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23 Feb 2026

BREAKING: Gardaí searching Kildare border site in Deirdre Jacob case make discovery

Deirdre’s parents Michael and Bernadette Jacob from Newbridge and JoJo’s sister Kathleen Bergin were accompanied at the location by gardaí on Sunday afternoon as  a huge excavation continued of land around a remote quarry

LATEST: Gardaí searching Kildare border in Deirdre Jacob case make discovery

The discovery was made at the quarry on the Kildare/Wicklow border, where an excavation began last week following new information from a witness

Gardaí investigating the disappearance of Kildare woman Deirdre Jacob have recovered the axle of a car during a search linked to her murder inquiry.

The discovery was made at the quarry on the Kildare/Wicklow border, where an excavation began last week following new information from a witness.

The relatives of missing Deirdre Jacob and JoJo Dullard visited the site between Baltinglass and Blessington on Sunday afternoon. 

 
Deirdre’s parents Michael and Bernadette Jacob from Newbridge and JoJo’s sister Kathleen Bergin were accompanied at the location by gardaí.

Gardaí said the area will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations over several days.

One of the lines of inquiry being pursued by Gardaí is that prime suspect in Deirdre’s murder, Larry Murphy, was seen burying a car in the area. 

The discovery of the car axle could be linked to this vehicle. 
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 the search operation will have the support of other state expertise, if required.
Gardaí said they  continue to keep the families of JoJo and Deirdre updated in relation to the investigations.
One theory being pursued by gardaí is that convicted rapist Larry Murphy, was seen burying a vehicle  in the area of the search several years ago. 
A source said: "Larry Murphy was seen burying a car in this area and that vehicle could contain significant evidence for the investigation."
 An Garda Síochána appealed 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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