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19 Feb 2026

LATEST: 5 major questions still remain as Deirdre Jacob search continues on Kildare border

The search related to the disappearance of Deirdre Jacob and JoJo Dullard enters its fourth day on the Kildare border

LATEST: 5 key questions as search in Deirdre Jacob case continues on Kildare border

The search in the investigation into the murder of Deirdre Jacob has been ongoing since Monday morning (Main Photo: PA Media)

Reporter:

Kildare Reporter

19 Feb 2026 10:30 AM


As the search related to the disappearance of Deirdre Jacob and JoJo Dullard enters its fourth day on the Kildare border - key questions remain in the investigation. 

An excavator continues to move large amounts of soil at an old quarry located between Dunlavin and Baltinglass on the Kildare / Wicklow border. 

READ NEXT: Kildare gardaí investigate burglary in Athy. 

It's believed that gardai are acting on foot of information that materials in connection with a missing woman may be buried at specified sand pit.
Key questions that remain include: 
1. Larry Murphy   

In light of this week's search, do Garda investigators have any further plans to question Larry Murphy?
2. Other sites   

Are there other potential search sites in Co Kildare or Co Wicklow identified in garda investigations that have not been excavated yet?

3. Was the 1998 abduction witnessed by anybody?

Deirdre vanished in daylight near her home, suggesting a rapid approach or voluntary interaction with a driver.  But it is possible that passersby may not have witnessed her abduction or recognised that anything was suspicious?


4. Is there a link to other disappearances?

Investigators continue exploring whether Deirdre’s disappearance connects to other Vanishing Triangle cases, such as Annie McCarrick, potentially indicating a serial offender, shared disposal methods, or overlapping suspect movements across regions.


5. Is a crucial witness still silent?

Could somebody close to the suspect around 1998 still possess vital information but has never come forward, possibly due to fear, loyalty, or dependence on a suspect at the time.

The search operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau and local resources from Kildare Division as required.
 
Gardaí said they continue to keep the families of Ms Dullard and Ms Jacob updated in relation to these investigations.
 
An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be to contact any Garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

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