ON THE 14th anniversary of the death of pensioner Eddie Fitzmaurice in Bellaghy, County Mayo, Gardaí believe there are still people who have information about the brutal murder.

They have issued an appeal and Crimestoppers have offered a reward for any information which leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible.

Gardaí in Mayo have described the crime as “particularly callous” as the victim was a defenceless elderly man who lived alone.

His body was found at his home on the 6 May 1998 at about 6.45pm. He had been attacked at his Charlestown home sometime between 8.20pm on Friday the 1 May and Saturday morning, 2 May.

He was assaulted, tied up, gagged and left to die over the next five days. A neighbour found his body on 6 May.

Detectives say that despite exhaustive efforts to identify the culprits, nobody has been charged with the murder. The case has been reviewed on an ongoing basis over the past 14 years.

Gardaí at both Charlestown and Swinford Garda stations have asked those people who have information about what happened on that weekend to come forward.

“This information may provide the key to solving this murder,” they said.

Superintendent Colm Fox described Mr Fitzmaurice as a popular member of the community who went about his day-to-day business in a quiet, gentle manner. He ran his own drapery shop in the locality for many years.

“There may be people with information but who were under duress at that time and did not come forward. However all these years later their circumstances may have changes and we would urge anyone with information to contact us here in Swinford,” he added.

It is believed that the perpetrators were looking to rob the victim of this life savings of about IRL£13,000

Anyone with information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station 094-9252990, or the Garda Confidential Freephone – 1800 666 111, or Crimestoppers Line – 1800 250 025.