*Emer O’Loughlin.
A RENEWED appeal for information into the death of Ennistymon woman Emer O’Loughlin has been made, twenty years on from her murder in North Clare.
An Garda Síochána are urging the public who may have any piece of information which they feel might be relevant to this investigation to make contact with them.
On April 8th 2005, human remains were discovered in a mobile home close to where Emer O’Loughlin (23 years of age) lived with her boyfriend at Ballybornagh, Tubber.
The mobile home, which belonged to a man named John Griffin, had been completely destroyed by fire. Human remains discovered inside were later identified as being Emer’s.
Five years later, on May 19th 2010, investigating Gardaí exhumed her remains, which were then removed to University Hospital Galway where forensic anthropology tests were conducted. The tests indicated that Emer had died a violent death, and as a result the investigation was upgraded to that of murder.
Emer’s death shook the county. Her badly burned remains took days to identify, and though Gort Gardai made appeals for information regarding a male suspect, the man in question has never been found.
Investigating Gardaí are hopeful that the public can assist with efforts to trace John Griffin, formerly of the Mervue area of Galway City. The last confirmed sighting of him was on the Aran Island of Inis Mór in 2005.
Gardaí believe that John Griffin may have information that will assist them and are eager to interview him as part of the investigation.
This year is the 20th year since Emer’s death and her family are still struggling to come to terms with her loss and are asking for your assistance in order to bring them closure.
In a statement to The Clare Echo, Gardaí appealed to people with information to come forward. “Gardaí may have spoken to you previously and due to the passage of time, you may now feel better placed to assist with the investigation. Have you seen or spoken to John Griffin, also known as ‘Fozzie’, at the time or in the intervening years? Do you know the current whereabouts of John Griffin? Be assured you will be treated with sensitivity and compassion by the investigation team. Investigating Gardaí believe that John Griffin is still alive and at the time of his disappearance, he was assisted by a person or persons unknown in leaving the island of Inis Mór.
“Gardaí have never received a Missing Person report in respect of John Griffin. Extensive searches were conducted along the coastline following the finding of his clothing, however he has never been sighted nor has his body ever been recovered”.
John Griffin is described as being 180cm in height (5ft 11inches), and now 57 years of age. He is of a slight build and bald on the top of his head. He often sported a beard, which was shaved off on occasion. He has a distinctive Egyptian ‘Eye of Horus’ tattoo on his throat area. He speaks with a local accent.
Anyone with information can contact Gort Garda Station on 091 636400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
