A notorious double killer is a suspect for the brutal murder of a woman taxi driver – that is still unsolved 25 years on, it has emerged.
Sources have confirmed to The Mirror that evil Thomas Murray, who is serving life for murders 20 years apart, is the main focus of the investigation into November 30, 1997 killing of Eileen Costello O’Shaughnessy in Co Galway.
Even though a quarter century has now passed from the murder, gardai are still hunting the 47-year-old’s murderer – and made a fresh appeal for information on her anniversary yesterday.
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We have established that gardai suspect that Murray was allegedly seen near the spot where Mrs O’Shaughnessy’s body was found at Tinkers Lane, Knockdoemore just off the N17 when officers began to seal off the scene for clues.
Murray, who is already serving time for one murder in 1982 and had a last address in Ballygar, Co Galway, was given another life sentence in the year 2000 for the brutal killing of his former teacher Nancy Nolan – committed while he was out on temporary release from Castlerea prison in Co Roscommon.
Detectives have long been baffled by the apparently motiveless murder of Mrs O’Shaughnessy.
She was beaten with her car radio and the flex was used to strangle her.
Murray, who is now 59, was one of the first people to be interviewed after the killing, but no charges followed after an associate gave him an alibi for the night.
But Gardai believe the alibi evidence was unreliable and the killer has long been their prime suspect for the murder.
He is still behind bars to this day – but gardai have not given up hope of solving the murder of Ms O’Shaughnessy.
Eileen was originally from Corofin in Co Galway 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.
Eileen started work at 8am on November 30, 1997 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.
Eileen’s 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 the 1st of December 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.
Detective Superintendent Shane Cummins, who is leading the probe, has appealed for help in catching the killer.
He said: "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.
"25 years on, An Garda Síochána continue to investigate this case. 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.”
And gardai area appealing to anyone who has information about these key points to come forward”
• At approximately 8.30pm on the N17 close to Tinkers Lane a woman with blonder 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 in 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.
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