Quinn family visit Dublin for Dáil talks

The parents of murdered Armagh man Paul Quinn today met with TDs in Leinster House and later held talks with Garda Commissioner…

The parents of murdered Armagh man Paul Quinn today met with TDs in Leinster House and later held talks with Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy.

Mr Quinn, 21, from Cullyhanna was beaten to death in a cattle shed in Co Monaghan on October 20 last year, with nearly every major bone in his body broken.

An intensive murder investigation has seen Garda officers crossing the Border to make door-to-door inquiries with PSNI officers.

A total of 12 people have been arrested and questioned since July but all were later released.

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The victim’s father, Stephen Quinn said there was still a wall of silence from the local community in South Armagh but he remained hopeful of a breakthrough soon.

“There would still be a level of intimidation, yes. But hopefully we will get rid of that.”

He added: “I don’t think people are as afraid as they were before. People are starting to get a bit stronger in themselves.

Mr Quinn also called on Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy to withdraw claims that their son was a ‘criminal’.

Mother, Breege Quinn asked politicians to continue to raise public awareness about the murder and its investigation.

The family paid tribute to the close co-operation between the Garda and PSNI.

"We’re very happy with them. They’re doing their job in a very efficient way,” Mr Quinn explained.

Paramilitary ceasefire watchdog the International Monitoring Commission (IMC) blamed the murder on former Provisional IRA members or associates.

Since July, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the killing - six in Northern Ireland and six in the Republic.

No-one has yet been charged with the murder.

An inquest opened briefly in Dundalk in June to issue a death certificate to the Quinn family but it was adjourned because of the ongoing investigation.

Cavan/Monaghan TD Margaret Conlon said that the Quinn family have maintained a dignified and resilient campaign.

“As long as there is a breath in their bodies, they will continue to fight for justice for their son,” the Fianna Fail TD said.

Mr and Mrs Quinn were accompanied on their visit to Dublin by SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell and their children, James and Kathy.

PA