Fresh appeal for information on fatal shooting of well-known bookmaker in 1990

A fresh appeal for information on the murder of a well-known bookmaker 35 years ago has been issued by Gardaí.

Dessie Fox, aged 47, was fatally shot at Healy’s Bridge in Prosperous, Co Kildare on Sunday, September 30 1990. Gardai continue to investigate the murder and believe that information that could prove crucial to the investigation may not be being brought forward.

Mr Fox, who was a well-known bookmaker from Dungannon in Co Tyrone, left his home shortly after 11am on the morning of the murder with the intention of attending a race meeting at the Curragh. He was driving a white Mercedes 250D which had the registration number MJI 7005.

Travelling through the Bush Road to Armagh via Moy and then Carrickmacross via Keady and Castleblaney, followed by Navan via Ardee and Slane, and lastly through Dunsany, Kilkcock and Prosperous, Mr Fox was last seen leaving Connolly’s Newsagents in Prosperous Village at approximately 1.20pm with a newspaper under his arm.

He returned to his vehicle, which was parked facing Dagwelds and as he approached Healy’s Bridge, a red car which Gardai believe to have been a Toyota Carina with a false reg of 90G2506 could be seen following closely behind.

The occupants of the red car opened fire on Mr Fox’s vehicle and as he attempted to escape, his car veered off the road and came to a stop. His attackers then approached the vehicle and a single handgun shot is understood to have been fired from the passenger door, striking Mr Fox’s legs and causing fatal injuries. Shotgun pellets were subsequently recovered from the scene.

The criminals made off with a black leather briefcase that contained cash, a canvas money bag, billheads bearing Mr Fox’s name, a Motorola car phone and car keys.

The red car was later found abandoned in a field in Blanchardstown and is now known to have been stolen from Ranelagh on September 2. A grey Mitsubishi Gallant, understood to be either a 1987 or 1988 model was seen travelling with the red Carina from O’Grady’s Filling Station in Painstown, Co Kildare and a man wearing a Puma cap was spotted moving between the vehicles.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: “17 persons were arrested and questioned shortly after this murder. Two further suspects were arrested in May 2018 and the matter continues to be investigated by An Garda Síochána.

“Thirty-five years on, Gardaí believe that individuals may still hold vital information that could assist in identifying and bringing those responsible to justice. Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything or who has information-no matter how small-to come forward.

“Investigating Gardaí wish to hear from any persons who may have information in relation to the planning of this robbery on Mr Fox and all information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

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