17/12/2025
Latest Search For Columba McVeigh Ends Without Success
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has expressed his profound regret following the conclusion of the latest search operation in Co Monaghan for the remains of disappeared teenager, Columba McVeigh.
Mr Benn's comments were made after the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) confirmed they have ceased the search at Bragan Bog. The operation had been underway since the summer, initiated after a comprehensive review of previous searches identified a new area of the bog to be excavated.
In a statement, the Secretary of State, said: "I am deeply saddened that, in spite of the substantial efforts of the Commission, the remains of Columba have not been located at Bragan Bog."
He went on to acknowledge the dedicated team involved in the work: "Having visited the site last month, I want to acknowledge the diligence and determination of the Commission to locate Columba since the first search at Bragan Bog was conducted in 1999, as well as the investigators, forensic archaeologists and the search teams for their painstaking and sensitive work."
Mr Benn concluded by offering his sympathies to the family and renewing a call for information: "Today, my thoughts are above with the family of Columba who have endured this unimaginable burden for so many years, and who only recently marked the 50th anniversary of his death."
He stressed the continuing commitment of the government to the mission, adding: "The UK Government remains committed to the work of the ICLVR. I call on anyone with information that could help the recovery of the remains of those still missing to pass that information to the Commission as soon as possible."
Mr Benn's comments were made after the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) confirmed they have ceased the search at Bragan Bog. The operation had been underway since the summer, initiated after a comprehensive review of previous searches identified a new area of the bog to be excavated.
In a statement, the Secretary of State, said: "I am deeply saddened that, in spite of the substantial efforts of the Commission, the remains of Columba have not been located at Bragan Bog."
Mr Benn concluded by offering his sympathies to the family and renewing a call for information: "Today, my thoughts are above with the family of Columba who have endured this unimaginable burden for so many years, and who only recently marked the 50th anniversary of his death."
He stressed the continuing commitment of the government to the mission, adding: "The UK Government remains committed to the work of the ICLVR. I call on anyone with information that could help the recovery of the remains of those still missing to pass that information to the Commission as soon as possible."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 September 2018
Fresh Search Begins For 'Disappeared' Victim Columba McVeigh
A fresh search operation is underway to locate the remains of IRA victim Columba McVeigh. The 19-year-old, who was from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in October 1975. He is one of 16 victims known as the 'Disappeared' who were murdered by republicans during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Fresh Search Begins For 'Disappeared' Victim Columba McVeigh
A fresh search operation is underway to locate the remains of IRA victim Columba McVeigh. The 19-year-old, who was from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in October 1975. He is one of 16 victims known as the 'Disappeared' who were murdered by republicans during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
30 October 2015
The Disappeared: Family Of Columba McVeigh Renew Appeal
The family of a teenager kidnapped and buried by the IRA have issued a renewed appeal for information on the eve of the 40th anniversary of his disappearance. Columba McVeigh, 19, one of the Disappeared victims, was abducted and killed on 01 November 1975. His body has never been found.
The Disappeared: Family Of Columba McVeigh Renew Appeal
The family of a teenager kidnapped and buried by the IRA have issued a renewed appeal for information on the eve of the 40th anniversary of his disappearance. Columba McVeigh, 19, one of the Disappeared victims, was abducted and killed on 01 November 1975. His body has never been found.
24 February 2009
Bog Meadows Search Underway For Boys' Remains
There has been a call for sensitivity from a local politician as police forensic teams today began examining ground close to the Bog Meadows wildlife sanctuary in west Belfast. Police were carrying out a dig at the nature reserve today after an unrelated search for unmarked babies' graves uncovered further, unexpected human remains.
Bog Meadows Search Underway For Boys' Remains
There has been a call for sensitivity from a local politician as police forensic teams today began examining ground close to the Bog Meadows wildlife sanctuary in west Belfast. Police were carrying out a dig at the nature reserve today after an unrelated search for unmarked babies' graves uncovered further, unexpected human remains.
23 September 2019
Search For Disappeared Columba McVeigh Ends
The sister of a man murdered and buried in secret by the IRA in 1975 has spoken of her family's "pain and torment" as a search for his body ends without success. Columba McVeigh, from Donaghmore in County Tyrone, was just aged 19 when he was killed. He is one of the 16 murder victims known as the Disappeared.
Search For Disappeared Columba McVeigh Ends
The sister of a man murdered and buried in secret by the IRA in 1975 has spoken of her family's "pain and torment" as a search for his body ends without success. Columba McVeigh, from Donaghmore in County Tyrone, was just aged 19 when he was killed. He is one of the 16 murder victims known as the Disappeared.
27 August 2014
New Search Begins In Co Meath For 'Disappeared' Victim
A new search for the remains of Brendan Megraw, one of the Disappeared, is underway in Oristown, Co Meath. Mr Megraw was 23-years-old when he was abducted by the IRA from his home in west Belfast in April 1978. Led by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains, the new search will focus on a bog in Oristown, near Kells.
New Search Begins In Co Meath For 'Disappeared' Victim
A new search for the remains of Brendan Megraw, one of the Disappeared, is underway in Oristown, Co Meath. Mr Megraw was 23-years-old when he was abducted by the IRA from his home in west Belfast in April 1978. Led by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains, the new search will focus on a bog in Oristown, near Kells.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.