Ireland’s Oldest Cold Case Murder: Trial Results in Conviction For Long-Term Suspect

Noel Long has been found guilty of killing Nora Sheehan in Cork 42 years ago by a jury, finally confirming authorities’ suspicions.

A man has been found guilty of killing a woman in Ireland in 1981, solving the country’s oldest cold case murder and finally providing justice for her family.

Noel Long was convicted by a jury of killing 54-year-old Nora Sheehan, despite the defence’s claims that there was nothing to connect him to the victim and that there was no evidence she was murdered at all.

Last movements

It was between the evening of June 6th and the early hours of June 7th 1981 when Nora Sheehan was last seen alive. She had intervened in a dog fight near her home and been bitten on the arm, which resulted in her needing treatment at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.

A nurse saw her and would later tell police Nora was “very thankful” for the care given to her and that she was dressed formally in a blue coat and a hat with a ribbon.

Shortly after 9:45 PM on June 6th, witnesses saw Nora standing at the junction of Vicars Road and the Togher Road in Cork, where she…