By Dionne Meehan
TODAY marks 48 years since the disappearance of Mary Boyle, Ireland’s longest missing child.
The six-year-old vanished from her grandparents’ remote farm in Cashelard, south Donegal on March 18, 1977.
Despite decades of searching and investigations, no trace of the little girl has ever been found.
The schoolgirl’s disappearance resulted in one of the largest searches ever seen in Ireland.
Hundreds of local people, soldiers, gardaí and divers searched for weeks, but to no avail.
Taking to social media this week, Missing Persons Helpline Ireland issued a fresh appeal for information.
“Mary Boyle has been missing from her Grandmother’s home at Ballyshannon, Co Donegal since 18 March 1977.
“Mary was six years old when she went missing.
“When last seen she was wearing a lilac coloured hand-knitted cardigan, brown jeans and black wellington boots.
“Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mary Boyle should contact Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071 9858530, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”
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