Mother of IRA murder victim dies

The mother of an IRA murder victim whose body was never found, suffered a major stroke last week and died in Craigavon Area Hospital.

82-year-old Vera McVeigh campaigned for the return of her son's body after the IRA secretly buried his body in 1975.

Columba McVeigh, 17, was abducted in Dublin but despite a series of searches his remains were never recovered.

Her son Oliver said: "She wasn't afraid of dying, but there was only one thing she ever wanted.

"The last eight or nine years certainly took their toll on my mother, but she hung on in hope. She wanted Columba in the family grave and then she'd be happy to follow him."

Mrs McVeigh met with the Rev Ian Paisley at her home in Donaghmore, County Tyrone last November as part of her campaign to have her son's body found. He has contacted the family to pass on his condolences.

Oliver continued: "I wouldn't be her son if I didn't keep the campaign going. It will be more vigorous than ever. I just hope that the people who refused to come forward to help, including some locals, are proud of themselves."

(CD/SP)