The appeal for information surrounding Antoinette Smith’s murder has been reiterated by the Gardaí, 37 years post her last sighting when she was alive. Ms Smith, 27 at the time, was last spotted at O’Connell Street, Dublin city, prior to her remains being found near the Lemass monument at Glendoo Mountain, close to Glencree-Enniskerry, Co Wicklow on 3rd April 1988.
Detective Inspector Seamus Ryan, based at Bray Garda station, holds a firm belief that members of the public possess crucial information linked to Antoinette’s tragic end. He has made an appeal to such individuals to present themselves and share any relevant details, regardless of the time lapse or the seeming inconsequence of their information, in order to assist the resolution of this case.
He emphasized the need for Smith’s daughters, Lisa and Rachel to witness justice for their mother’s loss that occurred when they were of a tender age. The late Ms Smith was last seen on 11th July 1987 after attending a David Bowie gig in Slane Co Meath alongside a friend. They returned to Dublin via bus, landing at Parnell Square close to 11pm before proceeding to La Mirage Discotheque on Parnell Street.
Investigators at Bray, Co Wicklow conveyed that after encountering two known men in the nightclub, the friends remained with them until 2am, after which Ms. Smith’s companion left. Ms Smith continued her journey with the two men and proceeded towards the taxi rank on O’Connell Street where the men hired a taxi to Ballymun.
Ms Smith was observed strolling past the Gresham Hotel on O’Connell Street heading towards O’Connell Bridge post which she was declared missing by her spouse to the gardaí.
A mother to a seven-year-old and a four-year-old child was missing for a span of nine months before her body was unearthed on Glendoo Mountain. The Gardaí have made a plea to the public to come forth with any details they might have related to the case, particularly from the year 1987 onwards, and in the intervening period.
They also encourage individuals, who may have developed the urge to share information 37 years after the event, to step forward, stressing that relationships or connections could have evolved with time.
The Gardaí want to assure the public that they will manage anyone contributing to the investigation with sensitivity. The Gardaí in Bray can be reached at 01 666 5300 for any information, or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111. Alternatively, any Garda station can be approached, according to a spokeswoman for Garda.