DNA Tests Reveal Incorrect Body Buried in Family Plot
Bizarre/Strange
Monday 24th, March 2025
4 minute read.
The remains discovered in a family grave in Annyalla, Co Monaghan, last November have been confirmed as neither belonging to Joe Lynskey nor any of the remaining members of the Disappeared, the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has revealed. The revelation leaves authorities with a new mystery as the remains do not belong to the family interred in the plot either.
The exhumation took place following fresh information received by the Commission regarding the location of Lynskey’s body. However, DNA analysis has now ruled out the possibility that the remains belong to the former Cistercian monk and IRA member, who was abducted and murdered by the organisation in 1972.
ICLVR lead investigator Jon Hill confirmed the results of the DNA examination, stating, "The results of the DNA examination of the remains have now eliminated them as being those of the family to whom the grave belongs and now also eliminated them as being those of Joe Lynskey or any of the Disappeared".
Mr Hill extended his sympathies to both the Lynskey family and the relatives of those buried in the disturbed grave. He acknowledged the distress caused by the exhumation process, noting that all affected families had been informed.
"We know that this news is deeply disappointing for the Lynskey family and the thoughts of everyone in the Commission are with them at this most difficult time. We are also conscious that this was a distressing experience for the family whose grave was opened to facilitate the exhumation".
This is not the first time that a search for Lynskey’s remains has led to unexpected discoveries. Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Hill recalled a previous search that uncovered the bodies of two other Disappeared victims, Seamus Wright and Kevin McKee, in 2012.
"It’s just so tragic that an event such as this has happened to the same family on two occasions. On the first occasion, back in 2012, we recovered the remains of Seamus Wright and Kevin McKee. And again, that was when we were undertaking the search for Joe Lynskey".
Despite the setback, the Commission remains committed to uncovering the truth and continues to appeal for fresh information. Mr Hill reiterated that the decision to exhume the grave was not made lightly, and that it was based on multiple pieces of intelligence.
"A number of strains of information put together led to the exhumation".
The latest development means that four members of the Disappeared remain unfound: Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Seamus Maguire, and British soldier Robert Nairac.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan expressed his sorrow over the outcome, stating, "I held hope that the Lynskey family would finally be able to lay him to rest. I am saddened that this is not the case".
Mr O’Callaghan also acknowledged the distress caused to the family whose grave was opened, thanking them for their understanding. He commended the ongoing efforts of the ICLVR, assuring them of continued government support.
"I want also to commend the dedicated and ceaseless humanitarian work of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains. I assure them and the families of the Disappeared of my and the Government’s support for their ongoing work".
Meanwhile, UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn echoed the call for information, urging anyone who may have knowledge about Lynskey or the other missing individuals to come forward.
"Today’s news is a reminder of the importance of this humanitarian work. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could help bring closure and peace to these families who have waited so long for answers".
The Gardaí have confirmed they are making further inquiries to assist the coroner in establishing the identity of the remains exhumed at Annyalla. As investigations continue, the hope remains that those who still search for their missing loved ones will one day find the answers they seek.
The exhumation took place following fresh information received by the Commission regarding the location of Lynskey’s body. However, DNA analysis has now ruled out the possibility that the remains belong to the former Cistercian monk and IRA member, who was abducted and murdered by the organisation in 1972.
ICLVR lead investigator Jon Hill confirmed the results of the DNA examination, stating, "The results of the DNA examination of the remains have now eliminated them as being those of the family to whom the grave belongs and now also eliminated them as being those of Joe Lynskey or any of the Disappeared".
Mr Hill extended his sympathies to both the Lynskey family and the relatives of those buried in the disturbed grave. He acknowledged the distress caused by the exhumation process, noting that all affected families had been informed.
"We know that this news is deeply disappointing for the Lynskey family and the thoughts of everyone in the Commission are with them at this most difficult time. We are also conscious that this was a distressing experience for the family whose grave was opened to facilitate the exhumation".
This is not the first time that a search for Lynskey’s remains has led to unexpected discoveries. Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Hill recalled a previous search that uncovered the bodies of two other Disappeared victims, Seamus Wright and Kevin McKee, in 2012.
"It’s just so tragic that an event such as this has happened to the same family on two occasions. On the first occasion, back in 2012, we recovered the remains of Seamus Wright and Kevin McKee. And again, that was when we were undertaking the search for Joe Lynskey".
Despite the setback, the Commission remains committed to uncovering the truth and continues to appeal for fresh information. Mr Hill reiterated that the decision to exhume the grave was not made lightly, and that it was based on multiple pieces of intelligence.
"A number of strains of information put together led to the exhumation".
The latest development means that four members of the Disappeared remain unfound: Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Seamus Maguire, and British soldier Robert Nairac.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan expressed his sorrow over the outcome, stating, "I held hope that the Lynskey family would finally be able to lay him to rest. I am saddened that this is not the case".
Mr O’Callaghan also acknowledged the distress caused to the family whose grave was opened, thanking them for their understanding. He commended the ongoing efforts of the ICLVR, assuring them of continued government support.
"I want also to commend the dedicated and ceaseless humanitarian work of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains. I assure them and the families of the Disappeared of my and the Government’s support for their ongoing work".
Meanwhile, UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn echoed the call for information, urging anyone who may have knowledge about Lynskey or the other missing individuals to come forward.
"Today’s news is a reminder of the importance of this humanitarian work. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could help bring closure and peace to these families who have waited so long for answers".
The Gardaí have confirmed they are making further inquiries to assist the coroner in establishing the identity of the remains exhumed at Annyalla. As investigations continue, the hope remains that those who still search for their missing loved ones will one day find the answers they seek.
