Appeal renewed in murder of mother after David Bowie concert 39 years ago

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

A renewed appeal has been issued in the case of a young mother who was murdered after going to a David Bowie concert at Slane Castle 39 years ago.

Antoinette Smith disappeared after she and a friend attended the concert in Co Meath on Saturday, July 11th 1987.

The remains of the 27-year-old mother of two were found nine months later in a drain on the Glendoo Mountain in Co Wicklow.

After the gig, they returned to Dublin by bus, arriving in Parnell Square at around 11pm, and went to the nearby La Mirage Discotheque.

While in the club, they met two men whom they knew.

They remained in their company until they all left shortly after 2am.

Ms Smith’s friend parted company with the other three after they left the club, while Ms Smith and the two men remained for some time before all three walked a short distance to a taxi rank on O’Connell Street.

Gardaí said the men got a taxi to the Ballymun area while Ms Smith continued to walk by the Gresham Hotel on O’Connell Street towards O’Connell Street Bridge.

She was subsequently reported missing by her husband.

Ms Smith’s children Lisa and Rachel were aged seven and four respectively when their mother disappeared 39 years ago.

Gardaí at Bray Garda Station have used the anniversary to renew their appeal to the public for assistance.

They encouraged anyone with information to come forward, as they said that relationships and associations people may have had decades ago could now have changed.

Gardaí said they would treat anyone assisting the investigation in a “sensitive” manner.