappearance, he was newly married, and his wife was expecting their first child.[32] [33] On the morning of his abduction, a group of men entered his home, restrained his pregnant wife, and administered an injection they claimed would keep her calm. When he returned home, he was taken by the men and was never seen again.[34] On 1 October 2014, remains discovered in a drainage ditch at Oristown Bog, County Meath, were confirmed through DNA testing in early November 2014 to be his.[35][36] His remains were returned to his family. A funeral service was held on 14 November 2014, at St Oliver Plunkett Church, West Belfast. Following the service, he was buried alongside his parents at St Joseph's Cemetery in Glenavy, County Antrim.[37] An inquest held in December 2015 determined that he had died from a gunshot wound to the forehead.[38]

Captain Robert Nairac (28) was a British Army officer serving in the Grenadier Guards during the Troubles. On 15 May 1977, while working undercover, he was abducted outside the Three Steps Inn in Dromintee, South Armagh. He was taken across the border to Flurry Bridge, County Louth, where he was beaten and shot dead by the IRA. His body was secretly buried, and despite multiple searches, his remains have never been found. The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has conducted investigations, but efforts to locate his burial site remain unsuccessful.[39][40]

John McClory (18) and Brian McKinney (22) were abducted and killed by the Provisional IRA on 25 May 1978, with their remains discovered in Colgagh Bog, County Monaghan, on 29 June 1999, after being secretly buried for over two decades. McKinney had allegedly stolen IRA weapons for use in robberies, and his parents made him return the money, believing the matter had been resolved. However, he was abducted just days later, followed by McClory, who was taken due to his association with McKinney.[41] McClory was described by his family as tall, outgoing, and talkative, with a strong sense of pride in his appearance, particularly his long black hair. He was known for helping elderly neighbours and was well-liked by his friends and family.[42] McKinney, meanwhile, was small in stature, earning the nickname "Bru" after Brian Boru. He had dark brown hair and was known for his musical talents, often playing the mouth organ and guitar. His family described him as kind-hearted, generous, and always singing, though he had asthma and eczema and had been diagnosed at 14 years old with the mind of a six-year-old, making him vulnerable.[43] McClory’s funeral took place on 3 September 1999, with several hundred mourners attending a Requiem Mass at the Holy Spirit Church on Glen Road, where Father Gordon McKendry condemned the killings as a "crime of satanic proportions". McKinney’s funeral followed the next day, on 4 September 1999, with his mother, Margaret McKinney, who had campaigned for years to locate his remains, finally able to lay him to rest near his friend, McClory, in Milltown Cemetery, Belfast.[44][45]

Gerard Evans (24) was a man from Crossmaglen, South Armagh, who disappeared while hitchhiking home from a dance in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, in March 1979.[46] He was thought to have been abducted and murdered by the Provisional IRA, though nobody ever publicly took responsibility.[47] According to a masked man identifying himself as a former member of the Provisional IRA South Armagh Brigade, Evans was abducted and executed shortly afterwards. The same source told the Sunday Tribune that Evans was killed for being an informer, though this claim was never publicly acknowledged by the IRA.[48] In March 2008, Evans’ aunt received an anonymous map indicating a potential burial site, leading the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) to launch a search. The commission followed the new lead, which eventually led to the discovery of human remains in a bog at Carrickrobbin, near Hackballcross in County Louth in October 2010.[49] Forensic examination confirmed in November 2010 that the remains belonged to Evans.[50] His funeral took place at St. Patrick’s Church in Crossmaglen on December 4, 2010. Following the service, he was laid to rest in the church’s graveyard.[51] A coroner's inquest was held on September 21, 2011, which returned a verdict of unlawful killing, confirming Evans died violently at the hands of a paramilitary group.[52]

### 1980s

[edit]

Eugene Simons (26), a plumber from Castlewellan, County Down, disappeared on 1 January 1981. He was a married father of three, described by his family as well-liked and a skilled tradesman who enjoyed angling, darts, and social nights out.[53][54] Some reports suggest he may have been suspected by the IRA of betraying the location of bomb-making materials, though no public explanation was ever given. His relatives believe he was set up by individuals he trusted, who left the area soon after his disappearance. They later returned and were questioned by police. On 24 May 1984, his body was discovered by chance in a shallow grave in the countryside near the village of Knockbridge, just southwest of Dundalk in County Louth, reportedly by a dog walker. His remains were buried in a shallow grave. He was later given a Christian burial, fulfilling a long-held hope of his father, Walter Simons, who had campaigned for truth and closure on behalf of all families of the Disappeared.[54]

Danny McIlhone (20)[55] was a man from Andersonstown, west Belfast. He was abducted in May 1981 while staying at Pearse Tower in Ballymun, Dublin. The Provisional IRA later admitted responsibility for his death, stating that he was being questioned about stolen weapons and was shot during a struggle with his guard. His body was buried in bogland near the village of Lacken in the Wicklow Mountains. Despite two unsuccessful searches in 1999 and 2000, his partial remains were recovered in 2008. A cowboy boot found at the site helped confirm his identity through DNA analysis.[56] His funeral took place on 22 December 2008 at St Teresa’s Church in west Belfast, and he was buried alongside his parents in Milltown Cemetery.[57]

Charles Armstrong (55/56) was a married father of five who disappeared in Crossmaglen on 16 August 1981, while driving to Mass. He had planned to pick up an elderly neighbour on the way but never arrived at the church.[58] His abandoned car was later found in Dundalk, County Louth.[59] At the time, the Provisional IRA denied involvement in his disappearance, and no group claimed responsibility.[60] His family initiated a private search for his remains in October 2003.[61] After several years, his remains were discovered in County Monaghan in July 2010.[62] No official explanation has been provided regarding the circumstances of his abduction and murder. His funeral took place on 18 September 2010 at St Patrick's Church, the same church he was traveling to when he disappeared. He was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard.[63] An inquest held in September 2011 returned a verdict of unlawful killing. Due to the length of time his body had been buried, the exact cause of death could not be determined, though forensic evidence indicated his skull was badly damaged and recently discharged firearms residue was found in his car.[64]

Seamus Ruddy (32) was a teacher and journalist from Newry, Northern Ireland. He was abducted in Paris on 9 May 1985, where he had been working as an English teacher, after distancing himself from the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP). At the time, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) was experiencing violent infighting, with factions vying for control. Ruddy, who had previously been involved with the IRSP, the political wing of the INLA, was caught up in these disputes.[65] His former comrades believed he had knowledge of an arms cache near Rouen, France, which led to his kidnapping and murder.[6] His remains were discovered on 6 May 2017, in a forest near Rouen.[66] His funeral took place on 17 June 2017, at St Catherine’s Dominican Chapel in Newry. Family, friends, and members of the community gathered to pay their respects. His burial took place at Monks Hill Cemetery in Newry, where he was laid to rest alongside his parents.[67]

## Post-1998 Disappearances

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While the ICLVR investigates cases of individuals who disappeared before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement,[4] it does not handle post-Agreement cases. However, public attention has also focused on several such cases, including that of Lisa Dorrian, who went missing from a campsite in Ballyhalbert, County Down, in 2005. Though early media reports speculated about possible loyalist paramilitary involvement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) later concluded that paramilitary groups were not involved in her disappearance.[68]

Another case often cited is that of Gareth O’Connor, who disappeared in 2003 while on bail and en route to report to Dundalk Garda station as part of bail conditions. His body was discovered in 2005 in his car, submerged in Newry Canal.[69] While his death has been widely attributed to republican paramilitaries,[70] it has not been officially included in the ICLVR's remit.[71]

These post-1998 disappearances are sometimes referenced in broader discussions about the legacy of the Troubles and transitional justice, though they fall outside the formal scope of the Disappeared as defined by the ICLVR.[71][72]

## List of Troubles-era Disappeared

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The following individuals are officially recognised by the ICLVR as Disappeared in connection with the Troubles, prior to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.[2]

Name | Location[a] | Age | Year of disappearance | Year of body being found | Suspects | Reference(s)

|
|
|
|
|
|

Charles Armstrong | Crossmaglen | 54 | 1981 | 2010 | Republicans | [73]
Gerard Evans | County Monaghan, Ireland | 24 | 1979 | 2010 | Republicans | [74]
Joe Lynskey | Belfast | 40 | 1972 | Still missing | Republicans | [75][76][77][78]
Seamus Maguire | Lurgan area of Co. Armagh | 26 | 1973–1974 | Still missing | Republicans | [75][4][79][80]
John McClory | Belfast | 17 | 1978 | 1999 | Republicans | [75][81]
Jean McConville | Belfast | 38 | 1972 | 2003 | Republicans | [75][82]
Danny McIlhone | Belfast | 21 | 1981 | 2008 | Republicans | [75][83][84]
Kevin McKee | South Armagh | 17 | 1972 | 2015 | Republicans | [75][85][86]
Brian McKinney | Belfast | 22 | 1978 | 1999 | Republicans | [75][87]
Columba McVeigh | Dublin, Ireland | 19 | 1975 | Still missing | Republicans | [75][88][89]
Brendan Megraw | Belfast | 24 | 1978 | 2014 | Republicans | [90][75]
Eamon Molloy | Belfast | 22 | 1975 | 1999 | Republicans | [75][91][92]
Robert Nairac | Dromintee, South Armagh | 28 | 1977 | Still missing | Republicans | [75][93][94]
Seamus Ruddy | Paris, France | 32 | 1985 | 2017 | INLA | [75][95][96][97]
Eugene Simons | Castlewellan, County Down | 26 | 1981 | 1984 | Republicans | [75]
Peter Wilson | Belfast | 21 | 1973 | 2010 | Republicans | [75][98][99][100]
Seamus Wright | South Armagh | 25 | 1972 | 2015 | Republicans | [75][85]

## Notes

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1. ^ Location of disappearance; in Northern Ireland unless otherwise stated

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "The Belfast Agreement". GOV.UK. Northern Ireland Office. 10 April 1998. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
2. ^ a b "Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains". ICLVR. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
3. ^ Keefe, Patrick Radden (2019). Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland. William Collins. ISBN 9780008159269.
4. ^ a b c "The Disappeared". INDEPENDENT COMMISSION FOR THE LOCATION OF VICTIMS REMAINS. February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
5. ^ "Wicklow Mountain remains confirmed to be IRA victim". Irish Independent. 24 December 2008. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
6. ^ a b "Seamus Ruddy: Human remains found in search of French forest". BBC News. 6 May 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
7. ^ "Exhumed remains not those of Disappeared victim". ITV News. 24 March 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
8. ^ "Jean McConville: Man arrested in Belfast over 1972 IRA murder". BBC News. 30 October 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
9. ^ a b O'Doherty, Malachi (16 September 2015). "Family's final farewell to young man murdered by IRA in 1972". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
10. ^ "'The Disappeared': Kevin McKee and Seamus Wright 'shot in the head'". BBC News. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
11. ^ "Disappeared victim Kevin McKee's funeral told of '43 years of pain'". BBC News. 14 September 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
12. ^ "Jean McConville: family clears first High Court battle". BBC News. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
13. ^ "Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland - No evidence Jean Mcconville was an informant: Police Ombudsman". Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
14. ^ "Jean McConville: The Disappeared mother-of-10". BBC News. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
15. ^ Pope, Conor (20 October 2003). "Body found on Louth beach was Jean McConville". The Irish Times. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
16. ^ "Jean McConville finally laid to rest in day full of symbolism". The Irish Times. 3 November 2003. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
17. ^ "Man arrested in Belfast over Jean McConville murder". The Guardian. 30 October 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
18. ^ "Video: Jean McConville – Two men arrested over the 1972 murder have been released". Belfast Telegraph. 22 December 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
19. ^ Moriarty, Gerry (25 July 2018). "Dolours Price told film-makers of her direct involvement in murder of Jean McConville". The Irish Times. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
20. ^ a b "'Disappeared' victim laid to rest in Belfast". BBC News. 17 December 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
21. ^ "Disappeared victim executed". The Irish Times. 5 March 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
22. ^ "'Disappeared' victim laid to rest". Irish Independent. 16 December 2010. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
23. ^ "Disappeared victim shot four times in head, inquest told". Belfast Telegraph. 12 March 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
24. ^ "Jean McConville: Man arrested over 1972 IRA murder". BBC News. 21 June 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
25. ^ "The Disappeared: Eamon Molloy". The Disappeared of Northern Ireland. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
26. ^ "A prayer before dying: IRA took priest to Disappeared victim before murder". BBC News. 3 November 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
27. ^ "Funeral for first of 'disappeared'". BBC News. 21 July 1999. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
28. ^ "The Disappeared: Search for IRA murder victim Columba McVeigh ends". BBC News. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
29. ^ a b "Columba McVeigh: 'That is all we want – his remains returned to give him a Christian burial'". The Irish News. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
30. ^ "'Bitterly disappointing': Latest search for Columba McVeigh has ended". The Journal. 15 November 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
31. ^ "Funeral held for IRA murder victim Brendan Megraw". The Irish Times. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
32. ^ "Brendan Megraw's wife in 1978". BBC News. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
33. ^ "Funeral of Disappeared victim Brendan Megraw: 'He is finally getting dignity of funeral mass'". Belfast Telegraph. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
34. ^ Hayden, Sally (4 November 2014). "Body of IRA Kidnapping Victim Brendan Megraw Found After 36 Years". VICE News. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
35. ^ "The Disappeared: Meath remains were those of Brendan Megraw". BBC News. 3 November 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
36. ^ "Body found in search for Disappeared Brendan Megraw". The Irish Times. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
37. ^ "Brendan Megraw: Priest says mother's Disappeared prayer answered". BBC News. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
38. ^ "Brendan Megraw: Disappeared victim was shot in head". BBC News. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
39. ^ "The Doe Network: Case File 3820DMUK". www.doenetwork.org. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
40. ^ "Search fails to find remains of Capt Robert Nairac". BBC News. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
41. ^ "Who were the Disappeared?". BBC News. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
42. ^ "John McClory - The Disappeared of Northern Ireland". thedisappearedni.co.uk. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
43. ^ "Brian McKinney - The Disappeared of Northern Ireland". thedisappearedni.co.uk. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
44. ^ davewilkinson. "Margaret McKinney". The Forgiveness Project. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
45. ^ "Funeral of Disappeared IRA victim held". BBC News. 3 September 1999. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
46. ^ Carroll, Rory (10 May 2014). "The Disappeared: the families still searching for loved ones". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
47. ^ "Mum's plea to IRA for return of son's body". Belfast Telegraph. 19 January 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
48. ^ "Appeal from Disappeared searchers". 1 October 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
49. ^ "Remains were 'Disappeared' Crossmaglen man Gerry Evans". BBC News. 29 November 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
50. ^ "Remains were 'Disappeared' Crossmaglen man Gerry Evans". BBC News. 29 November 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
51. ^ "'Disappeared' man Gerry Evans funeral takes place". BBC News. 4 December 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
52. ^ "Disappeared victim had hands tied". Belfast Telegraph. 21 September 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
53. ^ "Eugene Simons - The Disappeared of Northern Ireland". thedisappearedni.co.uk. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
54. ^ a b "Tributes to father of 'disappeared' son Eugene Simons". News Letter. 9 July 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
55. ^ Some sources report McIlhone’s age at the time of his disappearance as 19 or 21. However, a family tribute published in the Belfast Telegraph states he was born on 9 June 1960, which would make him 20 in May 1981."IRA murder victim finally laid to rest after 27 years". Belfast Telegraph. 22 December 2008. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
56. ^ "28 years after the IRA buried Danny McIlhone, a jury returns a verdict of unlawful killing". Belfast Telegraph. 16 October 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
57. ^ "IRA victim laid to rest". BBC News. 22 December 2008. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
58. ^ Cowan, Rosie (3 June 2002). "The Disappeared". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
59. ^ "Map may identify site of grave in Disappeared case". Belfast Telegraph. 23 July 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
60. ^ "Man victim of mistaken identity". Belfast Telegraph. 21 September 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
61. ^ "Fresh 'Disappeared' search". 22 October 2003. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
62. ^ "Widow's relief as remains found in 'Disappeared' search". BBC News. 31 July 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
63. ^ "Funeral for Charlie Armstrong - 'Disappeared' victim". BBC News. 16 September 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
64. ^ "Charlie Armstrong murder: shotgun residue found on car". BBC News. 21 September 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
65. ^ "Séamus Ruddy: The Newry man 'disappeared' by his INLA 'comrades' in Paris". Belfast Telegraph. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
66. ^ Brennan, Eoin (22 June 2017). "The Disappeared: The life and death of Seamus Ruddy". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
67. ^ "Funeral of Disappeared victim Seamus Ruddy takes place in Newry". Belfast Telegraph. 17 June 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
68. ^ Devlin, Patricia (10 June 2021). "Family of Lisa Dorrian believe man who helped hide her body holds key to her murder". Sunday World. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
69. ^ McCambridge, Jonathan (16 December 2021). "Files relating to Gareth O'Connor murder handed to coroner's legacy unit". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
70. ^ "Body found in canal 'is missing man'". BBC News. 18 June 2005. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
71. ^ a b "Families of the Disappeared » Wave Trauma". Wave Trauma. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
72. ^ Dempster, Lauren (2019). Transitional justice and the 'disappeared' of Northern Ireland: silence, memory, and the construction of the past (Thesis). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. ISBN 9780815375647.
73. ^ "The ongoing search for The Disappeared". RTÉ News. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
74. ^ "The ongoing search for The Disappeared". RTÉ News. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
75. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Who were the 'Disappeared'?". BBC News. 4 November 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
76. ^ "Commission to investigate Joe Lynskey death". BBC News. 19 February 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
77. ^ "Forty years later, IRA finally admits to man's 'execution'". Belfast Telegraph. 9 February 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
78. ^ "Buried Secrets". The Pensive Quill. 19 February 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
79. ^ "The Disappeared". Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains. February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
80. ^ "The disappeared". Independent Commission for the Location of Victim Remains. February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
81. ^ "Body finds encourage searchers". BBC News. 30 June 2009. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
82. ^ "Jean McConville's daughter recalls mother's abduction by IRA". BBC News. 4 November 2013. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
83. ^ "Family of IRA victim 'at peace'". BBC News. 19 December 2008. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
84. ^ "Missing man shot dead after struggle with IRA abductors". The Irish Times. 13 June 2005. Archived from the original on 28 September 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
85. ^ a b Rosie Cowan (30 September 2002). "Adams 'at heart' of IRA's most shameful killing campaign". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
86. ^ "After "43 years of pain" IRA victim Kevin McKee is laid to rest". TheJournal.ie. 14 September 2015. Archived from the original on 16 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
87. ^ "'My tears for Brian'". BBC News. 17 July 2002. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
88. ^ "Columba McVeigh: Brother calls for more information from IRA". BBC News. 23 July 2013. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
89. ^ "Columba McVeigh". The Disappeared of Northern Ireland. Archived from the original on 22 November 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
90. ^ "The Disappeared: Human remains found in search for Brendan Megraw". BBC News. 1 October 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
91. ^ "'Disappeared' victim identified". BBC News. 20 July 1999. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
92. ^ "A prayer before dying: IRA took priest to Disappeared victim before murder". BBC News. 3 November 2013. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
93. ^ "McGuinness in Nairac body appeal". BBC News. 20 June 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
94. ^ "RTE Prime Time Cased Profile (with video)". RTE PrimeTime. 3 May 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
95. ^ "Family of INLA murder man misled". BBC News. 22 July 2008. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
96. ^ "Remains found in France confirmed to be Seamus Ruddy". The Journal.ie. 10 May 2017.
97. ^ Brennan, Eoin. "The Disappeared: The life and death of Seamus Ruddy". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
98. ^ "Fresh 'Disappeared' dig for Peter Wilson announced". BBC News. 26 October 2010. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
99. ^ "Remains were 'Disappeared' man Peter Wilson's". BBC News. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
100. ^ "Inquest into death of 'Disappeared' man Peter Wilson". BBC News. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2014.

## External links

[edit]

* The Disappeared, bbc.co.uk
* Information on the Disappeared as listed on the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains

* v
* t
* e

The Troubles

Participants

State security forces

United Kingdom

* British Army (Ulster Defence Regiment
* Force Research Unit)
* Royal Ulster Constabulary (Ulster Special Constabulary)

|

Ireland

* Defence Forces
* Garda Síochána

Irish republican paramilitaries

* Provisional IRA
* Official IRA
* INLA
* Irish People's Liberation Organisation
* Continuity IRA
* Real IRA
* Republican Action Force
* Saor Éire
* Irish Revolutionary Brigade

Vigilantes

* Direct Action Against Drugs

|

Ulster loyalist paramilitaries

* Ulster Volunteer Force
* Ulster Defence Association
* Red Hand Commando
* Ulster Resistance
* Loyalist Volunteer Force
* Ulster Protestant Volunteers
* Ulster Third Force
* Ulster Volunteer Service Corps
* Down Orange Welfare
* Protestant Action Force
* Woodvale Defence Association

Vigilantes

* Ulster Protestant Action
* Ulster Service Corps
* Orange Volunteers

|

Major events

* 1967–1972
* Northern Ireland civil rights movement
* 1969
* NI riots
* 1970
* Falls Curfew
* 1971
* Operation Demetrius
* Ballymurphy massacre
* McGurk's Bar bombing
* Balmoral showroom bombing
* 1972
* Bloody Sunday
* Abercorn Restaurant bombing
* Donegall Street bombing
* Beginning of direct rule
* Bloody Friday
* Operation Motorman
* Old Bailey bombing
* Sunningdale Agreement
* 1974
* M62 coach bombing
* Ulster Workers' Council strike
* Dublin & Monaghan bombings
* Guildford pub bombings
* Birmingham pub bombings
* 1975
* Miami Showband killings
* Bayardo Bar attack
* Tullyvallen massacre
* Balcombe Street siege
* 1976
* Reavey and O'Dowd killings
* Kingsmill massacre
* 1978
* La Mon restaurant bombing
* Jonesborough Gazelle downing
* 1979
* Warrenpoint ambush
* 1981
* Republican hunger strike
* 1982
* Droppin Well bombing
* 1983
* Maze Prison escape
* 1984
* Brighton hotel bombing
* 1985
* Newry mortar attack
* Anglo-Irish Agreement
* 1987
* Loughgall ambush
* Remembrance Day bombing
* 1988
* Start of peace process
* Operation Flavius
* Milltown Cemetery attack
* Corporals killings
* IRA attacks in the Netherlands
* Aughanduff Lynx shootdown
* Ballygawley bus bombing
* 1989
* Deal barracks bombing
* Attack on Derryard checkpoint
* 1990–1997
* South Armagh sniper campaign
* 1990
* Augher Lynx shootdown
* Proxy bombings
* 1991
* Downing Street mortar attack
* Cappagh killings
* 1992
* Teebane bombing
* Sinn Féin Headquarters shooting
* Sean Graham bookmakers' shooting
* 1993
* Warrington bombings
* Bishopsgate bombing
* Shankill Road bombing
* Greysteel massacre
* Downing Street Declaration
* 1994
* Crossmaglen Lynx downing
* Loughinisland massacre
* Ceasefires of the Provisional IRA, UVF, UDA and RHC
* 1996
* Docklands bombing
* Manchester bombing
* 1997
* NI riots
* Second IRA ceasefire
* 1998
* Good Friday Agreement
* Omagh bombing

Political parties

Irish republican parties

* Sinn Féin
* Official Sinn Féin
* Republican Sinn Féin
* Irish Republican Socialist Party
* Communist Party of Ireland
* Irish Independence Party
* Republican Socialist Collective
* Unity

|

Ulster loyalist parties

* Ulster Unionist Party
* Democratic Unionist Party
* Progressive Unionist Party
* Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party
* UK Unionist Party
* Ulster Democratic Party

Other parties

* Alliance Party of Northern Ireland
* Social Democratic and Labour Party

* Segregation (peace lines)
* Irish republicanism
* Irish nationalism
* Unionism
* Ulster loyalism
* United Ireland
* Free Derry
* Films
* Flags
* Murals
* Parades
* Punishment attacks
* Finances
* Special Category Status
* Shoot-to-kill policy
* HM Prison Maze
* Five techniques

* * *

Category

* v
* t
* e

Provisional Irish Republican Army

General|

* Anti-Treaty IRA
* Sinn Féin
* Republican News
* An Phoblacht
* The Green Book
* The Troubles (Timeline)
* Haughey arms crisis
* IRA campaign
* Chronology of Provisional IRA actions
* Arms importation
* Weaponry
* Barrack buster
* Improvised tactical vehicles
* Mountjoy Prison helicopter escape
* Blanket protest
* Dirty protest
* HM Prison Maze
* Anti H-Block
* 1981 Irish hunger strike
* Maze Prison escape
* Armalite and ballot box strategy
* Punishment attacks
* Disappeared
* Smithwick Tribunal
* Northern Ireland peace process
* Good Friday Agreement

Organisation|

* Chief of Staff
* IRA Army Council
* IRA Northern Command
* IRA Southern Command
* Internal Security Unit
* Active service unit
* Belfast Brigade
* Derry Brigade
* South Armagh Brigade
* East Tyrone Brigade
* Balcombe Street Gang

Actions|

| 1970–1979|

* Battle of St Matthew's
* Falls Curfew
* 1970 Crossmaglen bombing
* Scottish soldiers' killings
* Red Lion bombing
* Balmoral showroom bombing
* Abercorn bombing
* Donegall Street bombing
* Battle at Springmartin
* Battle of Lenadoon
* Bloody Friday
* Claudy bombing
* Newry customs bombing
* Old Bailey bombing
* Honey Trap killings
* King's Cross & Euston bombings
* Coleraine bombings
* 1973 Westminster bombing
* M62 bombing
* Clogher attack
* Houses of Parliament bombing
* Tower of London bombing
* Guildford pub bombings
* Harrow School bombing
* Brooks's Club bombing
* Woolwich pub bombing
* British Airways bombing attempt
* Birmingham pub bombings
* London pillar box bombings
* Talbot Arms bombing
* Bristol bombing
* Telephone exchange bombings
* 1974 Oxford Street bombing
* Carlton Tower & Portman Hotel shootings
* Mountainview attack
* Bayardo Bar attack
* Forkhill attack
* Caterham Arms bombing
* Tullyvallen massacre
* London Hilton bombing
* Piccadilly bombing
* Trattoria Fiore bombing
* Scott's Oyster Bar bombing
* Walton's Restaurant bombing
* Drummuckavall ambush
* Balcombe Street siege
* Kingsmill massacre
* West Ham station attack
* Olympia bombing
* Walker's Bar attack
* Stag Inn attack
* Garryhinch ambush
* Jonesborough Gazelle downing
* La Mon restaurant bombing
* Crossmaglen ambush
* Warrenpoint ambush
* Brussels bombing
* Dungannon attack

|

1980–1989|

* Dunmurry train bombing
* Lough Foyle attacks
* Glasdrumman ambush
* 1981 Bessbrook attack
* Chelsea Barracks bombing
* Hyde Park & Regent's Park bombings
* Harrods bombing
* Royal Artillery Barracks bombing
* Brighton hotel bombing
* Ballygawley land mine attack
* Newry mortar attack
* Ballygawley attack
* Enniskillen mortar attack
* RUC Birches barracks attack
* Rheindahlen bombing
* Loughgall ambush
* Operation Flavius
* Corporals killings
* Lisburn bombing
* Aughanduff Lynx shootdown
* 1988 Netherlands attacks
* Glamorgan barracks bombing
* Inglis Barracks bombing
* Ballygawley bus bombing
* Jonesborough ambush
* Clive Barracks bombing
* Deal barracks bombing
* Mayobridge attack
* Derryard attack

1990–1991|

* Derrygorry Gazelle downing
* South Armagh sniper
* Downpatrick roadside bomb
* Operation Conservation
* 1990 Wembley bombing
* Carlton Club bombing
* London Stock Exchange bombing
* Honourable Artillery Company bombing
* Lichfield gun attack
* RFA Fort Victoria bombing
* Proxy bombings
* Downing Street mortar attack
* Paddington & Victoria station bombings
* Mullacreevie ambush
* Glenanne barracks bombing
* Coagh ambush
* Musgrave Park Hospital bombing
* Crumlin Road Prison bombing

1992–1997|

* Teebane bombing
* Clonoe ambush
* London Bridge bombing
* Staples Cnr bombing
* Baltic Exchange bombing
* Sussex Arms bombing
* Cloghoge attack
* Coalisland riots
* Forensic Science Laboratory bombing
* Stoke Newington Road bomb
* 1992 Manchester bombing
* Night of the Long Knives
* 1993 Harrods bombing
* Warrington bombings
* Cullaville occupation
* Camden bombing
* Bishopsgate bombing
* Finchley Road bombings
* Battle of Newry Road
* Shankill Road bombing
* 1993 Fivemiletown ambush
* Heathrow attacks
* Crossmaglen Lynx downing
* Drumcree conflict
* Docklands bombing
* Aldwych bus bombing
* 1996 Manchester bombing
* Hammersmith Bridge bombing
* Osnabrück mortar attack
* Thiepval barracks bombing
* Coalisland attack
* 1997 Northern Ireland riots

Personalities
(Volunteers)|

* Paddy Agnew
* Martina Anderson
* Declan Arthurs
* Thomas Begley
* Ivor Bell
* Patricia Black
* Charles Breslin
* Edward Butler
* Paul Butler
* Joe Cahill
* Liam Campbell
* Fergal Caraher
* Malachy Carey
* Owen Carron
* Gerard Casey
* Carál Ní Chuilín
* Gabriel Cleary
* Peter Cleary
* Eamon Collins
* Eddie Copeland
* Marion Coyle
* Gerard Davison
* Matt Devlin
* Hugh Doherty
* Joe Doherty
* Kieran Doherty
* Martin Doherty
* Pat Doherty
* Colin Duffy
* Rose Dugdale
* Dessie Ellis
* Mairéad Farrell
* William Fleming
* Kieran Fleming
* Bernard Fox
* Angelo Fusco
* Michael Gaughan
* John Francis Green
* Dessie Grew
* George Harrison
* Brendan Hughes
* Francis Hughes
* Martin Hurson
* Pearse Jordan
* Brian Keenan
* Gerry Kelly
* John Kelly
* Patrick Joseph Kelly
* Sean Kelly
* Jim Lynagh
* Proinsias Mac Airt
* Breandán Mac Cionnaith
* Antoine Mac Giolla Bhrighde
* Joseph MacManus
* Seán Mac Stíofáin
* Patrick Magee
* Paul Magee
* Donna Maguire
* Larry Marley
* Paul Marlowe
* Leo Martin
* Alex Maskey
* Pearse McAuley
* Daniel McCann
* Fra McCann
* Jennifer McCann
* Raymond McCartney
* Martin McCaughey
* Raymond McCreesh
* Joe McDonnell
* Séamus McElwain
* Thomas McElwee
* Brendan McFarlane
* Tom McFeely
* Gerry McGeough
* Pat McGeown
* John Joe McGirl
* Martin McGuinness
* Pádraig McKearney
* Tommy McKearney
* Billy McKee
* Kevin McKenna
* Laurence McKeown
* Michael McKevitt
* Thomas McMahon
* Jackie McMullan
* Martin Meehan
* Ian Milne
* Arthur Morgan
* Danny Morrison
* Conor Murphy
* Thomas "Slab" Murphy
* Kieran Nugent
* Ruairí Ó Brádaigh
* Ed O'Brien
* Dáithí Ó Conaill
* Éamonn O'Doherty
* Joe B. O'Hagan
* Siobhán O'Hanlon
* Rita O'Hare
* Diarmuid O'Neill
* Dolours Price
* Marian Price
* Liam Quinn
* Paddy Quinn
* Billy Reid
* Bobby Sands
* Seán Savage
* Pat Sheehan
* Frank Stagg
* Jimmy Steele
* Bobby Storey
* Gerard Tuite
* Seamus Twomey
* Roy Walsh
* Séanna Walsh

Espionage and
Supergrasses|

* Eamon Collins
* Denis Donaldson
* Joseph Fenton
* Kevin Fulton
* Raymond Gilmour
* Martin McGartland
* Sean O'Callaghan
* Freddie Scappaticci (allegedly "Stakeknife")

Associates|

* Cumann na mBan
* Fianna Éireann
* South Armagh Republican Action Force
* Direct Action Against Drugs
* NORAID
* Clan na Gael
* Troops Out Movement

Derivatives|

* Continuity Irish Republican Army
* Real Irish Republican Army

Prominent
killings|

* Jeffery Stanford Agate
* Johnathan Ball
* Anthony Berry
* Robert Bradford
* Joe Bratty
* Matthew Burns
* Martin Cahill
* Eamon Collins
* Raymond Elder
* Gerard Evans
* Christopher Ewart-Biggs
* Joseph Fenton
* Billy Fox
* Maurice Gibson
* Ian Gow
* Heidi Hazell
* Donald Kaberry
* Andrew Kearney
* Baroness Brabourne
* William "Frenchie" Marchant
* Martin McBirney
* Jerry McCabe
* Robert McConnell
* Jean McConville
* Columba McVeigh
* Ross McWhirter
* Stephen Melrose
* Lord Mountbatten
* Lenny Murphy
* Robert Nairac
* Thomas Oliver
* Tim Parry
* Paul Quinn
* Robert Seymour
* Robert McCartney (allegedly)
* Joseph Rafferty (allegedly)
* Ray Smallwoods
* Sammy Smyth
* Nick Spanos
* James Stronge
* Norman Stronge
* Richard Sykes
* Stephen Tibble
* Sammy Ward
* Michael Willetts

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