'He deserves the truth' - woman pleads for answers over dad's murder

The daughter of a man who was murdered 35 years ago has pleaded to anyone with any information on her father's death to come forward, "no matter how small or insignificant".

Des Fox, a bookmaker from Dungannon, County Tyrone, was on his way to the Curragh Races when he was robbed of about £15,000 at Healy's Bridge in County Kildare on 30 September 1990.

The 47-year-old father of three was shot in the leg and bled to death.

Speaking publicly about her father for the first time, Claire Jebb told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster: "We have to do it for our dad - he deserves answers and for the truth to come out."

She added: "It has been 35 years, and this is the first time I've ever spoken publicly about it. I've always kept my grief and coping mechanisms very quiet, which is saying something."

Des Fox was shot in 1990 at Healy's Bridge in County Kildare

Mrs Jebb's comments follow a renewed appeal from gardaí (Irish police) who say they believe that individuals "may still hold vital information that could assist in identifying and bringing those responsible to justice".

Mrs Jebb, who was seven at the time of her father's murder, described her dad as "a wonderful man, a family man, and very well liked".

Her father was simply "just going about his work, working for his family", she said.

"Our desire to find the truth has never wavered and as a family we want to know that truth, for ourselves and our own kids.

"Anything we can do to encourage people to come forward who may be able to help, we are very keen to do that."

What happened to Des Fox?

Chairman of Edendork GAA club, Mr Fox left his home in Dungannon at about 11:15 BST to attend a race at the Curragh, driving a white Mercedes 250D, registration MJI 7005.

Gardaí say his journey was through the Bush Road to Armagh via Moy, then Carrickmacross via Keady and Castleblayney, followed by Navan via Ardee and Slane, and finally through Dunsany, Kilcock and Prosperous en route to the Curragh.

At about 13:10 BST, Mr Fox was witnessed leaving Connolly's newsagents in Prosperous village with a newspaper under his arm.

After returning to his car, he approached Healy's Bridge, where a red car - believed to be a Toyota Carina bearing false registration 90G2506 - was seen following closely behind.

Gardaí then say the occupants of the red car opened fire on Mr Fox's vehicle.

He attempted to reverse away, but his car veered off the road and came to a stop.

The assailants approached and fired a single handgun round through the open passenger door, striking Mr Fox in both legs. He died at the scene from his injuries.

A black leather briefcase containing cash, a canvas money bag, billheads bearing Mr Fox's name, a car phone, and car keys were stolen, police said.

Appeal for information

"It left a massive hole in our lives and really struggle to understand it," Mrs Jebb said.

"Even as an adult it is something I have been trying to come to terms with, both the loss and the horrific way that it happened.

"The shape of that loss changes, I now see it from the perspective of what he lost, both as a parent and a grandparent."

She added that any information given to police will be treated "with the strictest confidence".

Information can be given at Naas Garda Station on 045 884300; the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or at any Irish police station.