Tinnies to be lit up blue for Noah this weekend

THE Tinnies in Strabane will be lit up in blue this evening (Sunday) to raise awareness of the ongoing search for truth around the Noah Donohoe case.

Also seen as a show of support for the Donohoe family as it seeks answers following Noah’s death earlier this summer, the event will coincide with the illumination of Belfast City Hall.
Fourteen-year-old Noah went missing in Belfast on the evening of Sunday, June 21 whilst cycling to meet friends.

However six days after his disappearance, the body of the missing teen, whose mother comes originally from Lisnafin, was found in a storm drain in the north of the city. Police stated that there was no foul play involved.

However two months on the family remains in the dark over the exact circumstances leading to the teen’s demise.

“I have requested on behalf of the Donohoe family that the Tinnies be illuminated in blue this weekend to promote awareness of (Facebook support group) ‘MyNoah Donohoe,’” Cllr Raymond Barr explained. “I would ask anyone driving past the Tinnies on Saturday or Sunday night to sound your horn.”

Cllr Barr Also revealed that he has submitted a proposal to Derry City and Strabane District Council to write to the Police Ombudsman.
The proposal reads that, “This council request the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland to investigate the PSNI handling of the Noah Donohoe case.”

Cllr Barr continued, “Without going into the specifics of the questions the family need answers to, the fact remains there are a lot of unanswered questions which, as long as they remain unanswered, will only serve to compound the family’s grief.

“Any parent will be able to empathise with Fiona and understand the suffering she and Noah’s aunts and grandmother are having to endure. The Donohoe family are Strabane people and as a part of Derry city and Strabane District Council area I feel it is incumbent on the council to support them in their search for answers to this totally tragic happening.”

Another local councillor, the SDLP’s Steven Edwards has also written to the ombudsman.

“I fully support the Donohoe family in getting the truth and answers that they deserve,” he said. “I’ve written to the PSNI Ombudsman demanding the family are treated with the respect they deserve and that they are provided with the information they need. No family should ever have had to go through what the Donohoes have.”

In response to the support the family has received since Noah’s untimely death, mum Fiona outlined her appreciation.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and everyone of you personally,” a statement on the Facebook page MyNoah Donohoe said.

“Without your encouragement, love and support, getting through this past eight weeks would have been simply impossible.”