Gardaí have today renewed their appeal for information into the murder of Antoinette Smith, nearly four decades after her disappearance and killing shocked the country.
Antoinette, a 27-year-old mother of two, vanished after a night out in Dublin city centre on 11th July 1987. Her remains were discovered nine months later on Glendoo Mountain, near the Lemass monument in Co. Wicklow, on 3rd April 1988.
Originally from Dublin, Antoinette had attended a David Bowie concert in Slane with a friend on the day of her disappearance. The pair returned to the capital by bus, arriving in Parnell Square at around 11pm, and went on to La Mirage nightclub on Parnell Street. There, they met two men they knew and stayed in their company until shortly after 2am.
After leaving the club, Antoinette’s friend went home while she remained speaking with the men. All three walked to a nearby taxi rank on O’Connell Street. The men got a taxi to Ballymun, while Antoinette was last seen walking past the Gresham Hotel towards O’Connell Bridge.
She was reported missing by her husband shortly afterwards. At the time of her disappearance, Antoinette's daughters Lisa and Rachel were just seven and four years old.
Now, 38 years on, Gardaí say they believe someone may still hold vital information.
In a statement, Gardaí at Bray renewed their appeal to the public, saying they are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who may have heard something in the years since or whose circumstances or relationships may have changed.
“Gardaí are urging individuals who may want to come forward now, 38 years later, to do so,” the statement read. “They will be treated in a sensitive manner.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bray Garda Station on 01 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
