'Her daughters deserve to see justice': Renewed appeal over murder of young mother in 1987

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for information in relation to the investigation into the tragic murder of 27-year-old Antoinette Smith, whose body was found almost four decades ago.

The remains of mother-of-two Antoinette Smith were discovered at Glendoo Mountain near the Lemass monument and close to Glencree/Enniskerry, on 3 April 1988.

On Saturday 11th July 1987, Antoinette and a friend attended the David Bowie concert in Slane, Co. Meath. They returned to Dublin by bus, arriving at Parnell Square at around 11pm.

They went to the La Mirage Discotheque on Parnell Street. While in the club they met two men that they knew. They joined the men’s company and remained with them until they all left shortly after 2am.

Antoinette’s friend parted company when they left the club. Antoinette remained for some time and spoke to the two men until all three walked the short distance to the taxi rank on O’Connell Street.

The men got a taxi to the Ballymun area, while Antoinette continued to walk by the Gresham Hotel on O’Connell Street towards O’Connell Bridge.

Antoinette was subsequently reported missing to Gardaí by her husband. She remained missing for nine months until her remains were discovered on Glendoo Mountain.

Antoinette was a mother of two young children, Lisa who was only 7 years old and Rachel who was 4 years old at the time of their mother’s disappearance.

It is now 37 years since Antoinette Smith was last seen on O’Connell Street, Dublin, and gardaí at Bray Garda Station are renewing their appeal to the public for assistance and information in relation to the disappearance and murder of Antoinette Smith.

Detective Inspector Seamus Ryan, Bray Garda station, said, "The team within An Garda Síochána that are leading this investigation firmly believe that there are people out there who have information concerning Antoinette’s murder.

"We are appealing to them to come forward and speak with us about any detail that they may know. No matter the passage of time or how insignificant they might think that it is, it could potentially help us in our work to solve this case. Antoinette’s two daughters, Lisa and Rachel deserve to see justice for those responsible for taking their mother from them at such a young age."

Gardaí are appealing to those who may have information since 1987, or who have come into possession of information in the intervening years, to come forward. Gardaí are urging individuals, who 37 years on may want to come forward to do so, especially if relationships/associations may have changed over the years.

The gardaí have also ensured that they will treat anyone assisting the investigation in a sensitive manner.

Anyone with information can contact Gardaí in Bray at 01 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.