Supt Tony Healy urged members of the public who may have even a small bit of information to come forward to Gardai who are investigating the suspected murder of Joe Deacy in Swinford last weekend. Supt Healy told the Mayo Advertiser yesterday afternoon: "Any little bit of information that people have can make a huge difference in an investigation." Speaking about the response from the public to date he said: "It's been really good, we are working through those and looking at CCTV footage and other things to progress the investigation."
Joseph Deacy (21 ), of St Albans in England, was discovered outside a house at Gortnasillagh, Swinford, with apparent head injuries on Saturday last. The alarm was raised by a passer-by at approximately 6am, Gardaí and emergencey services attended the scene. The man was taken by ambulance to Mayo University Hospital and later removed to Beaumont Hospital where he was pronounced dead on Sunday evening. A post-mortem examination was carried out by the State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy and the death is being treated as a homicide.
Mr Deacy was on holidays in the area, staying with friends, and he had been socialising in the area the night before his death.
Mr Deacy was a member of St Colmcilles GAA Club in St Albans, which paid tribute to him in a statement this week. "It is with a heavy heart that we have to report the sad news of the passing of a member of the St Colmcilles family, a player, our teammate, our friend, Joe Deacy," the statement read.
"At 21 years of age, Joe had a bright future ahead of him. He had an amazing energy and a real lust for life. He was a great friend and people were drawn to his character, his humour and outlook on life.
"Joe loved playing Gaelic football and being a part of the senior team here at St Colmcilles. He had fantastic ability, great pace and was always a threat in front of goal. He has been a key member of the squad in recent years and has been very important to the success that the team has achieved recently. It is difficult to say goodbye to anyone at any age but, when it happens to someone so young, it is especially difficult. He will be sorely missed by us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family and friends at this time. You will always be remembered by all of us here at the club, your friends and teammates."
A forensic examination of the scene has been carried out and an incident room has been established at Claremorris Garda Station. Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact Claremorris Garda Station (094 ) 9372080 or the Garda Confidential Line.
