On 19th anniversary of Paul Quinn's murder, gardaí appeal to 'anyone who was afraid to talk'

Paul Quinn: Tied up by gang and subjected to a violent and sustained attack. File picture

Gardaí have issued a fresh appeal for information about the murder of 21-year-old Paul Quinn on the 19th anniversary of his death, urging "anyone who was afraid to talk" to now come forward.

Paul was murdered in the Tullyvanus area of Monaghan on Saturday, October 20 2007, after being lured to a shed by a number of men.

When they arrived, they were attacked by a gang of up 10 masked men, some of whom were armed with weapons.

Paul and his friend were tied up by the gang and Paul was then subjected to a violent and sustained attack by these men.

The gang left the scene in what is believed to be a white coloured van.

To date, this van has not been recovered and gardaí continue to seek any information which may assist in identifying and locating it.

The investigation into his murder, which remains ongoing, has seen 23 people arrested — 14 by An Garda Síochána and nine by the PSNI.

Detective Superintendent Ronan Carey thanked the community for their assistance to date and for providing new and valuable lines of enquiry.

"Today I am again renewing my appeal to you, the local community, because you have the information we need to progress this investigation," he said.

"I am particularly appealing to the people in the Cullyhanna area of South Armagh. I am appealing to those men who were in the shed and also to friends or family members of these men who know what happened on October 20, 2007, and who, since that time, continue to carry the burden of knowing what happened to Paul on their conscience."

He added: "Time has now passed and the nature of relationships may have changed.

"I appeal to anyone who was afraid to talk to us over the last 19 years to now come forward. Maybe there was a reason you were afraid, but now is the time to come forward and tell us what you know in confidence."

Det Supt Carey added: "I ask that you either call to Castleblayney Garda Station and to speak a garda or speak to any garda or member of the PSNI who you may know, who will in turn contact the investigation team."

"If you feel you cannot do this, I appeal to you to contact gardaí or the PSNI through any of the following phone numbers or the confidential telephone lines anonymously and help us to bring closure to Paul’s parents Breege and Stephen Quinn who continue to suffer the terrible loss of their son Paul."