LATEST: Gardai renew appeal for information on 35th anniversary of Dessie Fox murder

Thirty-five years after the robbery and murder of Dessie Fox, Gardaí believe that individuals may still hold vital information that could assist in identifying and bringing those responsible to justice.   

Gardaí at Naas garda station in Kildare continue to investigate the murder of the 47-year-old who was fatally shot at Healy’s Bridge, Prosperous on Sunday, September 30, 1990. 

Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything or who has information to come forward. 

Mr. Fox, a well-known on-course bookmaker from Dungannon, County Tyrone, had left his home that morning at approximately 11:15am, intending to attend a race meeting at the Curragh.

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He was driving a white Mercedes 250D, registration MJI 7005.  His journey took him through Bush Road to Armagh via Moy, then Carrickmacross via Keady and Castleblaney, followed by Navan via Ardee and Slane, and finally through Dunsany, Kilcock and Prosperous en route to the Curragh. 

At around 1:20pm, he was seen exiting Connolly’s Newsagents in Prosperous Village with a newspaper under his arm. He returned to his car, which was parked facing Dagwelds. 

As he approached Healy’s Bridge, a red car—believed to be a Toyota Carina bearing false registration 90G2506—was seen following closely behind.  

The occupants of the red Carina opened fire on Mr. Fox’s vehicle, damaging the rear indicator and deflating the front left tyre. Shotgun pellets were later recovered from the scene. 

Mr. Fox attempted to reverse away but his car veered off the road and came to a stop.

The assailants approached and fired a single handgun round through the open passenger door, striking Mr. Fox in both legs. Tragically, he died at the scene from his injuries.

The raiders stole a black leather briefcase containing cash, a canvas money bag, billheads bearing Mr. Fox’s name, a Motorola car phone, and car keys. The canvas bag was later recovered. 

The red Toyota Carina used in the attack was later found abandoned in a field at Powerstown, Blanchardstown on 1st October 1990. It had been stolen from Ashfield Avenue, Ranelagh on 26th September 1990. 

A grey Mitsubishi Gallant, believed to be a 1987 or 1988 model with partial registration 11 or 14, was seen travelling in convoy with the Carina at O’Grady’s Filling Station in Painstown, Co. Kildare.

A man wearing a Puma cap was observed moving from the Carina to the rear seat of the Gallant. 

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17 people were arrested and questioned shortly after this murder. 

Two further suspects were arrested in May 2018, and the matter continues to be investigated by An Garda Síochána. 

Thirty-five years on, Gardaí believe that individuals may still hold vital information that could assist in identifying and bringing those responsible to justice.  

Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything or who has information—no matter how small—to come forward. 

Investigating Gardaí wish to hear from any persons who may have information in relation to the planning of this robbery on Mr Fox and all information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.