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.