The sister of North Clare murder victim Emer O’Loughlin says her family have lived the life sentence her murderer should have served.
It comes as Gardaí have issued a renewed appeal for information, on the 20th anniversary of the death of the Ennistymon native, who was 23 at the time.
On April 8th, 2005, human remains were discovered in a mobile home close to where Emer O’Loughlin lived with her boyfriend at Ballybornagh, Tubber.
The mobile home, which belonged to a man named John Griffin, had been completely destroyed by fire.
The human remains discovered inside were later identified as being Emer’s. She was 23 years of age at the time of her death.
On May 19th, 2010, investigating Gardaí exhumed her remains, which were then removed to University Hospital Galway for forensic anthropology tests.
These tests indicated that Emer had died a violent death, and as a result, the investigation was upgraded to that of murder.
Today is the 20th anniversary of Emer’s death and her family are still struggling to come to terms with her loss. Her sister Pamela has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that it’s hard to remember her, without remembering what happened to her.
Investigating Gardaí are hopeful that the public can assist with efforts to trace John Griffin, also known as “fozzie”, who was from the Mervue area of Galway City.
They believe he may have information that will assist them and are eager to interview him as part of the investigation.
The last confirmed sighting of him was on the Aran Island of Inis Mór and while extensive searches were conducted along the coastline after his clothing was found, he’s never been seen since, and has his body has never been recovered.
Investigating Gardaí believe that he’s still alive, and would now be 57 years of age.
He’s described as being of a slight build and bald on the top of his head. He often sported a beard, which was shaved off on occasion. He has a distinctive Egyptian ‘Eye of Horus’ tattoo on his throat and speaks with a local accent.
Gardaí believe that at the time of his disappearance, he was helped by a person or a number of people to leave the island of Inis Mór.
Pamela O’Loughlin says they have to assume he’s alive somewhere, and that someone helped him leave the island.
She says her family have lived the life sentence for Emer’s death and insists they will continue to fight for justice.
Anyone with information can contact Gort Garda Station on 091 636 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
You can listen to the full interview here:
