Hundreds walk in solidarity in Mayo to seek justice for Joe Deacy

HUNDREDS of people walked in solidarity this afternoon with the heartbroken family of 21-year-old Joe Deacy who was murdered just over a year ago while on a visit to Co. Mayo.

Following a memorial Mass in Bohola Church, the turnout, many of them from St. Colmcille's GAA Club in Hertfordshire, for whom Joe Deacy played with distinction, joined locals in walking with the family to the location where the young footballer was discovered.

They carried placards which proclaimed 'Justice for Joe' and 'Someone Knows What Happened” before dispersing later to a memorial GAA match in the dead youth's honour in nearby Swinford.

Amid emotional scenes family members – father, Adrian, mum Alison and sister, Charlotte, laid a wreath and a decade of the Rosary was recited.at the spot where Joe, who was badly injured, was found outside a house at Gortnasillagh, Swinford.

Earlier, Adrian Deacy urged an overflow congregation in Bohola Church that instead of praying for Joe they should redirect their prayers to those who know what happened to him.

He continued: “Without doubt (those persons) are also suffering....hopefully someone, somewhere, possibly in this parish, will have the courage to come forward.”

Nobody has ever been charged in relation to the murder despite an intensive garda investigation which is ongoing.