Man Detained Over 1993 Disappearance and Suspected Murder of Annie McCarrick
In a significant breakthrough into a decades-old mystery, Gardaí have arrested a man in his 60s in connection with the disappearance and suspected murder of Annie McCarrick, a 26-year-old American woman who vanished in Dublin over 32 years ago.
Search Underway at Clondalkin Property
Alongside the arrest, authorities are conducting a detailed forensic and technical examination of a residence in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Gardaí have confirmed that the current occupants of the property have no links to Ms. McCarrick or her disappearance.
Annie McCarrick: A Life Tied to Ireland
Born in New York on March 21, 1967, Annie McCarrick first visited Ireland on a school trip during her teenage years. Her affection for the country and its culture was profound, ultimately leading her to settle there permanently in January 1993.
She completed third-level education at St. Patrick’s College in Drumcondra and Maynooth before returning to New York City to study at Stony Brook University. After graduation, she moved back to Dublin, setting up home in St. Catherine’s Court, Sandymount, sharing accommodation with two other tenants.
Ms. McCarrick worked as a waitress at popular local spots including the Courtyard Restaurant in Donnybrook and Café Java on Leeson Street.
Final Days and Disappearance
On Friday, March 26, 1993, Ms. McCarrick was last seen alive. That morning, she purchased groceries at Quinnsworth on Sandymount Road; a receipt time-stamped at 11:02 a.m. was found alongside unopened shopping bags in her apartment. CCTV footage captured her entering an AIB bank on Sandymount Road shortly before 11 a.m., marking the last confirmed sighting.
She spoke to her flatmates before they left separately for the weekend. She had plans to host friends for dinner the following evening and was eagerly preparing for her mother Nancy’s upcoming visit scheduled for March 30.
Concern grew over the weekend when Ms. McCarrick failed to attend work on both Saturday and Sunday, and did not show up for the dinner she had planned. A friend reported her missing on Sunday, March 28, after speaking with her flatmates and finding the related groceries still unpacked.
Investigation Renewed After Decades
Initially treated as a missing person case, the investigation into Ms. McCarrick’s disappearance was upgraded to a murder inquiry two years ago. This recent arrest marks the first major development in the probe.
The operation is led by the Dublin South Central Serious Crime Unit, with support from the National Serious Crime Review Team and the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Appeal for Information
Gardaí have pledged to keep Ms. McCarrick’s family updated on all progress and are appealing to the public for any information, no matter how minor it may seem. They especially encourage those who previously hesitated to come forward to reconsider and assist the investigation.
- Contact the investigation team at Irishtown Garda Station: 01 666 9600
- Garda Confidential Line (anonymous): 1800 666 111
All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.
This renewed focus on a cold case highlights the determination of law enforcement to seek justice, even after many years.
