Murder investigation launched in connection with Carlow hit-and-run

Muireann Duffy

Gardaí have launched a murder investigation in connection with the death of a man in a road incident involving a motorbike and a car last month.

The driver of the motorbike, Tom Connors (35) from Co Wexford, was killed in the incident at Sandbrook, Ballon, Co Carlow at around 10.30pm on Wednesday, April 24th.

The car involved in the collision was found burnt out at the location and the occupants failed to remain at the scene, Gardaí said in a statement on Friday evening.

"Following extensive investigations by Gardaí including technical examinations and a post-mortem examination on the deceased, a murder investigation has commenced under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) from the Incident Room at Carlow Garda Station," the statement confirmed.

Gardaí are now appealing for assistance in tracing the movements of a dark grey Volkswagen Passat CC with Northern Irish registration plates, partial registration OHZ.

The car travelled across the M1 toll bridge at around 8pm on Tuesday, April 23rd, and then travelled to the Ballon area in Co Carlow on the evening of April 24th.

Anyone who was in the areas of Ballykealy, Ballon, Rahoe and Sandbrook who may have seen the car in question, either on April 23rd or April 24th, are asked to come forward.

Investigators are also continuing to appeal for information regarding the movements of a black Honda CBR motorcycle, partial registration 03-WW, in the Sandbrook area on the evening of April 24th.

Those with information are asked to contact Carlow Garda station at 059-913 6620, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800-666 111, or any Garda station.