'We want to know what happened': Family of missing Galway mother appeal for information 36 years after disappearance

Barbara Walsh has been missing since 1985

"We just want to know where she is so we can bring her home and lay her to rest."

Those are the words of Jacqueline Walsh, the daughter of a woman who went missing from her home in Co Galway 36 years ago today. 

Her mother Barbara Walsh was 33 when she went missing on June 22, 1985. 

The married woman and mother to seven children, ranging in age from 17 years old to just nine months, went missing the day after a small gathering of family and friends in her home. The last sighting of Ms Walsh was in the early hours of the following day.

She was never seen or heard from again.

“We know our mother did not leave us on the morning of June 22, 1985,” Ms Walsh said.

“Not knowing what has happened to her all these years has taken a significant toll on us all as a family.

“We are appealing to anyone who has information – now is the time to come forward."

Barbara Walsh was last seen at her family home in Co Galway on June 22, 1985

“We want our mother back, we want to know what happened on June 22, 1985, and we want that information to come to light, no matter what that might mean.” 

Detective Sergeant Colm Mac Donnachadha said gardaí in Galway continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Barbara’s disappearance.

“Carna is a close-knit Gaeltacht community and we believe there are people in this community who may have information that can help our investigation.

“We are appealing to the people in the community surrounding Rusheenamanagh to come forward with any piece of information, however small, and allow An Garda Siochana to evaluate its importance in unlocking this mystery.

“We are conscious that we now live in a very different era to 1985 and perhaps now with that passage of time, people may feel more comfortable sharing that information with us."

Detective Seargent Mac Donnachadha said Ms Walsh was "a dedicated mother and wife" whose disappearance has caused great anxiety and worry to her young family who are now adults and parents themselves. 

"Ahead of what would be her 70th birthday, we are asking those with information, no matter how insignificant they think it is, to make contact with us."

"By partnering with Crimestoppers as part of this appeal, those with information may benefit from a cash reward for supplying information that leads to a significant development in the case," he added.

Gardaí believe individuals in Carna have information that can help their investigtion Picture: Henry Wills

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. 

Over 100 lines of inquiry were generated with some 66 people interviewed during the course of this review.  

A large number of searches were also carried out in the area of Rusheenamanagh at that time, and since, by investigating Gardaí with the assistance of the Garda Technical Bureau, a cadaver dog from the UK and a forensic anthropologist. 

Gardai say they are also liaising with Interpol in respect of this investigation but have been unable to find any information which would indicate Ms Walsh left the jurisdiction.

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 250 025, Salthill Garda Station on 091-514720, any garda station or the confidential line 1800 666 111.