Gardaí renew appeal for information on 19th anniversary of Paul Quinn murder

Gardaí have renewed their appeal for information on the murder of Paul Quinn, as the 19th anniversary of the 21-year-old’s death is marked today, Tuesday, October 20.

At around 6:00pm on Saturday 20th October 2007, Paul Quinn and a friend travelled in a car to outbuildings and sheds at Tullyvanus, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.

When they arrived, they were attacked by a gang of between 8 to 10 masked men, some of whom were armed with weapons. Paul and his friend were tied up by the gang and Paul was then subjected to a violent and sustained attack by these men.

The gang left the scene in what is believed to be a white coloured van. To date, this van has not been recovered and Gardaí continue to seek any information which may assist in identifying and locating it.

During the course of the investigation, 23 people have been arrested. This includes 14 people who were arrested by An Garda Síochána and 9 people who were arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. An Garda Siochana and the PSNI continue to work very closely on this investigation on both sides of the Monaghan and Armagh border.

Detective Superintendent Ronan Carey thanked the community for their assistance to date and providing new and valuable lines of enquiry.

"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.

“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.

"I ask that you either call to Castleblayney Garda Station and to speak to a Garda or speak to any Garda or member of the PSNI who you may know, who will in turn contact the investigation team.

“If you feel you cannot do this, 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,” said Detective Superintendent Carey.

An Garda Síochána say the solving of this murder is of utmost priority for them and any information received will be treated with absolute confidentiality. Liaison continues with the Quinn family, who are updated regularly on any developments in the case.

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.