Irish authorities are once again reaching out to the public for help in solving the murder of Co Tyrone bookmaker Dessie Fox, nearly 35 years after his tragic death.
Fox, aged 47 at the time, was shot and killed near Healy’s Bridge in Prosperous, Co Kildare, on a Sunday, September 30, 1990.
The Gardai believe that crucial information about the case may still lie with individuals who were around that day.
According to reports, the popular bookmaker left his residence in Dungannon around 11:15 a.m. to head for a race at Curragh. He drove a white Mercedes 250D with the license plate MJI 7005.
His route took him through Bush Road into Armagh, then dropping through Moy to Carrickmacross, Keady, and Castleblaney, before continuing to Navan via Ardee and Slane, and finally going through Dunsany, Kilcock, and Prosperous.
At approximately 1:20 p.m., eyewitnesses saw Fox exiting Connolly’s newsagents in Prosperous Village, clutching a newspaper. After returning to his parked car, he was close to Healy’s Bridge when a red car—believed to be a Toyota Carina with a fraudulent registration (90G2506)—began to trail him closely.
Shots were fired at Mr. Fox’s vehicle, damaging the rear indicator and puncturing the front left tire. Shrapnel from a shotgun was later retrieved from the area. Mr. Fox attempted to escape by backing up, but his vehicle swerved off the road and halted.
The attackers approached and managed to shoot him from the open passenger side, hitting him in both legs, which ultimately led to his death at the scene.
The assailants made off with a black leather briefcase packed with cash, a canvas bag, and documents in Mr. Fox’s name, along with a Motorola car phone and his car keys.
The Toyota Carina used in Fox’s murder was discovered abandoned in a field at Powerstown, Blanchardstown, the day after the incident on October 1, 1990. It had been stolen from Ashfield Avenue in Ranelagh just a few days earlier on September 26, 1990.
Additionally, witnesses noted a grey Mitsubishi Gallant, possibly from 1987 or 1988 with partial numbering of 11 or 14, seen traveling alongside the Carina at O’Grady’s Filling Station in Painstown, Co Kildare. A man sporting a Puma cap was spotted moving from the Carina to the rear seat of the Gallant.
In the days after the murder, authorities detained and interrogated 17 individuals. Two more suspects were questioned as recently as May 2018, and investigations are still active.
The Gardai emphasize that even after all these years, someone might have critical details that could help bring those responsible for this crime to justice. They urge anyone who might have seen or heard anything—regardless of how insignificant it may seem—to reach out.
If you possess any information about the circumstances surrounding Mr. Fox’s homicide, please contact Naas Garda Station at 045 884300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or your local Garda station.
