Murder of John Cusack in September 1995

The Gardaí at Henry Street Garda Station are investigating the fatal Shooting of John Cusack that occurred at his home between Saturday the 23rd and Monday 25th September 1995 at Meentula, Murroe, Co. Limerick. John was 56 years old, he had been married and was the father of seven grown up children. John was well known in the area as a farmer who attended local marts dealing in the sale and purchase of livestock.

On Monday afternoon, the 25th September 1995 John Cusack was found lying at the front door of his house. He had been fatally shot in the back. John had spent Saturday evening with his daughter Breda who travelled home to Limerick from Dublin where she was studying, to spend time with her father, as she did most weekends.

They had dinner together that evening and at about 8.30pm John dropped his daughter back into Limerick City where she was staying.

The Post Mortem examination put the time of death at approximately 10pm on Saturday 23rd.

 
Appeal:

• This September will mark the twenty year anniversary of the murder of John Cusack who was found murdered at his home in Meentulla, Murroe, Co. Limerick.  The Gardaí are appealing to the public for assistance.  The Gardaí are satisfied that there are person(s) within the community with information that would be beneficial to the case.  Through the passage of time people may have been reluctant to come forward in relation to this murder but the Gardaí are appealing for their assistance. To help people recall the time of year, it was the Saturday after the All-Ireland football final between Dublin & Tyrone. 

• The Gardaí would like to hear from anyone who may now recall something unusual on Saturday 23rd September 1995 in the Murroe area (no matter how insignificant it may seem. John Cusack dropped his daughter off in Cherrydale Court which is near the Parkway shopping centre in Limerick at 8.30pm. He was driving his 1985 Limerick registered pick up. Perhaps someone recalls seeing the vehicle in Limerick or as it travelled back to Murroe.

• John Cusack was a man that was known far and wide throughout the country – especially among those in the farming community.  He ‘dealt’’ in cattle, sheep and horses.  Perhaps someone from the farming community remembers meeting John that week or in the weeks before he was found murdered in September 1995.  Was there anything unusual about his demeanour?  Did he appear worried or upset about anything? Was there anything out of character in his behaviour?  Was he involved in any argument or disagreement? Any information would help the Gardaí try to piece together what happened on this fateful night in September 1995.

• As stated John Cusack met and dealt with many people around the area and around the country.  Had anyone an appointment to meet him that weekend and thought it unusual that he did not turn up?  Does anyone recall having made an effort to contact him that weekend and find it unusual that they could not contact him. 

• Meentulla, Murroe, is a very quiet isolated area set in rural east Limerick.  The Cusack family home was set deep in the wooded area of the Slieve Felim Way.  It is a quiet area that would attract a lot of hill walkers and tourists throughout the year visiting the area.  Did anyone local notice anything strange or unusual in the area that night or that week?  Was there any activity that looked out of place?  Perhaps you were a walker out visiting the area of Slieve Felim/Clare Glens and noticed something unusual or suspicious in or around the 23rd September 1995.  The smallest piece of information could be key to solving what has been a twenty year nightmare for the Cusack family.  This remains an open and active case and An Garda Síochána in Limerick will continue to investigate it.

Bruff Garda Station on 061 382940