GARDA Commissioner Noel Conroy has placed unsolved crimes as a major priority in his last year in charge of the force.

A Crimestoppers campaign seeking information on the murders of three women and disappearance of five others has produced its largest ever response, it emerged today.

A DIRECT appeal went out yesterday to anyone who may be harbouring secrets over the deaths and disappearances of eight women.

A national monument to missing people in Ireland was unveiled today by President Mary McAleese.