Renewed appeal

Michael Commins



INVESTIGATION ONGOING A picture of a reconstruction of the Eddie Fitzmaurice murder, which took place in Charlestown in 2005 for Crimeline.

Gardaí renew appeal on tenth anniversary of Fitzmaurice death

DESPITE the fact that a total of 59 people were arrested and questioned in connection with the investigation into the murder of drapery store owner, Edward Fitzmaurice of Bellaghy, Charlestown, nobody has been charged in connection with the crime. This week, on the tenth anniversary of the tragedy which stunned the community along the Sligo-Mayo border, gardaí investigating the murder are renewing their appeal for information.
The body of Edward Fitzmaurice, Bellaghy, Charlestown was found in a bedroom at his home at 6.45pm on May 6, 1998. The investigation established that some time between 8.20pm on Friday, May 1, 1998 and Saturday morning, May 2, 1998, Eddie was attacked in his home. He was assaulted, tied up, gagged and left to die over a period of the next five days.
Superintendent Willie Keaveney, who is leading the investigation, said: “Ten years have elapsed since this murder. Its aftermath still haunts the community and the extended family of the victim. We are making a fresh appeal for help and information today in order to bring some closure to this dreadful event.
“We are satisfied that the information we need is out there and we earnestly hope that, even at this late stage, this appeal will jog some person’s conscience and they will make the right decision and speak to us.”
“Eddie Fitzmaurice was 83 years of age and lived alone in Bellaghy, Charlestown. He ran his own drapery shop and he was well-liked and respected in the community. He carried out his day-to-day business in a gentle, inoffensive manner.
“This has been a long and difficult ten years for the extended Fitzmaurice family and the only relief they will get is when the perpetrators face justice for their actions. Our investigation has remained active over the last decade. It has been a positive and proactive investigation which has generated in excess of 900 lines of enquiry, with 830 statements being taken and over 1,000 questionnaires completed by members of the public. A total of 59 people were arrested and questioned in connection with the investigation. Despite these efforts and painstaking work, nobody has been charged in connection with this appalling crime.”
Superintendent Keaveney said that while gardaí are grateful for the assistance they have received from the public to date, they are asking individuals to reflect again on the events of ten years ago and consider the pain of Mr Fitzmaurice’s family and the community in which he lived.
He added: “It is never too late to make the right decision. If you have information, come and speak to us now.”
The tragic death of Eddie Fitzmaurice was felt by many throughout the region where Eddie was known as a gentle soul who went quietly about his business. In former times, he also operated a travelling drapery shop which was quite unusual and he was widely known in parts of Mayo, Sligo and West Roscommon.
Eddie and his wife raised a family of five, two sons and three daughters. None of the family resides in the western region today.
The Garda Press Office has confirmed that Crimestoppers, in association with local businesses, has offered a reward of €12,700 for information leading to the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The Gardaí are most anxious to bring this inquiry to a successful conclusion. The Incident room at Swinford Garda Station can be contacted at 094 9252999 and people can also contact the Garda Confidential Freephone 1800 666 111 or Crimestoppers on 1800 250 025. All calls will be dealt with in confidence.