Conservationist’s family appeals for news about mountain murder

The family of a conservationist who was found dead after taking his dogs for a mountain walk have appealed for help in finding his killer.

Michael McCoy was in his mid-60s and a leading member of the Dublin Mountain Conservation and Environmental Group. His body was found by search teams near a forest track at Ballinascorney Hill, Brittas, in the early hours of Friday.

Mr McCoy, 64, had been walking his two dogs, both boxers, in a forest area close to where he lived when he had been attacked and killed. One for the boxers returned home but the other dog, who was on a lead, is still missing and the family have appealed for help in finding her.

The man’s niece, Kirsten McCoy, an artist living in France, posted a number of messages on Twitter, including a plea for information on his death.

“I hope and pray that the perpetrator of this horrendous crime is caught ASAP. Anyone with info please contact Garda. Dublin Mountains Murder,” she wrote.

In an earlier post, she wrote: “I am in total shock that my kind and gentle uncle, Michael McCoy, has been murdered while out for a walk at Ballinascorney, Dublin Mountains.”

A 41-year-old man arrested by gardaí on Saturday was released without charge. A Garda spokesman said a file was being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The deceased’s daughter, Rachel, changed her Twitter page in a bid to find the missing dog, Fia, a tan-coloured boxer with a long tail. The dog is a year-and-a half-old, is microchipped but is not neutered. There is concern that her lead may have got tangled or caught in something in the forest.

The family are anxious to find the dog because she was so close to Mr McCoy, who was passionate about protecting the natural heritage of the Dublin Mountains. A reward has been offered for her return.

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals posted a notice about the missing dog on Facebook last week after being contacted by Mr McCoy’s family but did not know the circumstances at the time.

DSPCA spokeswoman Gillian Bird said they were anxious that as many people as possible knew about Fia.

“She may have wandered across the Dublin-Wicklow border, and the people who may have found her may not be on social media,” said Ms Bird.

“Fia is part of the family and they are concerned that something bad may have happened to her too. Someone may have found her and may not have figured out what to do so we want them to drop her into Tallaght Garda Station or get in touch with the DSPCA.”