Cork missing persons case from 1991 is ‘still active’

Gardaí say the case of a missing North Cork couple, who were last seen 35 years ago, remains active and ongoing, with a number of searches carried out over the past year.

Conor and Sheila Dwyer were 62 and 60, respectively, when they were last seen at 9.30am on Tuesday, April 30, 1991, near their Chapel Hill home in Fermoy.

They were not seen publicly again, and three weeks later the alarm was raised by Ms Dwyer’s sisters.

When Fermoy gardaí gained entry to the Dwyers’ home, the house appeared undisturbed, with the couple’s passports accounted for and no sign of disturbance.

A biscuit tin containing £1,000 — then a very substantial amount of money — was found in the house.

TOYOTA MISSING

The only thing missing from the scene was their white Toyota Cressida, registration number 5797 ZT.

The car had been taxed four months earlier, and it has never been seen since. Gardaí believe the car could hold the key to the case.

Bandon-based detective inspector Anne-Marie Guiney is in charge of the ongoing investigation.

She said a number of searches and inquiries have been made over the past year, with the investigation remaining active and open.

“Gardaí will exhaust every option available,” she said.

“We would like to once again appeal to members of the public who may have any information to contact us.”

Mr O’Dwyer was described as 5’8” in height, 11 stone and of a stocky build, with dark, receding hair parted to the right. He wore dark-rimmed glasses.

Ms O’Dwyer was described as 5’4” and of a slim build, with fair/blonde hair.

In March 1997, Conor and Sheila Dwyer’s home was sold at public auction, along with a separate site they had owned in another part of Fermoy.

If they are still alive today, Conor Sr and Sheila would now be 97 and 95, respectively.

For 35 years, there has been no closure for the loved ones of Conor and Sheila Dwyer, and with every passing year the memory of the couple has faded a little more in Fermoy.

Anyone with information on the Dwyers’ disappearance is asked to call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111, or Fermoy Garda Station on 025 82100.