20/08/2026
We would like to thank everyone who attended the peaceful memorial walk on Sunday.
We take great comfort from the many people who turned up to support us in our quest to get justice for Joe.
A couple of things to be reflected on…
Firstly, we have never seen the need for any Garda presence at this peaceful walk.
I now question why we had an increased Garda presence this year. Having 2 Gardaí directly with us at the meeting point and walking up behind us, to then arrive at the house and be greeted by another 3 Gardaí standing directly in front of the property, isn't right.
Why would anyone think they were needed there?
This action denied our family the chance of throwing roses over the gate and into the drive where Joe was found, simply marking a symbol of our love for Joe, was very distressing to us as a family.
These were instead placed on the boundary of the property.
I have emailed them to see if they will have this conversation with me and answer my questions regarding their presence on Sunday.
I would love to hear their thoughts on the increased numbers and “in our face” presence there this year, and the reasoning behind it.
Why weren’t we contacted beforehand and advised of this presence?
What are their views on the substantial costs involved in having such an unwarranted presence, and is this deemed cost-effective?
Secondly.
Look at the photos of the house, comparing it from 8 years ago to how it was on Sunday.
8 years ago: A very normal house that you see often in the Mayo countryside.
On Sunday: Guards in front of the property. CCTV cameras clearly visible, with additional new ones added this year. A hedge that has the freedom to grow and grow. A white van positioned across the drive, obscuring the view of the front door. All windows with either shutters or blinds fully closed.
It feels like a voluntary prison for the occupants, of their own making, well hidden from the public eye for whatever reason.
I can’t understand why they, who say they want to assist us and the Gardaí in finding out what happened there 9 years ago and have nothing to hide, have allowed this transformation to happen to their property.
The transformation maybe can be seen as symbolic of “The Wall of Silence”denying the right to find out what happened there 9 years ago.
We continually pray that this silence will end soon, hoping people will find the strength to come forward and share what they know regarding the brutal murder that occurred there 9 years ago.
Paul
