MURDER COLD CASE: Gardai renew appeal over house fire that claimed lives of two young girls and their aunt

By COLIN BARTLEY

GARDAI believe people in a village where two young girls and a woman were murdered in a fire over 30 years ago, are holding back providing evidence that would lead to the killer’s capture.

On the 32nd anniversary of the incident, gardai are appealing for those with information to come forward.

Mary Ellen Byrne (8) and Kerrie Byrne (3) perished in a house fire alongside their Aunt Barbara Doyle (20) who was babysitting the two girls in Kilcock, Kildare on September 20, 1987.

Two years ago new evidence came to light. Gardai upgraded the case to a murder investigation. A man was arrested in north county Dublin at that time, he was later released without charge.

A Garda spokesperson this morning said: “Gardaí firmly believe that there are persons in the community who have information in relation to this fire. We are appealing to any person who has any information to contact Leixlip Garda station at 01-6667800 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.”