O'Connor family in appeal to IRA
Thursday, 16 June 2005 21:32The family of Gareth O'Connor, whose body was found at the weekend in Newry Canal, has called for all the bodies of the Disappeared to be recovered.
Mr O'Connor, a 24-year-old father of two from Armagh, had been missing for two years. His body was formally identified yesterday with the help of DNA tests.
Detectives and his family believe he was killed by the IRA, but the group has denied any involvement.
The remains of several people abducted, killed and secretly buried by the IRA during the Troubles are still missing.
Gareth's uncle, Paul O'Connor, said the family was very aware of other families whose loved ones were still missing. 'Our hope today would be that all of the bodies would be recovered', Mr O'Connor said in a BBC interview.
He said if that happened the families might be able 'to come to terms with their situation and to get some closure'.
The bodies of three victims were found in 1999 and one in 2003.
Gareth O'Connor's funeral will be held on Saturday morning. He will be buried after 11.30am requiem Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh.
