Remains found in bog confirmed as those of IRA disappeared victim Brendan Megraw

AFTER a month long wait, human remains found in Co Meath have now been confirmed as those of IRA murder victim Brendan Megraw.

His remains were found in a drainage ditch on Oristown bog, near Kells, by contractors called in to prepare the site for forensic excavations.

DNA tests have positively identified the remains as those of Mr Megraw.

He was on of 16 men and women kidnapped by the IRA, murdered and then secretly buried in shallow graves.

The coroner for the city of Dublin has accepted this as evidence of identification and will shortly authorise the release of the remains to the family.

In a statement, Brendan Megraw’s brother, Kieran, said the family are relieved that he has been found.

“He has been alone for nearly 40 years and now we can bring him home and lay him to rest with our mum and dad,” he said.

“We want to thank all those who have supported us over the years.”

He added: “Brendan was found because more information came in to refine the search area and we are hugely grateful for whoever provided it.

“We hope and pray that the suffering of those still waiting for the return of their loved ones will soon be brought to an end”.

Mr Megraw was 23 when he was abducted from Twinbrook, west Belfast in 1978, and murdered by the IRA.

He had recently been married and was awaiting the birth of his daughter.

His kidnappers had drugged his wife, Marie, in their home as they waited for his return, and as they took him away they warned her not to worry or contact police.

The Megraw family were only told by the IRA in 1999 that he was one of the Disappeared and his body had been dumped on the bogland near the town of Kells in County Meath.

Three previous searches for Mr Megraw, the most recent in 2010, were unsuccessful.

The Disappeared were abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republican paramilitaries during the Troubles.