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LAST UPDATE | 31 Jul 2025
GARDAÍ HAVE COMPLETED search operation in Co Wexford as part of an ongoing investigation into the 1998 disappearance and murder of Fiona Sinnott.
Gardaí said they have updated Fiona’s family on any developments but are not publicly releasing the results for operational reasons.
The search began today on open ground at an undisclosed location in the county.
The site was sealed off for excavation, technical and forensic examinations with the assistance of drones and heavy machinery.
Road closures and local diversions were put in place, with a strong Garda presence at the scene.
Family members of the late Fiona Sinnott gathered in a nearby village earlier as they awaited developments.
Fiona’s sister, Diane, said that her family was “really hopeful this time.”
“We just want to find her. The guards seem fairly confident that they’ve got something this time.
“Apparently it came from a very good tip-off, so hopefully this will finally be it and we’ll find Fiona,” Diane said.
Fiona Sinnott, a 19-year-old mother from Ballyhitt, Broadway, Co Wexford, was last seen shortly after midnight on 8 February 1998, having spent the evening socialising with friends at Butler’s Pub in Broadway.
A motorist reported seeing a man and woman near Kisha Cross around that time, with two other men in close proximity.
Gardaí say none of these individuals have ever come forward and are again appealing for them, or anyone who may have been in the area that night, to contact the investigation team.
This latest development comes after 27 years of sustained investigation by gardaí in the region.
Six people have previously been arrested and detained in connection with the case, and over 500 statements have been taken.
Thousands of documents and reports have been compiled and a number of exhibits retained.
The search is being led by a senior investigating officer and gardaí are again appealing to anyone with any information to come forward.
They are also encouraging anyone who may have spoken to gardaí in the past but did not feel comfortable sharing everything they knew, to re-engage with the investigation.
“You will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and in full confidence,” a garda statement said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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