The family of Barbara Walsh, who went missing in Carna 36 years ago today, have appealed for anyone who may know something to come forward so that they can lay their mother to rest.
Gardaí today made a renewed appeal for information regarding the disappearance of Barbara Walsh, who was last seen at her home in Rusheenamanagh, Carna in the early hours of June 22, 1985.
In particular An Garda Síochána are appealing to the wider Carna community for their assistance, and believe that individuals in this Gaeltacht community have information which may provide Barbara’s family with some answers.
On Friday June 21, 1985 Barbara held a party at her house in Rusheenamanagh in Carna. She was last seen at her home at 4am on June 22, 1985. Her family have not seen or heard from her since.
An Garda Síochána in Galway have been working closely with Barbara’s family over the years. Her children, siblings and extended family want to know what happened to her.
Detective Sergeant Colm Mac Donnachadha said that this is still a live investigation, and that they believe people in the community may have information that would be of assistance.
“Carna is a close-knit Gaeltacht community and we believe there are people in this community who may have information that can help our investigation.”
“We are appealing to the people in the community surrounding Rusheenamanagh to come forward with any piece of information however small and allow An Garda Síochána to evaluate its importance in unlocking this mystery”.
“We are conscious that we now live in a very different era to 1985 and now with that passage of time, people may feel more comfortable sharing information with us.”
Barbara’s daughter Jacqueline Walsh said “We know our mother did not leave us on the morning of June 22, 1985. Not knowing what has happened to her all these years has taken a significant toll on us all as a family.”
“We just want to know where she is so we can bring her home, and lay her to rest,” she added.
“We are appealing to anyone who has information – now is the time to come forward. We want our mother back, we want to know what happened on June 22, 1985, and we want that information to come to light, no matter what that might mean.”
Gardaí conducted a full review of the case in 2015, and a series of searches in the area around her home were carried out at the time with the assistance of the Garda Technical Bureau, a cadaver dog from the UK, and also a forensic anthropologist.
An Garda Síochána have also liaised with Interpol during the course of the investigation, and have not found any information that would indicate Barbara left the jurisdiction.
Gardaí say they will continue to act on any information received in order to find answers for Barbara’s family, who are desperate to finally find their mother.
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 250 025, Salthill Garda Station on 091-514720, any Garda Station, the confidential line 1800 666 111.
