Clodagh Finn: When grieving for a missing family member can't even begin

At this time of year, the emotional impact seems even sharper. There is an empty chair at the table, yet there is no grave to visit.

Sandra Collins went missing from Killala, Co Mayo, 25 years ago. Her brother spoke of what is known of her last few days and the agonising years that have elapsed since.

The only trace of Sandra Collins that was ever found after she went missing 25 years ago was her fleece jacket — discovered on the pier in Killala, Co Mayo — but the significance of her too-short life was brought into sharp focus on Thursday in one of the most affecting radio interviews I have ever heard.

On the 25th anniversary of her disappearance, her brother Patrick Collins spoke with unusual eloquence about what is known of her last few days, and the agonising years that have elapsed since then.