Renewed appeal on 32nd anniversary of Laois woman Imelda Keenan's disappearance
Imelda Keenan what she looked like when she disappeared on 2 January 1994
IT’S 32 years since the disappearance of 22-year old Imelda Keenan, originally from Mountmellick, who was last seen in Waterford on Monday 3 January 1994.
Imelda, who was living in an apartment with her boyfriend at the time, was last seen at 1.30pm walking down William Street onto Lombard Street. A local woman and friend observed her crossing the road at the Tower Hotel onto Lombard Street. Imelda’s brother, Edward, reported her missing the following day.
Were Imelda alive today, she would be 54.
‘‘Imelda, 22 years old and originally from Mountmellick in Co Laois, was a resident of Waterford city while pursuing her studies when she disappeared without a trace. Imelda was known for her quiet demeanour, her love of music and her strong family ties. Despite extensive investigations spanning 32 years, the silence surrounding her fate remains unbroken. We continue to urge anyone with information or the ability to assist our investigation to come forward," garda supt Gavin Hegarty of Waterford, said.
Speaking to the Laois Nationalist, supt Hegarty highlighted that the investigation remained an ongoing missing person’s case and that they were making the appeal in an effort to bring closure to the family who are still feeling the pain over three decades later. To the public, he underscored the importance of coming forward with any information, even if they don't think it's relevant: "What we're asking is people don't make a determination that information is relevant or irrelevant themselves. Anything could be the piece that ties several details together. And if there is information that for whatever reason that a person may not have felt comfortable bringing forward previously, we ask that you please come forward now,’’ he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the gardaí at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
A plaque dedicated to Imelda can be found on Lombard Street with the inscription: "Always remembered our darling sister and daughter."
