Irish police have renewed their appeal for information into the murder of Paul Quinn, a 21-year-old man beaten to death in a farm shed in Co Monaghan 19 years ago. The anniversary of his death falls on Tuesday, and gardaí are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Background and Family Campaign
Paul Quinn's family, who have maintained a campaign for justice, believe members of the IRA were responsible for the killing. Sinn Féin has long denied any republican involvement in the murder.
To date, 23 people have been arrested in connection with the murder, but no one has ever been charged. The investigation continues to involve close cooperation between An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Details of the Attack
According to a Garda spokesperson, Mr Quinn and a friend were attacked by a gang of between eight and ten masked men. The pair are believed to have travelled in a car to outbuildings and sheds at Tullyvanus, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, at around 6pm on October 20, 2007. On arrival, they were attacked by the gang, some of whom were armed with weapons.
Gardaí have said Mr Quinn and his friend were tied up, and Mr Quinn was then subjected to a violent and sustained attack. The attackers are believed to have fled the scene in a white-coloured van, which has never been recovered. Of the 23 arrested, 14 were arrested in the Republic of Ireland and nine in Northern Ireland.
Appeal to the Community
Detective Superintendent Ronan Carey issued an appeal to the people of the Cullyhanna area of south Armagh, saying: "Today I am again renewing my appeal to you, the local community, because you have the information we need to progress this investigation. I am particularly appealing to the people in the Cullyhanna area of South Armagh."
He added: "I am appealing to those men who were in the shed and also to friends or family members of these men who know what happened on the 20th of October 2007 and who, since that time, continue to carry the burden of knowing what happened to Paul on their conscience. Time has now passed and the nature of relationships may have changed. I appeal to anyone who was afraid to talk to us over the last 19 years to now come forward. Maybe there was a reason you were afraid, but now is the time to come forward and tell us what you know in confidence."
Detective Superintendent Carey also appealed to anyone to contact gardaí or the PSNI, saying: "I appeal to you to contact Gardaí or the PSNI through any of the following phone numbers or the confidential telephone lines anonymously and help us to bring closure to Paul's parents Breege and Stephen Quinn who continue to suffer the terrible loss of their son Paul."
Anyone with information can contact Castleblayney Garda Station on 042 974 7900, the Garda Confidential Telephone line on 1800 666 111, or Crimestoppers (Northern Ireland) on 0800 555 111.
