DNA tests carried out on the remains found in France last week have been confirmed as those of missing Newry man, Seamus Ruddy.
The remains were discovered on Saturday May 6th by a team from the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains during a search of a forest at Pont-de-l’Arche near Rouen. The Commission has said DNA tests confirmed the body found is Mr Ruddy.
From Newry, Seamus Ruddy was working in Paris as a teacher when he was abducted, killed and secretly buried by members of the INLA in May 1985. In the intervening years, three separate searches were carried out, the most recent of which was in 2008.
New information received by the ICLVR led to this latest search which uncovered the remains just metres away from the area previously examined.
Plans for the repatriation of Seamus Ruddy’s remains are underway but could take some time.
His sister, Anne Morgan, said Seamus’ body would be taken to Dublin “and eventually we will take him home to Newry”.
“As the family are getting older it is more poignant now we are able to bring him home and at least we will have some sort of closure,” she said.
“At this time it becomes a very personal family journey but we are prepared for this and we are all together for this. Those 32 years were the longest years that we had to wait for this, the next few weeks won’t be as bad.”
Secretary of State James Brokenshire said this will be a desperately sad time for Mr Ruddy’s family and loved ones.
“I would like to express my sympathy as steps are now taken to bring Seamus home. My thoughts remain with all those families who are still awaiting the recovery of the remains of their loved ones,” he said.