Fermoy couple missing for 35 years

Gardaí in Fermoy have launched a new appeal for information about the disappearances of Conor and Sheila Dwyer 35 years ago.

On 30 April, 1991, Conor and Sheila were seen together coming out of St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, close to their home on Chapel Hill, Fermoy.

The following day, 1 May, 1991, Sheila spoke with her sister by phone.

On 19 May, Sheila’s birthday, her sister tried calling her, but there wasn’t any reply. Soon after, both of Sheila’s sisters went to the house, but found it empty. They reported the couple missing to gardaí a few days later on 22 May.

Conor Dwyer was 62 years of age at the time of disappearance and Sheila Dwyer had just turned 60 in May 1991.

Sheila was a housewife and is described as a quiet person who was in good health.

Conor worked as the caretaker in Castlelyons House, which was owned by a German businessman at the time.

There was a number of high-valued cars in the property which he was often seen driving throughout Fermoy. He was well known in Fermoy and the surrounding areas and had previously worked as a taxi driver.

As a couple, while they were described as having kept to themselves, both were well known in the town of Fermoy and were always well-dressed.

When gardaí went to the couple’s home, they found both their passports along with approximately £1,000 in cash - a substantial sum for the time.

It was noted that some clothes were missing, but not many. Nothing was disturbed in the house or appeared out of the ordinary.

Conor’s car, a white Toyota Cressida - registration number 5797 ZT - is still missing since the couple’s disappearance. While all ports were notified at the time, there were never any reports of the car having left the country.

The car was registered to Conor and had recently been taxed in January 1991, and has never been re-registered in any other name.

Gardaí said that the case remains open and active and there have been numerous reviews throughout the years. Lines of enquiries have been followed-up in numerous different areas with the entire case being fully reviewed at this time.

These enquiries have lead gardaí abroad as well as Ireland.

The River Blackwater has been searched on numerous occasions by the garda water unit.

Detective Inspector Ann-Marie Guiney said that An Garda Síochána are appealing to members of the public who may have information to contact Fermoy Garda Station on 025-82100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111, or any other garda station.