Murder of Terence McKeever on the 16/6/86

The Gardaí at Ardee are investigating the Murder of Terence McKeever, whose remains were found close to Mullaghduff Bridge, Cullyahnna, South Armagh, on 16 June 1986. The scene is located approximately 7kms from Castleblaney, Co Monaghan and a couple of meters over the border into Northern Ireland. 

Narrative:

Terence lived at Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, with his wife. He was the Managing Director of a family electrical contracting business – based both North and South of the border. Terence was originally from Co. Armagh but was living in Dublin. The electrical company was involved in a lot of large government contract works, North and South of the border, which included Army Barracks, Garda and RUC stations. 

On 16th June, at approximately 6am, Terence left his home at Ballsbridge. He was due to chair a weekly meeting at the company office in Co. Armagh. He was driving a beige metallic BMW FIB 735 series. Terence was expected to arrive at work at approximately 8.15am but on this occasion he failed to do so. 

It is believed he was abducted somewhere during his intended route which would have included the N2 from Dublin, passing through Slane, Ardee, Monaghan and continuing his journey to Armagh Town. Terence remains were discovered close to Mullaghduff bridge, approximately 25 meters into Northern Ireland, where it is believed he was fatally shot. 

Terence’s Car: 

Terence’s 735 BMW car, registration number FIB 735, was recovered the following day 17 June, in a lane located close to Carnagh, Co. Armagh. Terence’s briefcase and wallet were never recovered.  

Suspect Vehicle: 

A light blue Lite Ace van, early 1980’s model wasrecovered in Ardee two days later on 19 June. It had been stolen from Dundalk four weeks earlier and  was bearing stolen plates. The van and its male occupants were seen at Mullaghduff bridge on the morning of Terence’s murder. 

Garda Appeal: 

• There were anonymous calls alerting both the R.U.C and Gardaí to the location of Terence’s remains. If you are one of these callers can you make contact again. Gardaí are anxious to emphasize that your call could be vitally important to the investigation and will be treated with the utmost sensitivity. 

• Gardaí believe that the answer to Terence’s murder lies within the community and are anxious to speak to anyone who may feel they are now in a position to assist. Gardaí will assess and evaluate all information, no matter how insignificant it may appear. 

• Did you see Terence’s beige metallic BMW 735 series, 4 door saloon, registration number: FIB 735 at any time on the morning of 16 June or later when it was abandoned at Carnagh, Co Armagh? 

• Did you see the blue, Toyota Liteace van at Mullaghduff Bridge? A similar van was found two days later on 18 June at Ardee. This van had been stolen four weeks earlier at Dundalk and was bearing stolen plates. Do you know who stole the van or the registration plates? Do you know who had possession of the van or where it was stored during this time? 

• Finally, anyone who may feel better placed to assist Gardaí are encouraged to do so. With the passage of time loyalties and relationships may have changed, and again Gardaí would like to assure anyone making contact with them, that they will be dealt with in a compassionate and sensitive manner. 

Gardaí at Ardee Garda Station, Investigating. Tel 041-6871130