A third day of searches of premises and lands at Rusheenamanagh, Carna took place yesterday (Wednesday ) as part of the investigation into the disappearance of local woman Barbara Walsh, more than three decades ago.
Ms Walsh was reported missing on June 29, 1985. S — having being last seen at her home in Carna seven days previously on June 22 at approximately 4am. The mother of seven was 33 years of age at the time.
A full review of the case was launched in January 2015 as part of an ongoing review of all missing persons in the Galway Garda Division. A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed and an incident room has been established. 112 lines of enquiry have been generated and close to 60 people have been interviewed in the course of this review.
The search is taking place at her family home which has been cordoned off with corrugated sheeting for the duration of the probe this week. An excavator is being used for the dig and a sniffer cadaver dog who is used to look for human remains, was brought in from the UK on Monday.
The planned and structured searches are being carried out by investigating gardaí with the assistance of the Garda Technical Bureau.
Ms Walsh, who was known as Babe Dara Aindriú, is remembered in the area as being a joyful person who was very close to her seven children. Her husband Dara died some years ago.
On the night that Ms Walsh was last seen, a family party was held in the local pub to welcome home her husband’s brother who had arrived from Australia. Many of those who attended also came to the Walsh house afterwards. Her disappearance was not reported to the gardai until a week later.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have any information about Barbara’s disappearance, to contact them at Clifden Garda station on 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
