Unlawful Killing of Joe Deacy, Gortnasillagh, Mayo on 11/08/2017

Gardaí at Claremorris Garda Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of twenty-one-year-old, Joe Deacy who was found unconscious with head injuries in a driveway of a house in Gortnasillagh, Co. Mayo on Saturday 12 August 2017.

Joe, from St. Albans in the United Kingdom was visiting relatives and friends in the west of Ireland, specifically Galway and Mayo. Joe loved soccer and Gaelic Football and spent several summers as a young boy visiting the west of Ireland. During his teenage years Joe maintained contact with family, friends and cousins and visited them often, attending the Galway races and Gaelic Football matches.

On the 11th of August 2017, Joe had once again visited family and friends in Ireland. He went to a bar known locally as Paddy’s bar in Kiltimagh. Later Joe returned to the house where he was staying in the townland of Gortnasillagh.

At 6.45am on Saturday morning, 12 August, Joe was found unconscious in the driveway of the house with head injuries. Joe died at Beaumont Hospital the following day from his injuries.

Joe’s family made an emotional appeal on Crimecall for information that will assist the Garda investigation. 

Garda Appeal: 

• Did you see anything out of the ordinary on that night?
• Do you possess any information that may assist the investigation? We may or may not have spoken to you previously, either way we want to assure you that you will be treated with sensitivity and compassion.
• Allegiances change with the passage of time, were you friends with any of the suspects at the time and now feel better placed to speak to the investigation team?
• An extensive investigation has been conducted since 2017. However Gardaí still require and urge the public to come forward with the last piece of the jigsaw that will progress the investigation and bring some closure to the Deacy family.
• An Garda Síochána appeal directly to those suspected of involvement to come forward and unburden themselves? They believe that Key to solving Joes death lies within the local community. 

Gardaí at Claremorris Garda Station, Investigating, Tel: (094) 937 2080