Gardaí issue fresh appeal on 36th anniversary of bookmaker Dessie Fox’s murder

Dessie Fox was shot dead in September 1990. Photo: Gardaí/PA

Gardaí have issued a fresh appeal for information on the 36th anniversary of the murder of Co Tyrone bookmaker Dessie Fox.

Mr Fox, 47, died after he was shot at Healy’s Bridge, Prosperous, Co Kildare, on Sunday September 30 1990.

Gardaí said he left his home in Dungannon at around 11:15am that morning, heading to attend a race meeting at the Curragh, Co Kildare, driving a white Mercedes 250D with the registration MJI 7005.

He travelled through Armagh, Carrickmacross, Castleblayney and Navan before stopping at Prosperous village.

At around 1:20pm, he was seen exiting Connolly’s Newsagents in Prosperous village with a newspaper under his arm.

Gardaí said he returned to his car, which was parked facing Dagwelds.

As he approached Healy’s Bridge, a red car, believed to be a Toyota Carina bearing false registration 90G2506, was seen following closely behind.

The occupants of the red Carina opened fire on Mr Fox’s vehicle, damaging the rear indicator and deflating the front-left tyre. 

Shotgun pellets were later recovered from the scene.

Mr Fox attempted to reverse away but his car veered off the road and came to a stop. 

The assailants approached and fired a single handgun round through the open passenger door, striking Mr Fox in both legs.

He died at the scene from his injuries.

A black leather briefcase containing cash, a canvas money bag, billheads bearing Mr Fox’s name, a Motorola car phone and car keys were stolen.

The red Toyota Carina used in the attack was later found abandoned in a field at Powerstown, Blanchardstown, in north Dublin on October 1 1990.

It had been stolen from Ashfield Avenue, Ranelagh, in Dublin on September 26, 1990.

A grey Mitsubishi Gallant, believed to be a 1987 or 1988 model with partial registration 11 or 14, was seen travelling in convoy with the Carina at O’Grady’s filling station in Painstown, Co Kildare.

A man wearing a Puma cap was observed moving from the Carina to the rear seat of the Gallant.

Gardaí said 17 individuals were arrested and questioned shortly after this murder.

Two further suspects were arrested in May 2018 and the matter continues to be investigated by detectives.

A Garda spokesman said 36 years on they 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 insignificant they think it may be, to come forward,” the Garda spokesperson said.

“Investigating Gardaí wish to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to the planning of this robbery of 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.”