Woman still missing

Neighbours and friends rally as search continues

Michael Commins

EXTENSIVE searches of the general Ballinrobe area over the past 12 days have failed to trace the whereabouts of Marian Carr from Anfield, Hollymount. The 53-year-old woman has not been seen since she was reported missing on the evening of Thursday, December 27.
The last positive sighting of Marian was in Ballinrobe town at around 2.30pm that afternoon. She was carrying an umbrella as she walked along Bridge Street. She had gone to town to do some shopping in the aftermath of the Christmas festivities and left her car in Cummins’s Car Park.
An umbrella was located on the approach to the Cushlough area outside Ballinrobe on Friday afternoon last and a lot of the search was subsequently concentrated in that area. However, there now appears to be a doubt over the umbrella which at first was believed to have been the one Marian was carrying on the Thursday evening.
Her husband, Denis, and family members Alan, Alma and Orla, have been joined by many neighbours and friends as the search parties fanned out over the region every day since she failed to return home to Anfield. Members of the Garda Síochána, together with the Civil Defence, sub aqua teams, and other volunteers have been combing the area without success.
Marian was formerly McTigue from Kilconly and a special Mass was celebrated in her home parish last week at which a capacity congregation prayed she would be found.
For many years, Marian was employed by the Western Health Board at the D’Alton Nursing Home in Claremorris where she worked in the office, attending to secretarial and administration duties. She retired from that post around three years ago.
An avid bingo enthusiast, she was a regular every week at the Wednesday night session in Roundfort Community Centre.
A few years ago, Marian served as an adult leader with Roundfort Foróige Club and was very actively involved with the club during a four year period.
A neighbour said at the weekend that Marian’s disappearance has caused great sadness during the Christmas in the parish of Roundfort. “What her family are going through over the past few days is almost unthinkable. They have been facing each day with heavy hearts and great uncertainty. Everyone is hoping that there will be some breakthrough in the case as quickly as possible.
“The neighbours have been absolutely wonderful and this is reflected in the care being accorded to all those out on the search parties. Tea and sandwiches are being brought around to assist those on the long haul. People just want to be involved in lending whatever assistance they can.”
Local Parish Priest, Fr Michael Molloy, has been with the family every step of the way. “They are lovely people and the hearts of all in the community are with them in these times. There is a cloud over the parish and it will remain until we get some news.
“People are making every effort possible to assist the family. It is the goodness of God working through the lives of people. The goodwill has been phenomenal as they rally behind the family. I have been with Denis and the family for a time every night since Marian went missing. There is a very peaceful and calm atmosphere in the house as we pray together. We have lit a candle in Roundfort church and numerous people have gathered to join in the prayers for Marian’s return. All we can do is walk with them during this time and be of whatever support we can,” said Fr Molloy yesterday (Monday).