New appeal 20 years after murder of Emer O’Loughlin in Co Clare

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Gardaí have made a renewed appeal on the 20th anniversary of the murder of art student Emer O’Loughlin in Co Clare.

Investigating gardaí have said they believe that a man they want to speak to in connection with the killing in Ballybornagh, Tubber, is still alive.

On April 8th, 2005, human remains were discovered in a mobile home close to where Ms O’Loughlin, 23, lived with her boyfriend.

The mobile home, which belonged to John Griffin, had been completely destroyed by fire.

The remains were later identified as being Ms O’Loughlin’s.

Griffin went missing 10 days after the fire at the mobile home.

He was spotted going to Inis Mór in the Aran Islands, where his clothes were later found on a cliff top.

But it was believed to be an attempt to fake his own suicide.

Interpol later named him on their most wanted list.

On May 19th, 2010, investigating gardaí exhumed Ms O’Loughlin’s remains, which were then removed to University Hospital Galway where forensic anthropology tests were conducted.

The tests indicated that she had died a violent death, and the investigation was upgraded to murder.

A spokesperson said: “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.

“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.

“If you believe you may be in a position to bring closure and get justice for them, gardaí would like to hear from you.”

Griffin was known as “Fozzie”.

The spokesperson said: “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 Mor.

“Gardai 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 11in), 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.”