His name was added to those being searched for by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) in 2022. He remains missing, along with Co Tyrone teenager Columba McVeigh, former monk Joe Lynskey and soldier Robert Nairac. The ICLVR said the search in Derryclone, Co Armagh, starting on Tuesday will be the first for Mr Maguire. It is also the first search for one of the Disappeared in Northern Ireland since the remains of Peter Wilson were recovered from the beach at
Waterfoot, Cushendall, in 2010. ICLVR lead investigator Eamonn Henry said while they believe Republican paramilitaries were involved, it is not clear which wing of the IRA was responsible. “It was initially thought that Seamus disappeared some time around 1973-1974 but it was also subsequently suggested that after spending time in Manchester he may have returned to Northern Ireland and was then killed and secretly buried in the Aghagallon/Derryclone area in 1976 aged 29,” he said. “Whatever the issues around specific dates, we are now satisfied
that there is sufficient credible information to commence a search in the Derryclone area. “The search area is around two acres in size and while unlike Bragan Bog where we searched for the remains of Columba McVeigh, regrettably without success, farmland is more stable, each search site throws up its own challenges.” He said the search will continue until they find what they are looking for or are satisfied that Mr Maguire is not there, adding: “I’m not going to put a specific timeframe on
the search”. Mr Henry also urged anyone with information about Mr Maguire’s disappearance to come forward. “There may be an assumption that because a search is underway the commission has all the information we need,” he said. “That is not necessarily the case. “If there is anyone who has any information on this case please get it to us. “All information is treated in the strictest confidence and our sole purpose is to return the remains of a loved one to their family for a
Christian burial.” In a statement, Mr Maguire’s family described him as a “much-loved eldest brother”. “He has been missing now for over 50 years,” the family said. “We hope that the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains can now recover Seamus’s body so that he can be buried in St Patrick’s graveyard in Aghagallon with our parents May and Patrick. “Our mum looked for Seamus right up until the day that she died.” Anyone with information on the other three outstanding Disappeared cases,
Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac, should contact the ICLVR on 01 602 8655 or Secretary@iclvr.ie or ICLVR PO Box 10827 Dublin.
Seamus Maguire, Derryclone, Armagh, ICLVR, Disappeared, Columba McVeigh, Joe Lynskey, Robert Nairac, Peter Wilson, Aghagallon