A Mother's Unexplained Absence: Barbara Walsh's Story

Nules [0:00 - 0:09]: Welcome to island crimes and mysteries. And now it's time to join your host newells, for another episode. 

Nules [0:14 - 1:53]: Hey guys. And welcome to another episode of Ireland crimes and mysteries. I want to thank you for joining me today, and if you're a returning listener, I want to say a big thank you for your continued support. If this is your first time listening to my podcast, welcome. It's great to have you on board. So without further ado, let's get started on today's story. Today's case brings us back to County Galway and to a place called Karna. Located in the Gweltocht region, approximately 50 kilometres from Galway city, Karna is a small, quite village which lies near the coast. It is described as a pleasant holiday resort that caters to walkers, cyclists and anglers. It is also an important lobster fishing centre. And on Moinish island, with its beautiful sandy beaches, University College Galway also has a marine biology station. There are also lots of uninhabited islands to explore, with the most famous one being Macdarra's island, where you will find the final resting place of St Magdara on the ruins of an ancient church. In July each year, Karna hosts a three day festival called Fayla Victora, which features couric races, sea angling competitions, arts and crafts exhibitions and lots more for a fun family day out. And it is here in Karna, back in the year 1985, that we would find Barbara Walsh Neil Eydon, aged 33, a mother of seven children, ranging in age from 16 years old to seven months old. 

Nules [1:54 - 1:58]: Mom wouldn't walk out on us. Now there's seven kids. 

Nules [2:00 - 2:02]: There's no way Barbara Wade. 

Nules [2:02 - 2:06]: She's now been missing since the 22 June 1985. 

Nules [2:06 - 2:09]: I just think she had a bad ending. Something's bad happened to her. 

Nules [2:10 - 2:31]: This is a disturbing story with much loss and sadness. It's a case full of speculation, with many theories, rumours, innuendo. But one thing is certain. On the shortest night of the year, over 30 years ago, a young mother of seven disappeared from her home and has never ever been seen. 

Nules [2:32 - 6:42]: Described as a hard worker and a good mother, Barbara lived on the eight acre family homestead in Rusheenamana, Karna with her husband and family of five girls and two boys, in a bungalow that was built for them by the council and within walking distance of the beach. They did not own their own car or have a phone. Though times were tough, the family were relatively self sufficient, keeping animals, growing their own vegetables and potatoes and harvesting their own seaweed. They were a happy family. But all that was about to change. On the 21 June 1985 what started out as a joyous occasion. Barbaras brother in law Patrick and sister in law Catherine were home to visit from Australia and America respectively. After having emigrated years ago. McDarrah, Barbara's husband, was delighted to have his siblings home to visit and wanted to make the time they had together memorable. They were all down in the local pub enjoying the family reunion earlier that evening. After they finished in the pub, they invited a few family members, neighbours, two of the local guardee and a priest back to the house to continue the celebrations. Her eldest daughter Catherine, who was 17 at the time, arrived home later to find her mother in the kitchen making tea and sandwiches, which she helped her with before heading to bed. Later that night, Barbara came into the bedroom with her friend to show her youngest of the clan, who was in bed with her two eldest daughters, Catherine and Jackie, who was aged 14. The girls went back to sleep after and Barbara and her friend rejoined the party. Jackie woke between four and 05:00 a.m. and got up. The party had ended by now and everyone had gone home. She went down to the kitchen and found her mother asleep on the sofa and tried to wake her to tell her to go up to bed but couldn't. I, she would later say. She just looked asleep. There did not look like there was anything wrong with her, so she put a pillow under her head and covered her with a blanket. This was the last time anyone would see Barbara. When the family got up that morning between seven and 08:00 a.m. she was gone, McDarrah cycled into the village to cheque. Had she gone to do the shopping? As that was the usual Saturday morning routine. He also checked in with Barbara's mother to see if she was there. No one was overly concerned at this point, having got married in her late teens to Macdower Walsh, who was ten years her senior. The couple already had one child, their daughter Catherine, after which they briefly moved to England before moving back and settling in Kerna at her family homestead in the early 1970s. The couple would have nine children in total, sadly losing twin girls in 1973 to sudden infant death syndrome. Barbara was described by a neighbour as outgoing, friendly and always with a smile on her face. Her children have nothing but good memories of their mother, so why would Barbara suddenly disappear? It would be seven days before her husband would go to the garda station in Karna and report his wife missing. He would actually report it to one of the guardee that was at the house that night. The Guardee were slow to seek the help of the media for reasons unknown. But it would be a few weeks before any journalist would be aware of the fact that Barbara was missing. It was only when Barbara's sister and brother went to a local journalist to ask for his assistance that it would come to light. They were not happy with how the Guardie were conducting the investigation and felt more needed to be done. They had also voiced concerns with the Guardee about underlying tensions, particularly on the night she had went missing between McDarrah and Barbara. But these concerns seemed to have went on deaf ears, too. When the journalist approached the Guardee about Barbara, about a month after she went missing, he was told that a public report was not necessary at the moment, as it was difficult to say when anyone was actually missing. 

Nules [6:44 - 8:04]: When her brother and sister, Polly Clyden and Mary Leyden, came to me at my home in July of 1985, and they told me that their sister Barbara was missing, and they told me they contacted the Garthy, I know they had concerns that possibly they weren't getting sufficient heed or notice from the Garthi. My memory is that the Garthi said, I remember this quite well, that which was explained to me at one point that it was difficult to say when somebody was actually missing. They explained to me that I or anybody else could leave without telling anybody where we were going and go somewhere else. The gar, they were advised me, I would say, that this is not appropriate at this time for a public report. This would have been, I would say, the best part of a month. But as a week or so further, I did meet the sergeant in charge at Clifton, and he says at that time, well, you know, at this time, I think we wouldn't object to a report being broadcast. And I went and did the broadcast. 

Nules [8:06 - 9:41]: The broadcast gathered a lot of local interest, but also a lot of crucial time had passed, making finding Barbara, or finding out what had happened to Barbara, a mammoth task. Lots of speculation as to what actually happened to Barbara was doing the rounds amongst the locals, but the guardee were still of the opinion she would turn up safe and sound floating around the idea she had just gone off somewhere. There were also rumoured sightings of her in other parts of the county, as well as gossip. She had left the area altogether and fled to England or Australia. Rumours were also circulating that Barbara was involved with somebody else, and people wondered, had she left the house to meet this person? None of this was helpful and only aided in hindering the investigation. Those who knew Barbara well knew she would never walk out in her young family. She was so proud of them all. And besotted with the new baby, Barbara had even made plans the night of the get together to meet her friend the following Monday. Another odd thing was the fact that Barbara's glasses were still in the house. Barbara was known to have poor eyesight and would never leave the house without her glasses. As I said, there was a significant time period that had elapsed after Barbara disappeared, before any major publicity, especially at national level. Up until then, Guardy had carried out a few searches and taken a few witness statements, but nothing too taxing. Guardi had searched the local area and also a few hostels in Galway city. But her family did feel that not enough was done at the time to find her. 

Nules [9:42 - 10:00]: Could they have done more? Possibly. It's probably unfair to apply today's standards of investigation to the standards of 30 odd years ago. So they could possibly have done some more. I can see what the family would be saying in that regard. Yes. 

Nules [10:02 - 10:48]: Over the years, different Guardee would take an interest in the case, but nothing concrete would come of it. It was Barbara's brother, Pawdrig, who would continue to actively search for her and keep her name in the public domain. Pawdrich is particularly bothered by one particular investigation where the garda in question was in Kernach questioning people and, as Podrick said, stirring up things before he got words to stop. And that was it. The investigation came to an abrupt end. Why? As the years went by, McDarrah tried his best to be both mother and father, making extra efforts at Christmas, despite the fact this time of year was especially hard for him. According to Jackie and Catherine, we think. 

Nules [10:48 - 11:38]: About mum every day. We thought about her every day. It wouldn't be day that you wouldn't go by without thinking about her. But we'd be more sensitive to mention her own dad because it did. It would upset him. Now he'd just say sometimes. Massive culture, you know, where was she like? Yeah. Yeah. He was left heartbroken. Yeah, Christmas was tough for dad. Yeah, Christmas and Christmas birthday. That would be the toughest time for dad, like Christmas would be. Even though he was very good at Christmas, trying to get, you know, Santa for the youngest ones, like, Christmas would be a killer for dad. Yeah. Especially with the twins and everything. Yeah, that'd be. 

Nules [11:40 - 13:05]: As the family grew from children to adults, some stayed local while others emigrated to other countries. But their mother and her fate were never far from their thoughts. Then, in 2007, at the age of 67, McDarrah passed away after an illness, leaving his family devastated. Catherine saying he was a wonderful father, always making sure they never went without. Over the years, several case reviews have taken place and the family have even used the services of a private detective. It was established that Barbara could not have left the country, as she did not own a passport. It had been checked if she had one in her own name, her married name and her name, Osceola, and nothing was found. In 2015, the case was reopened after the family wrote a letter to then guarda commissioner Murray, asking her if she would consider reopening it. And to their delight, she did. This led to the house in Karna and the land surrounding it being cordoned off and a technical examination taking place, which included the use of guard as sniffer dogs. This search would last over five days. Extensive inquiries, both locally and through Interpol, were also carried out. The local lakes, beach and surrounding countryside were also searched, some of these searches proving difficult because of the unforgiving terrain. 

Nules [13:06 - 13:09]: Extensive inquiries were carried out, both locally. 

Nules [13:09 - 13:11]: And also through Interpol. 

Nules [13:15 - 13:19]: She was always at home with us, took care of us. 

Nules [13:20 - 13:29]: 2015, we searched the family farm, essentially different areas of it. The search lasted for over five days. Didn't forward it a case in any. 

Nules [13:29 - 13:43]: Way, didn't lead them anywhere towards discovering where Barbara Walsh's remains finally are. That's a very sad situation. Very troubling to the Walsh family, very troubling to the Leiden family, and indeed very troubling to the whole community. 

Nules [13:44 - 13:59]: Yeah, we were explained that, that they'd have to start of where she was last seen and then work their way out. So, you know, that was understandable. Yeah. Just last year that they searched the lakes as well. Nothing from it. 

Nules [13:59 - 14:18]: Some bracken and some heather. Again, quite difficult. Over to the right here was the family home and the outbuildings, the homestead and the farm comprised of approximately eight acres, and it moved from the roadway right down to the traw here. 

Nules [14:19 - 18:41]: But unfortunately, nothing that would lead to her whereabouts or what had happened to her was discovered, which was very disappointing for her family. That investigation generated 114 lines of inquiry and 70 written statements. One piece of new information that the guardie were particularly interested in was a statement from someone saying that after leaving the pub that night and everyone was back at Barbara's house, a verbal argument ensued between Barbara and her husband, McDarrah. Shortly afterwards, everyone had been invited back, left the house and went home. It was understood this alleged argument may have started outside the pub and was about who had been invited back to the house. The tension then continued back at the house when they allegedly had more words about making the tea and the sandwiches. McDarrahs brother was due to be leaving to go back to Australia in the coming days. And the party was essentially a leaving due for him. As we know, people at the party compromised of mainly family and friends, two of which were local guardee. These two guardee would be the same guardee that conducted the initial lacklustre inquiry. They should never have been involved in the investigation to begin with as they were at the house that night. People in the area are at a loss as to what actually happened to Barbour. As her brother Padreg said, she didnt just vanish off the face of the earth. It is still a very raw subject for the locals and family. Despite nearly 40 years having passed, they are still asking where is she? So what did happen that night? What we do know is that the party was essentially a family celebration, family returning from far flung corners of the earth. This in itself, despite being a happy occasion, can bring certain stresses. All the extra entertaining and socialising would have taken its toll, especially on Barber, who had an infant along with six other children. As well as that even though they were family, they may not have known each other that well. We know from witness statements that there were tensions in the air amongst the party as early as when they were all at the local pub and these tensions simmered over to the house later that night. All guardi could ascertain Washington that this tension was witnessed and was supposedly connected to who would go back the twelve guests to the house for the tea and sandwiches. Surely amongst the twelve guests that were there that night. The key to solving this lies information appears sketchy as to how the overall night went. The party reportedly continued at the house from around 11:00 p.m. to 02:00 a.m. then there is the question as to why it took McDarrah so long to report Barbara missing. He did not report her missing until June 29, which was a week later. In his missing person report, McDarrah does say that Barbara had went missing before for a week, but that time she came home. Was this why he was slow to report it? Did he assume she would come back or was he told by someone not to say anything? His sister and brother and their spouses did leave the country, allegedly a week later. Does this have anything to do with the delay in reporting it? He had told the children she would be back. Did he really believe that or was he just trying to pacify them? When she did not return home, the smaller children were taken in by relatives, as McDarrah was understandably finding it difficult to cope with seven children on his own with everything that was going on. The notion that Barbara went off and left her family for a better life somewhere else sounds far fetched. And there is no evidence to support that theory. She had no passport. The 600 pounds in her account was never touched. Plus, everyone who knew Barbara was adamant that she would never leave her children, not in a million years. That just leaves two. Accident or foul play? Again, I doubt Barbara had an accident. If she did, why was she not found? Thorough searches of her home and surrounding area in 2015 and again in 2021 revealed nothing to advance the investigation. 

Nules [18:41 - 19:06]: Garda Shohanna, along with Barbara's family and crime stoppers, are renewing their appeal into the disappearance of Barbara Walsh. We are appealing in particular to the close knit guilt of community in Kernae, to anyone who may have information to please come forward and share that information with us. We believe that individuals in this community have the key to unlocking the mystery into the disappearance of Barbara Walsh. 

Nules [19:06 - 19:46]: We know our mom wouldn't have just left us. So whatever took her out of the house that morning, the early hours that morning, it's still a mystery to us, like why she would have even gone out of the house or where would she have gone? So anybody with information on that to come forward to us, you're just continuously searching, looking and waiting, like inside hearts. Like you're just waiting for her to come in the door. The information hopefully would bring to light that it'll bring us, bring her home to us. We could put her to rest and for us to say searching. 

Nules [19:47 - 20:02]: Crime stoppers are offering a cash reward for anyone who comes forward with information which may lead to a significant development in this case. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers. Saltill guard station or indeed your local guard station. 

Nules [20:03 - 21:39]: More investigation with fresh eyes is needed if this case is to progress. Her family do believe Barbara is dead and they do suspect foul play is involved. Barbara is not here to tell us what happened to her, but someone out there knows. Does someone who is at the party know what happened to Barbara? We did hear that arguments did take place, one between Barbara and McDarrah. Was this why Barbara was on the sofa? Were others involved in these arguments? And what were the arguments about if they were? Did people leave the house because of the tension that was there? Did someone come back after 04:00 a.m. it was alleged that Catherine Walsh, McDarrahs sister, did return to the house after the party had broken up to get her high heeled shoes and had left again before the family woke that morning. There are so many unanswered questions. And some of the people that were at the party that night are no longer widows to answer. What we do know is Barbara, if she left the house willingly, brought nothing with her, no clothes, no jewellery, no money, and her children firmly believe she would not have walked out on them. So the question on everyones lips is, if she did not leave willingly, what actually happened to Barbara? And by whose hand did she disappear? So as I conclude todays episode, I want to take a moment to think about Barbaras family. The void that her disappearance has left is, I have no doubt, incredible. 

Nules [21:39 - 23:35]: Around 04:00 in the morning, my mom got up. She got a pillow from the hot press and got a blanket. So she put the pillow underneath my grandmother's head because she had fallen asleep on the couch. And then she put the blanket on her and she went back to sleep. And that was the last time anyone had seen her. My name is Azine Walch. The person missing is Barbara Walsh. She'd be my grandmother, so she'd be my mother's mother. Her kids adored her. She was just like any caring mother that you could ever imagine. And even as a wife to my granddad, you know, he used to say as well how great she was and how good she was to the kids. She always made sure that anyone that came into the house felt welcome. She was a very welcoming person. She went missing the 22 June 1985. They had a little family gathering at their house, local house in rushing. And there was two guests. There was a priest, there was his brother and sister, Patrick and Catherine. And there was a few local neighbours at the party as well. The party went on till about maybe one or two and then everyone left. We know she didn't leave for the way that we heard about her and how she was as a mother. You know, she wouldn't leave her kids. She loved her kids. And I know someone did do something to her. We just want to know what. It's hard because we never got to have her in our life. Not getting to know that person that was, you know, your mom's mother. It's upsetting because we never got to meet the person that she was. We only got to hear the stories. And at the end of the day, I think people need to understand is it's not just her children that are grieving this, it's her grandchildren that are grieving this as well. Because we never met the person that our parents are talking about because I'm her granddaughter. It shows that the next generation and the generation after me are going to still keep on fighting to find answers out. 

Nules [23:37 - 23:55]: The mystery has continued for 39 years now for them, and they have spent that time trying to seek out the light of truth and resolution. All I can hope for is that sharing her story here on the podcast not only helps by keeping Barbara's memory alive, but it might reignite the search for her answers. 

Nules [23:55 - 24:19]: She was a proud woman. Very proud. Yeah, she's a good mother, and I'm sure somebody does know where or what have happened. It's still not too late for somebody to say something. Never too late. 

Nules [24:19 - 25:23]: If you or anyone you know has any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, please contact the salted Hill Garda station on 091-51-4720 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1806 hundred 66 111, or Crime Stoppers on 1802 50025, or even contact your local Garda station so guys, that's it for today's episode of the Arling Crimes and Mysteries podcast. Again, thanks for your listenership and don't forget to subscribe to the show and hit that auto download so you never miss an episode until the next time. Keep your eyes open and your mind curious. This podcast has been compiled from information gathered in the public sphere, like news articles, documentaries, and open source material that can be found on the web. Everything in this podcast is alleged unless a conviction has taken place. 

Nules [25:25 - 25:48]: You've been listening to Ireland crimes and mysteries. Join Newell's for another episode coming real soon, and keep up to date by following our social media sites, our YouTube channel, and our website, islandcrimesandmysteries ieinore.