Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Disappeared victim Ruddy is laid to rest
Tributes to man killed by INLA in 1985
REPUBLICANS who murdered and secretly buried a Co Down teacher snuffed out a life of many good qualities, his funeral has heard.
Family and friends of Seamus Ruddy, one of the Disappeared, got the chance to say a farewell in Newry yesterday.
The remains of the 32-year-old were found at Pont de l’Arche, near Rouen, in France last month.
Mr Ruddy was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the INLA in Paris in 1985. Bishop John McAreavey spoke at St Catherine’s Cathedral of the pain which Seamus’ family had endured. He said: “His death represented the snuffing-out of a life that had many wholesome qualities.
“In the years since his death, Seamus’ family and friends kept a long vigil. They grieved and prayed, they appealed for public support, which they hoped would lead to the recovery of his remains.
“They were finally able to do what they always wanted to do – have a wake, celebrate a funeral Mass for Seamus and say a personal and dignified farewell to him.
“And in the months and years ahead they will be able to visit the grave where Seamus lies.”
Mr Ruddy’s sister Anne Morgan said that she was “forever grateful” to everyone who had been involved in the search.
Three of the 16 Disappeared victims – Columba McVeigh, Joe Lynskey and Robert Nairac – have yet to be found.