Kilkenny memorial to mark 28 years since JoJo’s disappearance

A special gathering will take place this Saturday (November 11) to mark the 28th anniversary of the disappearance of Kilkenny woman, JoJo Dullard.

The occasion will be marked with a special gathering at the Kilkenny’s Missing Persons national monument on Saturday organised by Kathleen Bergin, Fr Willie Purcell and Deputy John McGuinness. Music will be provided by Kilkenny Gospel Choir and all are welcome to attend.

The monument was unveiled by then President Mary McAleese on May 26, 2002 and features the handprints of family members of the missing. The monument was commissioned by a trust established by the late Mary Phelan, from Callan, Co Kilkenny, whose sister, JoJo Dullard has not been seen since November 1995.

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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.

“This is important occasion every year 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. This is important for so many families including that of JoJo Dullard and Dean Roche,” said Deputy John McGuinness.

“There are many families throughout the country still searching for answers. It is 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 annual event 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.

“We must never lose hope in terms of finding JoJo and others like her and help them on their final journey home to their families. One way we can do this is through prayer and support. I would call on anyone who may have information to come forward,” said Fr. Willie Purcell.

People are advised to meet at the entrance to Kilkenny Castle at 12 midday on Saturday November 11. There will then be a walk to the monument where there will be prayer and reflection, music by Kilkenny Gospel Choir and an address from Deputy John McGuinness and Mayor Joe Malone. All are welcome to attend.