'We are still crying out for help' over 100 to gather for Laois woman missing for 30 years

The brother of missing Laois woman Imelda Keenan who disappeared 30 years ago on January 3, says the family alway believed she was murdered.

Gerry Keenan who lives in Waterford has led a campaign to find his missing little sister, says they expect over 100 people to gather on the Waterford city bridge at Lombard Street where she was last seen, this Wednesday, January 3 at 3pm.

Imelda, 22 from Manor Road in Mountmellick, had moved to Waterford and was doing a training course and living with her boyfriend when she vanished without a trace, reported missing on January 3, 1994. 

Her niece Gina Kerry confirmed that a witness has come forward since Imelda's case was featured in a missing person programme. 

Gerry spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, as Garda issued a fresh appeal for information on the 30th anniversary.

"We are expecting 100 plus people, we will have speakers, a priest and music. We will be handing out bookmarks, with the words 'eternal flame' because she liked The Bangles. 

"There is more interest in the case now than ever, I think people are thinking on the same lines we are. 

"Deep down we think Imelda went missing days before she was reported. After a week or so, we as a family all thought there could be foul play. We all think she was murdered. We always did think foul play was committed," he said.

Gerry said he has given 56 interviews to media since November, with a heightened national focus on the case this year.

"It's been on every radio station and on RTE. We are trying to push this to become a murder investigation. The Gardaí don't do it lightly but they will if they think there is something there. I hope we can get closure, that is all we are looking for. I hope someone comes forward. Thirty years is a long time. 

"Several people have come forward who are possible witnesses this year and we've had two meetings in two months with the Gardaí. We hope something will click and join the jigsaw for us," he said.

The Keenan family at Waterford Garda station for a recent meeting.

"I can't imagine Imelda at 52. I can only remember her the way she was. Her dark hair, her pearly white teeth. They say they identify people from dental records but she hadn't even had an extraction. Still if I walk down the street in Waterford or Portlaoise and see someone with hair like hers, my heart misses a beat. We are still crying out for help. We appreciate help from any direction," Gerry said.

The plaque to Imelda on the bridge in Waterford city.

Gardaí have again appealed for information on the case.

They say that Imelda was last seen on Monday, 3rd January 1994 in Waterford. Since then, Gardaí have continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

On the day she went missing, Gardaí say Imelda had informed her boyfriend that she was going to the post office in the town. She left her apartment at 1.30pm and walked down William Street onto Lombard Street. The last known sighting of Imelda is at this time when she was seen crossing the road by a local doctor’s secretary who knew her.

The secretary and a friend saw Imelda crossing the road at the corner of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street.

Imelda was subsequently reported missing by her brother, Edward (Ned) the following day.

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Despite an extensive Garda investigation, there have been no further confirmed sightings of Imelda. 30 years on, Gardaí and Imedla’s family are appealing for people to come forward to assist with the investigation.

Gardaí would encourage anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward to them.

Gardaí can be contacted at Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.