Moving ceremony ensures JoJo's memory lives on in the hearts of Kilkenny people

Thursday, November 9 marked 28 years since the disappearance of JoJo Dullard.

The last recorded sighting of the Callan woman was at a phone box in Moone, Co Kildare on Thursday, November, 9, 1995. She has never been seen since. Ms Dullard had been hitch-hiking home from Dublin to Co Kilkenny and her last reported contact was a phone call to a friend at the Co Kildare phonebox.

Since JoJo’s disappearance, her heartbroken family have maintained their quest for information, continuously searching and appealing to the public for answers. In 2020 the Garda investigation into JoJo’s disappearance was officially upgraded to murder.

Posting to social media on the anniversary of JoJo’s disappearance, her sister Kathleen Bergin paid an emotional tribute, recalling childhood memories of JoJo.

The post finished by saying: "We will keep the candle of hope lighting for you, to help you finish your journey home. We love and miss you Jo and we know you are up there with Mary, Tom, Mam and Dad."

Last Saturday, a gathering was held at the Kilkenny’s Missing Persons national monument in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle to remember JoJo and other missing people.

The monument was first unveiled by the former President Mary McAleese on May 26, 2002 and features the handprints of family members of the missing. The annual event was organised by JoJo’s sister Kathleen Bergin, Fr Willie Purcell and Deputy John McGuinness. The occasion allowed those who knew JoJo to remember her legacy.

The monument was commissioned by a trust established by JoJo’s sister, the late Mary Phelan, who passed away following a battle with cancer in 2018.

Fr Willie Purcell, Clara parish priest and friend of the Dullard family, said the annual commemoration is 'significant' for the family.

"It’s an annual opportunity for everyone to gather to support the family," he said. "Every year we’re hoping there’ll be some word."

Saturday’s gathering included a number of local dignitaries and representatives from the Gardaí. The event also featured music from the Kilkenny Gospel Choir.

Fr Purcell urged members of the public to speak to the Gardaí if they have any knowledge of JoJo’s whereabouts. “There has to be someone out there with information," he said.

The local priest also urged people to keep Dean Roche in their thoughts as his family seek answers. Mr Roche went missing in March, 2015 and has never been seen since.

Kilkenny Garda Station can be contacted on 056-7775000.