Gardaí issue fresh appeal for Cork couple missing since 1991

Gardaí investigating the disappearance of Cork couple, Conor and Sheila Dwyer, have issued a fresh appeal for information, with their latest line of inquiry focused on Cobh.

Their disappearance remains one of the most enduring and baffling missing persons mysteries in the history of the State.

It has been 34 years since Mr and Mrs Dwyer were last seen alive in Fermoy on April 30, 1991.

The couple were last seen at approximately 9.30am while they were exiting St Patrick’s Church following a requiem mass, close to their Chapel Hill home.

The following day, Sheila spoke with her sister by phone, which is the last known time that someone heard from her.

On Sheila’s birthday, May 19, her sister tried calling her again but never received a response.

A couple of days later, both of Sheila’s sisters went to visit the couple’s home in Fermoy, but found it empty.

They then reported the couple missing to Gardaí on May 22.

Investigation

When gardaí attended at the couple’s home, they found both their passports along with approximately £1,000 in cash. While it was noted that nothing in the home appeared to be disturbed, there were some clothes that were missing along with the couple’s car, a white Toyota Cressida, registered 5797 ZT.

The succinct report on the front of the Evening Echo on Thursday, May 23, 1991, entitled “Missing couple baffle gardaí”, captures the story in details which, 34 years later, remain largely unchanged.

The report says “They are described by gardaí and friends as a very close, reserved couple who ‘kept to themselves’,” adding that gardaí had checked the ports, to no avail, and there were “heightened fears” for their safety.

Despite all ports being notified of the vehicle at the time of the couple’s vanishing, there were never any reports of the car having left the country, or ever being re-registered in another name.

In the years since their disappearance, there have been many rumours, and multiple reports of sightings. One such sighting was reported from Germany in 1993, but nothing came of that.

That same year, RTÉ’s Crimeline staged a reconstruction of the couple’s last known movements, and the programme received more than 100 calls from the public, but any hoped-for breakthrough failed to materialise.

This remains an open and active investigation and there has been numerous reviews throughout the years.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said that over the past three decades, several lines of inquiry have been followed up on, both domestically and abroad, leading to the case being fully reviewed at this time.

In addition, the River Blackwater has been searched on numerous occasions by the Garda Water unit, but to no avail.

Appeal

Conor Dwyer, who was 62 years of age at the time, is described as being 5 foot 8” in height, of stocky build, with a tanned complexion, and a receding hairline.

He also wore thick rimmed brown glasses.

Sheila Dwyer, who had just turned 60 years of age, is described as being 5 foot 8” in height, of a slim build, with a fair complexion and long blonde hair.

If they are still alive today, Mr and Mrs Dwyer would now be 95 and 94 respectively.

“We are appealing for closure for Conor and Sheila’s family, especially their two sons, and are seeking the public’s assistance with the missing person’s investigation,” said An Garda Síochána.

“The location of the White Toyota Cressida is deemed vital in this investigation and we believe could hold the key to solving Conor and Sheila’s disappearance.”

Gardaí have also shared a number of questions relating to this case, one of which being if the couple were known to visit the Cobh area, or any other areas regularly.

“Even the smallest piece of information could prove helpful and will be welcomed by investigating Gardaí,” said An Garda Síochána.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating gardaí at Fermoy Garda Station on 025 82100.