Distraught dad reveals heartache as search for missing Willie Maughan and Ana Varslavane stood down

The distraught dad of missing Willie Maughan has revealed his heartache that a Garda dig to find him and his girlfriend Ana has been stood down.

However, Joe Maughan said he still believed that the bodies of Willie and Ana - suspected to have been murdered by dead gangster Cornelius Price - will still be found.

Gardaí confirmed on Tuesday evening that they had stood down the multi-day search operation for the missing couple on open lands in north Dublin.

READ MORE: Multi-day search for Willie Maughan and Ana Varslavane stood down by investigating Gardaí

READ MORE: Bog land being searched for murdered Willie and Ana is adjacent to plot once owned by their suspected killer

Authorities launched the massive search for William Maughan and Anastasija Varslavaneon last Friday, November 15, with members of the force searching an area adjacent to land once owned by dead mobster Cornelius Price. The couple are believed to have been brutally murdered by him in April 2015.

The search came after Gardaí received new information in recent weeks, with the area of bog land at Ring Commons in Balrothery East being subject to excavation, and technical and forensic examinations over the weekend.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror on Tuesday, following the latest setback, Willie's dad Joe said: "We were confident enough with the information the Gardaí received that we’d get results. But I know they are not far from the area that was searched. Everything is against us at the minute, the weather and bad luck. The Gardaí who were looking for them were very sad for our family that nothing came of the dig."

Mr Maughan said that Willie's mother, Helen, is very upset at the latest development. He added: "I am strong but Helen is like any woman, is looking for her child. In fairness to the Gardaí they came up to the house and said there is no giving up, but just not our day. The dig finished up with no result but tomorrow could be a better day somewhere else. God is good and I hold my faith very strong and that will get us through.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone with information in relation to the disappearance and murder of William Maughan and Anna Varslavane to speak with investigating Gardaí.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Given the passage of time since their disappearance, individuals' personal circumstances may now have changed and people may now be in a position to either speak to investigating Gardaí or to provide information now that they may not have been able to provide before.

"An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 8010600 or any Garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Any information will be treated with the strictest confidence.”

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