Gardaí appeal for information in 40-year-old cold case murder of Terence McKeever
Terence McKeever, a 30-year-old electrical contractor, was abducted on 16 June 1986 while travelling north from Dublin, and his remains were later found at Mullaghduff Bridge in Cullyhanna, South Armagh, 25 metres across the Northern Irish border. Gardaí suspect he was shot and that a blue van stolen in Dundalk was used in the killing; the IRA claimed responsibility the following day, saying he had ignored warnings to stop working on UK security force barracks. No suspect has been named or charged. On 16 June 2026, Gardaí issued a fresh public appeal 40 years after the murder, seeking information on McKeever's movements that day and the van's history.
- Reported16 Jun
- Arrested
- Charged
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Terence McKeever, a 30-year-old electrical contractor, was abducted on 16 June 1986 while travelling north from Dublin and is believed to have been shot.
- His vehicle was a champagne-coloured BMW 735i with registration FIB 735.
- Gardaí suspect a blue van, stolen in Dundalk on 21 May 1986 and initially plated 7533 KI before being changed to UZY 125, was used in the murder.
- Where
- His remains were discovered at Mullaghduff Bridge in Cullyhanna, South Armagh, 25 metres across the Northern Irish border.
- Gardaí believe the abduction took place in Monaghan or the south Armagh border area, along his intended route through Slane, Ardee, and Monaghan toward Armagh Town.
- When
- He left his home on Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin at approximately 6:50am on 16 June 1986, and his car was found in Carnagh, Armagh the following day.
- Cause
- The IRA claimed responsibility on 17 June 1986, stating McKeever had ignored warnings to stop working on barracks for UK security forces.
- Other details
- McKeever worked for the family business as an electrical contractor, carrying out work in hospitals, garda stations, and RUC barracks.
- Investigation
- No suspect has been named or charged in the case.
- On 16 June 2026, Gardaí issued a fresh public appeal 40 years after the murder, seeking information on McKeever's movements that day, the van's theft and storage, and the BMW's movements.
19 statements extracted from the articles
- whatTerence McKeever was 30 years old at the time of his murder (irishmirror.ie)
- whatHis vehicle was a champagne-coloured BMW 735i with registration FIB 735 (irishmirror.ie)
- whatHe was believed to have been travelling north when he was abducted (irishmirror.ie)
- whatGardaí suspect the van was used in the murder of Mr McKeever (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe blue van initially had number plate 7533 KI which was changed to UZY 125 (irishmirror.ie)
- whatMr McKeever worked for the family business as an electrical contractor (irishmirror.ie)
- whatHe worked in hospitals, garda stations, and RUC barracks (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe IRA claimed responsibility for the murder the day after it occurred (irishmirror.ie)
- whereHis remains were discovered at Mullaghduff Bridge in Cullyhanna, South Armagh (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe discovery site was 25 metres across the Northern Irish border (irishmirror.ie)
- whereGardaí believe the abduction could have taken place in Monaghan or the south Armagh border area (irishmirror.ie)
- whereHis intended route would have passed through Slane, Ardee, and Monaghan, continuing to Armagh Town (irishmirror.ie)
- whereHis car was found in Carnagh, Armagh the day after his disappearance (irishmirror.ie)
- whenHe left his home on Pembroke Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin at approximately 6:50am on 16 June 1986 (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe van had been stolen in Dundalk on 21 May 1986 (irishmirror.ie)
- causeGardaí suspect he died after being shot (irishmirror.ie)
- causeThe IRA declared Mr McKeever had ignored warnings to stop working on barracks for UK security forces (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí are urging the public to come forward with information to help crack the cold case (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí are particularly interested in information regarding Mr McKeever's movements on the day he was murdered (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 16 Jun2026Gardai urge public to come forward to help crack murder of Terence McKeever
Gardaí issued a fresh public appeal 40 years after the murder, specifically seeking information on McKeever's movements on the day of his disappearance, the theft and storage of the blue van (initially plated 7533 KI, later UZY 125), and the movements of his BMW 735i (FIB 735).
victim, Terence McKeever, 30, male, irish (judged from name)Terence McKeever