Bishop appeals for information on ‘The Disappeared’

Bishop Michael Smith’s comments come as a search is underway in Coghalstown bog, close to Oristown in Co. Meath

The Bishop of Meath has made a fresh appeal for information that might help locate the bodies of victims who disappeared during the Troubles in the North.

At the close of the Confirmation ceremony in Oristown parish today (Wednesday), Bishop Smith said all the victims’ families want “is to give their loved ones a decent Christian burial”.

“No retribution is suffered by anyone giving information since a law enacted both here and in Britain protects them. Sadly there may be people in the area that have information which would help in bringing closure to this sorry saga,” he said.

“In these circumstances that anyone in a position to relieve the suffering and pain of the families would refuse to do is a challenge to their conscience. They will ultimately be accountable before God,” the bishop added.

Search

Bishop Smith’s comments come as a search is underway in Coghalstown bog, close to Oristown in Co. Meath where the body of Brendan Megraw (23) was discovered last October.

“You will be aware that the Commission searching for The Disappeared is engaged at present in another search at Coghalstown bog, prompted by new information received,” the bishop said.

“That four young men were murdered and their bodies dumped in unmarked graves in this area is a deep stain on the good name of this parish. These actions have brought immense pain and suffering to their extended families over the past forty years,” he said.