Families to get bodies for burial

The bodies of two of the North's "disappeared" who were murdered by the IRA 21 years ago, are due to be returned to their families…

The bodies of two of the North's "disappeared" who were murdered by the IRA 21 years ago, are due to be returned to their families for burial this week.

Gardai discovered the bodies of Brian McKinney (22) and John McClory (17) in a shallow grave in June after a 30-day excavation in Colgagh, Iniskeen, Co Monaghan.

The two men, both from west Belfast, were abducted and murdered by the IRA in 1978. A spokesman for Dublin City Coroner's office, where the bodies have been held, yesterday said identification procedures were at an advanced stage. "Hopefully they will be completed in the next day or so and the bodies will be released soon after that."

Ms Margaret McKinney said she hoped to hold her son's funeral on Saturday. The funeral service will take place in St Theresa's church, Glen Road, west Belfast. Mr McClory is also due to be buried on Saturday.