Car find may solve mystery of missing businessman

The chance discovery of a submerged car may solve the mystery disappearance 22 years ago of a well-known businessman and former county councillor.

DNA tests are to be carried out in the coming days on human remains which were yesterday recovered by divers from a car found submerged in the River Blackwater in Fermoy, Co Cork.

Gardaí believe the remains are likely to be that of William “Bill” Fennessy, who has not been seen since Mar 30, 1990.

Divers from the Blackwater Sub Aqua Search and Rescue Unit discovered what is believed to be Mr Fennessy’s Daihatsu Charade during a routine exercise on Monday.

Yesterday, they mounted repeated dives to the car, which is 3.5m down and embedded in silt.

Mr Fennessy, 54, ran a successful pub, auctioneers, and undertaking business in the town for many years. He also served as a Labour representative on Cork County Council in the early 1980s.

The car was located close to the northern bank of the river, just 300 metres west of the town’s bridge.

His older brother, James, watched the repeated dives while clutching a piece of paper in his hand.

On it was written the registration number of William’s car — 32 ZIF.

He said he was hoping divers would be able to find a matching number plate. So far, they have been unsuccessful.

However, James said he hopes either DNA tests or dental records will bring closure for the family.

“It would be an end,” he said. “For the last 22 years, we couldn’t say what happened. Although I’m still afraid — back in those years, people would dispose of cars by dumping them in rivers.”

He described his brother — survived by wife Nor-een and several children — as “a man who would do anything for anyone. He was very obliging.”

Mr Fennessy’s wife also attended the scene, where she was kept appraised of developments by gardaí.

John Murphy, the longest-serving member of Fermoy Town Council and its Joint Policing Committee chairman, knew Mr Fennessy well.

“He actually buried my father,” said Mr Murphy. “He was a very decent man. He was a good community worker who was very interested in progressing the interests of Fermoy.”

Supt Mick Comyns confirmed the divers had recovered human remains and some clothing.

“It could take a bit of time before we have confirmation on DNA and dental records,” said Supt Comyns. “The car is a Daihatsu, like the one Mr Fennessy owned. Everything of importance has been recovered from the vehicle, so there is no need for more dives.”

He said it was likely the vehicle had been embedded for quite some time. Foul play is not suspected.