Family still suffering 20 years on

THERE can be fewer ordeals worse than not knowing what has become of a family member and Deirdre Jacob’s parents live with that torture every day.

Yesterday heartbroken Michael and Bernie Jacob made an emotional appeal for anyone with even a sliver of information.

They also pointed out that notorious rapist Larry Murphy must not be the only suspect in Deirdre’s disappearance 20 years ago.

There are also dozens of other families around the country who endure similar suffering not knowing what happened to their loved ones.

The discovery of Elaine O’hara’s remains in 2013 brought into focus the number of missing women in Ireland. It led to the arrest and conviction of sadistic murderer Graham Dwyer, – proving killers can be brought to justice if a victim’s body can be found.

There is also the possibility that one or more serial killers might be responsible for some of the disappeared women.

Michael and Bernie Jacob believe there are still a few pieces missing from the jigsaw that might lead to the truth about their daughter.

Their call for a dedicated missing persons unit to help co-ordinate searches and piece together information should be considered.

Anyone with even the slightest bit of information must help this family find peace and bring Deirdre’s killer to justice.