Three released in Portlaoise murder probe

Three people who were arrested in connection with the murder of William Delaney have been released from custody. 

Gardaí said the two women, who are aged in their 20s and 30s, and the man, who is aged in his 30s, who were arrested in connection with the murder investigation this morning have since been released without charge.

Portlaoise Gadaí are continuing to investigate the murder of William Delaney(56) who went missing on Wednesday, January 30,  2019.

These latest arrests follow the arrest of three people in November 2025. On that occasion, two women in their 30’s and 50’s and a man in his 30’s were arrested and questioned. They were subsequently released without charge.

Gardaí believe that people in the community have information and have not yet come forward.

William Delaney was a Tipperary native who lived in Fielbrook, Portlaoise. On the morning of January 30, 2019 William left Portlaoise General Hospital where he had been a patient. Gardaí have established that William collected his welfare payment at Portlaoise Post Office after leaving the hospital.

William was last seen at approximately 3pm on the afternoon of Wednesday, 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 seen outside the premises which is situated on the old Cork-Dublin Road directly opposite a local landmark known as the Hazel Hotel.

William was then reported missing by his family on Wednesday, 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. Gardaí said a comprehensive search was conducted in the area surrounding the Rock of Dunamase but no remains were discovered. Arrests were made at the time, but nobody was charged.

Another search was carried out in bogland at Kyletalesha in August 2023 off the N80 on the Portlaoise to Mountmellick Road near the Laois County Council's Kyletalesha landfill but no remains were discovered. 

An Garda Síochána is appealing for information in relation to the murder of William Delaney and is asking any individuals with any information to contact Gardaí at Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing.