Fresh appeals for information leading to the capture of the murderer of Galway taxi-driver Eileen Costello O'Shaughnessy were made yesterday as Mayor Clodagh Higgins unveiled a plaque on the 25th anniversary of her death.
Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the top of the taxi rank in Eyre Square for the moving ceremony which was addressed by family members and by Gardai investigating the killing.
Describing it as a crime which shocked the nation, Mayor Higgins said that it was incumbent on anyone who had information relevant to the investigation that they come forward and contact Gardai.
In an impassioned speech, she said that the killing of Eileen Costello-O'Shaughnessy had deprived her of a lifetime celebrating the achievements of her children and grandchildren.
Mayor Higgins said that Ms Costello-O'Shaughnessy had been a trailblazer for female taxi drivers in the region and that her killing had been a shocking and horrific one.
Ms Costello-O'Shaughnessy was originally from Corofin and was a well-known taxi driver in the city. She was 47 years-of-age at the time of her death and was driving a Silver Toyota Carina registration number 97G6663.
Detective Superintendent Shane Cummins said that gardai are treating the investigation as live and have made an appeal for information.
"Eileen commenced work at 8am on November 30 and worked throughout the day. At 8pm Eileen informed her taxi base that she was taking a fare to Claregalway. Approximately 20 minutes later the taxi base attempted to contact Eileen but received no answer. At 9pm, Eileen was due to meet the owner of the taxi in Galway to handover the car and keys. However she failed to meet as agreed. The last known contact with Eileen was at 8pm.
"At this stage her colleagues grew concerned for her whereabouts and searched the city for her taxi. Just before midnight Eileen’s taxi was discovered at Lydon house bakery on the Tuam Road in Galway where it became apparent that Eileen may have been injured. A search of the area commenced.
"The following morning of December 1 1997, the body of Eileen Costello O’Shaughnessy was discovered at Tinkers Lane, Knockdoemore just off the N17. Eileen had been assaulted and murdered. A murder investigation commenced.
"25 years on, An Garda Síochána continue to investigate this case," said net Supt Cummins.
"The investigation into the murder of Eileen Costello O’Shaughnessy continues to be a live investigation.”
"We are conscious that we now live in a very different era to 1997 and now with that passage of time, people may feel more comfortable sharing information with us," he said.
An Garda Síochána are again appealing to anyone who may be in a position to assist with progressing the following
— At approximately 8.30pm on the N17 close to Tinkers Lane, a woman with blonde hair was seen walking in the direction of Galway against oncoming traffic. She was at the hard shoulder and appeared in a distracted state. This woman has never been identified.
— At 8.45pm a motorist observed Eileen’s taxi a silver Toyota Carina registration number 97G6663 driving erratically on the N17 towards Galway city. As the cars approached Leaders' shop the motorist overtook the taxi and saw a man with a beard driving it. The taxi turned left into Lydon House bakery. This man has never been identified.
— At approximately 9pm a man was seen jumping down from a wall close to Lydon House bakery and walking in the direction of Galway. He was wearing a green jacket and carrying a small canvass bag. This man has never been identified
— Finally a small red car was seen at 2am at Tinkers lane where Eileen’s body was found. The car had reversed up the laneway and had the parking lights on. The occupants of this car have never been identified.
"Anyone with information is encouraged to contact An Garda Síochána in Oranmore on 091-388030 or alternatively you can contact your local Garda station,” Detective Superintendent Cummins said.
