The investigation into the disappearance of Joe Lynskey, one of the Disappeared victims, has brought about a difficult time for his family. The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) is working on the exhumation of a grave in Co Monaghan to uncover the truth about the remains found there in the village of Annyalla. Joe Lynskey, a former monk from Belfast who later joined the IRA, was abducted, murdered, and buried secretly by the IRA in 1972, making him one of 17 people who suffered a similar fate during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The ICLVR received information about suspicious activities related to the 1970s at a grave in Annyalla cemetery, leading them to focus on this location. It wasn’t until 2010 that they discovered Joe Lynskey was one of the Disappeared, and multiple searches since then have failed to locate his remains. Lead investigator Jon Hill expressed the challenges faced by the Lynskey family during this time, as they have experienced disappointment in previous searches for Joe’s remains.
The exhumation process in Annyalla cemetery has brought mixed emotions for the Lynskey family, with hopes and fears intertwined. While they try to remain guarded in their expectations, they are eager to find closure and uncover the truth about Joe’s fate. The commission, along with An Garda Siochana, is working on DNA examinations of the multiple sets of remains found in the family grave to identify Joe Lynskey’s remains. If identified, further examinations and investigations will be carried out involving the coroner and State pathologist.
The unusual search process in a churchyard presents its own challenges compared to typical searches in fields or bog land. However, the commission is determined to follow through with the exhumation to eliminate the possibility that the remains found could belong to Joe Lynskey. The commission, established during the peace process, has been successful in finding thirteen of the Disappeared victims and continues to work on locating the remaining individuals, including Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Captain Robert Nairac, and Seamus Maguire.
Jon Hill emphasized the importance of community involvement in providing crucial information to aid in their investigations. The commission remains committed to uncovering the truth and bringing closure to the families of the Disappeared victims. As they work diligently on this challenging task, they urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in their efforts to find the remaining victims.
