Gardaí have today (Tuesday, June 16), renewed their appeal for information on the brutal murder of man Terence (Terry) McKeever, whose body was found just over the border in south Armagh 40 years ago.
The remains of Mr McKeever – who was originally from Armagh but living in Dublin – were discovered close to Mullaghduff Bridge, around 25 metres inside Northern Ireland near Cullyhanna, on June 16, 1986.
It is believed the 30-year-old was abducted along the Monaghan/South Armagh border area and fatally shot before his body was dumped at the roadside.
Despite extensive investigations on both sides of the border, no one has ever been brought to justice.
Marking the 40th anniversary of the killing, investigating Gardaí say they believe there are people who may now be in a position to come forward with information that, for various reasons, they could not provide at the time.
At approximately 6.50am on the morning of June 16, 1986, Mr McKeever left his home at Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, driving a champagne-coloured BMW 735i, registration ‘FIB 735’.
It is believed he travelled north along the N2 from Dublin towards Co Monaghan, passing through Slane and Ardee, and continuing on in the direction of Monaghan and Armagh city.
Investigators believe he was abducted somewhere along this intended route, in the wider Monaghan/South Armagh border area, before his remains were later found at Mullaghduff Bridge, near Cullyhanna.
His BMW was discovered the following day, June 17, in Carnagh, outside Keady.
As part of the investigation, Gardaí also recovered a blue Toyota Liteace van on June 18, 1986.
The van, bearing stolen number plates ‘UZY 125’, was found abandoned off the N52 at Mapastown, Ardee, Co Louth. Gardaí believe this van was used in the course of Mr McKeever’s abduction and murder.
The vehicle had originally been stolen in Dundalk on May 21, 1986, and would have been driven with either its original registration ‘7533 KI’ or the stolen plates ‘UZY 125’ in the weeks that followed.
Gardaí say they are particularly interested in speaking to anyone with information on:
– Terence McKeever’s movements on the morning of June 16, 1986
– The theft and storage of the blue Toyota Liteace van (original reg ‘7533 KI’ or stolen reg ‘UZY 125’) between May 21 and June 18, 1986
– The movements of Mr McKeever’s champagne-coloured BMW 735i, registration ‘FIB 735’, which was later located at Carnagh, Co Armagh on June 17, 1986
A spokesperson said that, with the passage of time, loyalties, relationships and circumstances may have changed, and someone who could not speak in 1986 may now feel able to do so.
They added that even seemingly small or insignificant details could prove crucial in finally advancing the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact: Ardee Garda Station on 041 685 3222. The Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Information will be treated in strict confidence.
