After a long wait, the inquest into the tragic death of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe is finally set to begin. This case has deeply affected the entire city, especially the North Belfast community, which played a major role in the initial search efforts back in 2020.
Proceedings are due to commence at Belfast Coroner's Court, with the selection of a jury expected ahead of opening statements later this week. Mr Justice Rooney will preside over the process.
Noah, who was just 14 and a student at St Malachy's College, went missing in June 2020. His disappearance prompted a massive search operation, involving hundreds of dedicated volunteers from across Belfast.
Sadly, he was found six days later in a storm drain, which police believe was located in the Northwood Road area of North Belfast. Before he vanished, Noah had cycled from his home in South Belfast towards the area where he was found. Witnesses reported seeing him fall off his bike on the Shore Road shortly before his disappearance, and he was subsequently seen with no clothes on shortly before he went missing entirely.
The high level of public interest reflects the unexplained nature of Noah’s death. His mother, Fiona Donohoe, has courageously anchored a tireless campaign seeking truth and justice for her son. She hopes that this coroner's process will finally provide clarity and answers to the many outstanding questions she has pressed for over the last few years.
North Belfast MP John Finucane has expressed his thoughts and solidarity with Ms Donohoe as the inquest begins. He stated that the family has campaigned bravely and tirelessly in their search for truth around Noah's disappearance and death, adding: “I hope this process delivers the truth and justice they deserve.”