Family of murder victim “hopeful” following meeting with Garda Commissioner

Paul Quinn was beaten to death in Co Monaghan in October 2007

Stephen and Breege Quinn outside Leinster House in 2020. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
Stephen and Breege Quinn outside Leinster House in 2020. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times

The family of murder victim Paul Quinn family said they were "very hopeful" that progress might be made in the case following a meeting with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on Thursday afternoon.

Paul Quinn (21) from Cullyhanna, Co Armagh, was beaten to death by up to 10 men in a barn in Co Monaghan on October 20th, 2007. His family has always held the IRA responsible.

Breege Quinn said she welcomed the opportunity to meet with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on Thursday "to discuss the brutal murder of my beautiful son Paul 14 years ago and to get a direct update on the Garda investigation, especially the status of new information."

“We have been encouraged in the last few weeks that they are exploring definite lines of enquiry and efforts have redoubled to bring Paul’s killers to justice,” she said.

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Speaking to the Irish Times after the meeting at the Garda headquarters in Phoenix Park, Ms Quinn said it went “very well” and was assured Gardaí were “making good progress” on the open case.

The family were “very hopeful” following the meeting, she said, adding “they have a lot of various case reviews to do and significant recommendations are being followed up as well. So it was very good to hear that.”

“Gardaí down home have been good to us. They call in on a regular basis and check on us. I was very happy coming away from the Garda Commissioner and we were told any time we wanted to go see him it was no bother.”

"It's been fourteen years now. It's hard. I just want justice for my son and the people all over Northern Ireland just want justice for theirs. Our family will never rest until we get truth and justice for Paul."