12th silent walk for the Disappeared held at Stormont

The twelfth annual silent walk has taken place for those who were killed and secretly buried during Northern Ireland's troubled past.

In total, 16 people were classified as disappeared.

Three remain missing to this day.

A search is ongoing for Columba McVeigh from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, who was 19 when he was abducted and killed.

Former monk Joe Lynskey and soldier Robert Nairac also remain missing.

Searches continue for Robert Nairac, Joe Lynskey and Columba McVeigh. Credit: UTV

For the last 12 years, the families of the disappeared have taken part in a silent walk on All Souls day at Stormont.

Members of the families of the disappeared have walked from Carson's Statue to the steps of Parliament Buildings where they laid the black wreath with three white lilies representing those who have yet to be found.

Prayers were led by Father Paul Turley from Clonard Monastery.

Sandra Peake, chief executive of the Wave Trauma Centre which has supported the families since the 1990s said every year that passes makes the loss even more painful for the loved ones of those who remain missing.

She continued, "They draw huge comfort from knowing that they have the continuing support of those families who have had loved ones returned to them for Christian burial and they know that the thoughts and prayers of those who cannot come to Stormont today are with them always.

"As we gather here today we will be thinking especially of the McVeigh family as the search for Columba continues in Bragan Co Monaghan."

Mr McVeigh was abducted, shot and secretly buried in November 1975.

Republicans with knowledge of the crime have told the commission, in confidence, that he was buried across the border in Bragan bog near Emyvale.

Four previous searches in the bog have not uncovered his remains.<

The fifth search commenced in September.

A team of forensic archaeologists and technicians are combing an area measuring about 60 metres by 20 metres, a task that could take months.

Following the ceremony at Stormont, members of the McVeigh family are due to travel to the site of the dig.

They will be met there by the Archbishop of Armagh and the Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin.