Update: Garda search for body of murder victim in Laois

A search operation in Laois for a man thought to have been murdered could continue for a number of days. 

William Delaney, who was 56 and lived in Portlaoise, went missing four years ago and is believed to have been murdered. Gardai acting on information are now searching for his remains at a location outside Portlaoise.  

The ongoing search is taking place at bogland at Kyletalesha. It’s understood Garda are conducting a very detailed search of a relatively small patch of land. They are using a mechanical digger to assist in the search. 

The area is located off the main N80 Portlaoise to Mountmellick Road near the council-run Kyletalesha landfill. It’s understood gardai, acting on information, identified an area of interest to focus their search and this is where the digger is being used. 

They are also combing the surrounding area for anything of evidential value. The Leinser Express / Laois Live understands that the search could continue for a number of days. 

Mr Delaney went missing on January 30, 2019. The Tipperary native had been living in Fielbrook, Portlaoise with his family at the time of his disappearance. 

On the morning he vanished, Mr Delaney left Portlaoise Hospital where he had been receiving treatment. Gardai established that he collected his welfare payments at Portlaoise Post Office after leaving the hospital.

The last confirmed sighting of Mr Delaney was at approximately 3pm on January 30, 2019 in Monasterevin, Co Kildare where he called to visit a relative who lived in the area. The relation wasn’t at home but William was spotted outside the premises which is situated on the old Cork-Dublin Road directly opposite the Hazel Hotel. Mr Delaney was then reported missing by his family on March 6, 2019.

In June 2019 Gardaí received information that William Delaney had been killed and that his body had been buried at a location in Laois. A comprehensive search was conducted in the area surrounding the Rock of Dunamaise but no remains were discovered.

Laois Offaly Gardai display surrendered shotgun in licence reminder

In May of this year a 29 year-old man was sentenced to two months in prison at Portlaoise District Court for providing false information in relation to the location of Mr Delaney’s remains.