The Disappeared: Unearthed remains revealed not to be of Joe Lynskey, uncovering a decades-old mystery.

Human remains discovered in grave not identified as those of missing victim Julian O'Neill BBC News NI crime and justice correspondent Published 24 March 2025 A recent excavation of human remains from a grave in County Monaghan has revealed that they do not belong to Joe Lynskey, a victim of the Troubles who was classified as one of the Disappeared. The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has confirmed that DNA tests have ruled out any connection to Mr. Lynskey's family or the other individuals who went missing during that tumultuous time. The Irish police, An Garda Síochána, have taken charge of identifying the remains and determining the rightful owner of the grave. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn expressed his sympathies for the Lynskey family and urged anyone with information to come forward in confidence to the ICLVR. The ICLVR conducted the exhumation at Annyalla cemetery after receiving a tip about suspicious activity at a grave dating back to the 1970s. While the results of the tests were disappointing for the Lynskey family, the Commission remains dedicated to finding answers. Sandra Peake of the Wave Trauma Centre described the news as a setback for the family, especially after making preparations for Mr. Lynskey's funeral. Jon Hill, lead investigator for ICLVR, acknowledged the cruelty of the situation but assured that they would continue their search with other leads. Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin expressed his condolences to both families affected by the exhumation, calling attention to the lasting impact of the Troubles on the region. Ireland's justice minister, Jim O'Callaghan, shared his disappointment that Mr. Lynskey could not be laid to rest. The Disappeared, a group of 17 individuals who were forcibly abducted and murdered during the Troubles, have been the focus of ongoing efforts to locate their remains. The ICLVR remains committed to finding the remaining four missing persons and encourages anyone with information to come forward. joe, lynskey, grave, dna, remains