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23 Feb 2026
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23 Feb 2026
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The scene at an area of open ground in Co Wicklow where Gardaí investigating the murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob in the 1990s are conducting a search. Picture: PA
Gardaí investigating the disappearance of Kilkenny woman Jo Jo Dullard and 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 search site on the Kildare/Wicklow border, where an excavation began last week following new information from a witness.
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The relatives of missing Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob visited the site between Baltinglass and Blessington on Sunday afternoon.
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 allegedly seen burying a car in the area.
It is understood that detectives don’t believe the car axle discovered is linked to any of the cars prime suspect Larry Murphy had access to and is likely to be from a more recent vehicle.
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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 Jo Jo and Deirdre updated in relation to the investigations.
In a statement to followers on social media, the page dedicated to Jo Jo Dullard have expressed their 'heartfelt thanks' for all the recent support.
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"Thank you for your kind words, prayers and keeping a candle lighting for Jo Jo and Deirdre," the statement read.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the teams carrying out this search and it is reassuring to hear the Garda Commissioner say in a recent media report, that there is no rush on this search and they have got everything they need to do the work there.
"We are appealing to those people who have information, no matter how small, to please please come forward."
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