Minister praises family of missing Kilkenny woman at ceremony

A special ceremony, attended by the Minister for Justice Simon Harris, took place in the Castle Park yesterday to mark the 21st anniversary of  the national monument to missing people.

Kilkenny's Missing Persons National Monument has been on the grounds of Kilkenny Castle for 21 years, having been unveiled by the then President Mary McAleese on May 26, 2002.

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"I know the monument was commissioned by the Jo Jo Dullard Memorial Trust, established by Jo Jo’s late sister, Mary Phelan. I want to welcome Jo Jo’s family and indeed, all families and friends of missing people who are here this afternoon.  

"Jo Jo Dullard is missing since November 1995, more than 27 years. It is such a huge loss for the Dullard family to bear all these years and I am very sad for this loss that your family and all affected families - here today and around the country - are carrying in your hearts and minds. 

"I want to pay tribute to the late Mary Phelan, the Dullard family and others who are here today who made this monument a reality.

"This monument embodies the love and the perseverance of families and friends. It symbolises your devotion. 

"I also think this monument fulfils an important civic role in raising public awareness of missing people in our communities – and it has done so for 21 years.

"I want to thank the Dullard family again for conceiving the idea of a national monument and for making it happen. I am touched by your generosity and efforts for others in the face of your own devastating loss," said Minister Harris.

Deputy John McGuinness who has been a strong advocate for missing persons and the case of JoJo Dullard, assisted in securing the funding for the monument and has helped to arrange an annual gathering to commemorate missing persons along with Fr. Willie Purcell and the Dullard family.

 “I’m delighted that Minister Simon Harris accepted our invitation and he joinedus on this important occasion as we ensure that all of those that have disappeared without a trace are not forgotten and the search for evidence that may lead us to a final conclusion will always continue,” said Deputy John McGuinness.

“There are many families throughout the country still searching for answers. Locally I always think of JoJo Dullard and Dean Roche. It’s heart-breaking to think that JoJo’s sister Mary and Dean Roches mother Geraldine both passed away without any answers and there are so many families that share that pain. I hope this monument brings some kind of solace to them, but I also hope that these gatherings help to raise awareness and encourage anybody that has any information, no matter how small, to come forward,” he said.

Father Willie Purcell also attended the ceremony and there was prayer and reflection as well as song from the Kilkenny Gospel Choir.

Created by local artist, Ann Mulrooney, the eight feet high lattice-style bronze sculpture commemmorates missing people in Ireland.