Murder of Eileen Costello O’Shaughnessy on the 30/11/97

Gardaí in Galway are continuing to investigate the murder of forty-seven-year-old mother of two Eileen Costello O’Shaughnessy who was murdered on 30th November 1997.

Eileen was originally from Corofin and was a taxi driver in Galway City. She shared the taxi with the owner, and normally worked the day shift. On 30th November Eileen commenced work at around 8am and was busy throughout the day. Earlier that day she met two friends during the day and visited her mother. At 8pm Eileen informed the taxi base that she was taking a fare to Claregalway. About twenty minutes later the base attempted to make contact with Eileen to collect a fare in Claregalway but there was no answer. Eileen was due to meet the owner of the taxi to hand over the car and keys at 9pm in a carpark on the Dyke Road. When she didn’t arrive the owner became worried and attempted to contact her.

A number of Eileen’s colleagues were concerned and searched for her in Galway that night. Just before midnight, Eileen’s taxi was discovered at Lydon House Bakery. There were visible signs that a violent incident had taken place inside the taxi.

Gardaí searched the area for Eileen throughout the night. At around midday the following day a farmer discovered Eileen’s body at Tinkers Lane, Knockdoemore, just off the N17. Eileen had been assaulted and murdered.

Twenty years on, Gardaí continue to investigate this case and have four areas of appeal they are focusing on.  

Appeal:

• At around 8.30pm, on the N17, close to Tinkers Lane, a woman with blonde hair was seen walking in the direction of Galway against oncoming traffic. She was at the hard shoulder and appeared in a distracted state. This woman has never been identified.

• Secondly, at 8.45pm a motorist observed Eileen’s taxi, a silver Toyota Carina registration number 97G6663, driving erratically on the N17 towards Galway. As the cars approached Leaders shop the motorist overtook the taxi and saw a man with a beard driving it. The taxi turned left into Lydon House Bakery. This man has never been identified.

• At around 9pm, a man was seen jumping down from a wall close to Lydon House Bakery and walking in the direction of Galway. He was wearing a green jacket and carrying a small canvas bag. This man has never been identified.

• Finally, a small red car was seen at 2am at Tinkers Lane where Eileen’s body was found. The car had reversed up the laneway and had the parking lights on. The occupants of this car have never been identified.

Gardaí at Galway (Mill Street) Garda Station are investigating tel: (091) 538000