Collins family appeal for information to end their hell

Collins family renew appeal for information


Anton McNulty

The family of missing Killala woman Sandra Collins have once again appealed to anyone who has information regarding her disappearance to end their ‘hell’ and contact gardaí.
This Thursday, December 4 marks the 14th anniversary since the disappearance of Sandra Collins from her home in Killala and her family have renewed their annual appeal for anybody with any information to come forward.
Earlier this year, the only person charged with her murder, Martin Earley of Banagher, Carrowmore-Lacken was acquitted of her murder by direction of the judge following an 18 day trial.
Patrick Collins, brother of Sandra, told The Mayo News that the family were devastated following the trial but were more determined than ever to find her and bury her.
“We tried to get back to normality and I would use the word normal very loosely because it has been difficult. But I said on the steps of the court house that we were as determined as ever to bring Sandra home and we are as still as determined six months on. Just because the trial is over does not mean the case is closed. We have met the Gardaí on a number of occasions and they have assured us that Sandra’s case is ongoing.
“I would appeal with someone who has any information even at this late stage not to be frightened and come forward. We understand that people might not want to get involved and have lives of their own. But I often think of the burden they are carrying day-in and day-out and what they are going through. It would not be an easy load to carry,” Patrick said.
“Sandra has been missing for 14 years and people are probably sick listening to us but all we want to do is bring Sandra home and bury her. There were two wrongs done to our family, one was the murder and the second thing was she was taken and hidden. I have been to funerals and I would think I would love to be in the position of the family, to be able to say goodbye. If there was a funeral for Sandra I would shed tears of happiness not tears of sadness.
“I have a great faith in humanity and I do believe we will bring her home. I believe in the good people in Killala and someone knows exactly where she is. I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward and end this hell for us,” he said.
On Wednesday, December 3, the family will travel to Farmleigh House for the second National Missing Person Day hosted by the Minister for Justice where families of other missing people will attend. Patrick said the experience of meeting families of other disappeared gave them strength.