Gardaí have issued a public appeal for information to identify a man who spent over 35 years at a care facility in Cork. The unnamed man first came to the attention of Gardaí in August of 1986 when he was found at a bus stop in Ballincollig and brought to a local hospital.

The man was placed into the care of the HSE, and during the decades he spent with them, he provided little information that could formally identify him or any family he may have had. It’s estimated that he was born in 1930 and he passed away in September of 2021, at the presumed age of 91.

Staff at the hospital told Gardaí that the man spoke with a very neutral, unidentifiable accent, and Gardaí have been working for years to track down the man’s family so he may finally be identified.

The investigation team, led by Sergeant Aoife Corcoran, took DNA samples, and Gardaí have worked with Interpol to pursue possible leads in the United States, Canada and Wales. However, no DNA match was ever found, and Gardaí have since exhausted any remaining lines of inquiry.

An image of the unidentified man released by Gardaí(Image: AGS)

Now, in the most recent episode of Crimecall, Gardaí have issued a fresh appeal for information in the hopes of finally getting to the bottom of this decades-long mystery.

Sergeant Corcoran described the man as standing at approximately 5’10” with an average build, blue eyes, and a sallow complexion. Gardaí also noted that the man had a large number of sun marks on his face.

Gardaí have released several photos of the man in the hopes that a member of the public who knew him in his younger years may recognise him. They have also encouraged anyone who knows of a friend or family member who vanished in the 1980s and may match the man’s description to get in touch.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crimecall on 1800 40 50 60 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Reports can also be made in person or by phone to any Garda station.

It follows another recent appeal circulated by Gardaí concerning a long-running case here in Cork. In April, Gardaí reiterated their public appeal for information related to the disappearance of Conor and Sheila Dwyer, who were last seen in Fermoy more than 35 years ago.

The couple, who were described as ‘quiet and ordinary’, disappeared without a trace, and Gardaí have pursued leads both at home and abroad in a bid to find out what happened to them.

Conor and Sheila Dwyer have now been missing for 35 years (Image: AGS)

Conor and Sheila were aged 62 and 61, respectively, at the time of their disappearance, and they lived together in Fermoy. They also had two adult sons, Conor Jr and Gerry, who were living in London at the time. Despite preferring to keep to themselves, Conor and Sheila were familiar faces in Fermoy and were known for always being well dressed.

Gardaí say that even after 35 years, this remains an open and active investigation. There have been numerous reviews over the years, and lines of enquiry have been pursued in different areas, with Gardaí investigating leads both at home and abroad. The River Blackwater has also been searched on several occasions by the Garda Water unit.

RTÉ’s CrimeCall launched an appeal in 2024, and despite new information being offered to the authorities, what actually happened to Conor and Sheila remains a mystery, despite possible sightings in Ireland and in countries like Germany and France.

Gardaí can be contacted at Fermoy Garda Station on 025 82100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.