Murder investigation launched following death of motorcyclist

Gardai have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in a hit-and-run in Co Carlow.

A man in his 30s, named as Tom Connors, died following an incident involving a motorcycle and a car at Sandbrook, Ballon, at approximately 10.30pm on April 24.

Mr Connors, the motorcyclist, died at the scene.

It is understood Mr Connors was originally from Co Wexford.

The car involved was found burnt out at the location, and the occupants failed to remain at the scene.

A Gardai statement said: “Following extensive investigations by gardai 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.

“A family liaison officer (FLO) has been appointed and is keeping the family of the deceased updated on this investigation, in addition to providing support.

“Gardai are continuing to appeal to any person that can assist gardai with this investigation to come forward.”

Gardai are appealing for public assistance in tracing the movements of a dark grey Volkswagen Passat CC, which had Northern Ireland registration plates (with the partial registration OHZ).

The statement continued: “It’s known at this time that this car travelled across the M1 toll bridge at approximately 8pm on Tuesday April 23 2024 and it is known that it then travelled to the Ballon area of Carlow on the evening of Wednesday April 24 2024.

“Gardai are appealing to any persons in the environs of Ballykealy, Ballon, Rathoe and Sandbrook who may have observed this car on either Tuesday April 23 2024 or Wednesday April 24 2024 to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in these areas are asked to make them available to gardai.

“Any home-owners in these areas who have CCTV facing the road are also asked to make contact with gardai.”

Gardai are also looking to trace the movements of a black Honda CBR motorcycle (partial registration 03 WW) in the Sandbrook area on the evening of April 24.

Anyone with information is invited to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059 913 6620, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.