Updated 12.10pm
A FRESH APPEAL for information has been made on the 10th anniversary of Paul Quinn’s brutal murder.
The 21-year-old was beaten to death by a gang of eight to 10 men at a barn in Tullycora, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan on 20 October 2007.
In the last decade, 23 people have been arrested during the course of the investigation – 14 in the Republic and nine in Northern Ireland.
It is widely believed that former or current IRA members were involved in the murder.
The investigation is still active and is currently being reviewed by An Garda Síochána’s Serious Crime Review Team and local detectives. Over 700 statements have been obtained by gardaí and nearly 2,000 individual lines of inquiry have been pursued.
Gardaí have issued the fresh appeal for information in conjunction with Crimestoppers, which is offering a substantial reward for information, and local and national media outlets.
Last night, RTÉ’s Prime Time ran a programme about the investigation. A Crimecall appeal is set to be conducted in early November.
https://www.facebook.com/RTEPrimeTime/videos/1272277629585629/
Paul’s mother Breege told Prime Time: “I remember going into the hospital. I think it was a nun came out. An then the doctors came out after and they shook our hands and said, ‘They left nothing to fix.’
After that, I barely remember the funeral. I know we couldn’t put rosary beads in his hands, they had smashed them up that badly. I really don’t know how people can live with themselves, I really don’t.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Carrickmacross Garda Station on 042 9690190, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 1800 25 00 25.
‘Relationships may have changed’
Speaking to TheJournal.ie today, Detective Inspector James O’Leary of Monaghan Garda Station said the Quinns are “a very strong family”, stating: “They’re brilliant with what they’ve gone through.”
He urged anyone with information to come forward, and thanked those who have already done so.
“We tend to find that with the passage of time, relationships may have changed, circumstances may have changed. Something that prevented a person from coming forward in the past may no longer exist or be relevant.
Sometimes people like to unburden themselves if they have kept a secret.
When asked about the potential link to the IRA, O’Leary: “The affiliation a person may or may not have with any organisation – legal or illegal – is secondary to the aim of gathering evidence to bring the perpetrators before the courts.”
South Armagh and Monaghan
In a statement, Superintendent Alan Cunningham said: “It’s now 10 years since Paul was murdered and we hope that with the passing of time some members of the public will be willing to come forward. We know that there are people out there who have the information to help us solve this case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
We are particularly keen to hear from people in the south County Armagh and Monaghan areas. If a member of the public prefers to give the information without identifying themselves, they can call Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25.
“They will not be asked for any of their personal details. Otherwise information can be given to investigating gardaí at Carrickmacross Garda Station or any garda station.”
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