GARDAI have confirmed today that detectives are continuing searches in several areas of Co Donegal as part of a massive criminal investigation.
A spokesman however said no details of the searches in the Cappry area outside Ballybofey would be given “for operational reasons.”
Among the premises being searched are an equestrian centre owned by Eddie Gallagher, a 67-year-old former IRA prisoner who served a jail sentence for kidnapping in the 1970s.
However it’s not believed he is linked to the investigation.
Gallagher took part in the kidnapping of Dr. Tiede Herrema 37 years ago next month.
Herrema, chief executive of the Dutch-owned Ferenka factory in Limerick, was seized as he left home on October 4th 1975. His captors demanded the release of three IRA prisoners as the price of his safe return.
Herrema was held hostage for 36 days before being freed after a 18-day siege of a house at Monasterevin., Co. Kildare.
Gallagher, then 28, and from Donegal, and Derry woman Marion Coyle, 21, were arrested at the scene. They were sentenced the following year to 20 and 15 years respectively. Coyle was released in 1985, Gallagher in 1990.
The Donegal man returned to his native Ballybofey.
Today Gardai sealed off the equestrian centre where he lives and works. However has has not been questioned or arrested.
