Thurles Information

Gardaí investigating the murder of Tipperary native William Delaney, who was reported missing in January 2019, have today confirmed the arrest of three individuals in connection with this ongoing investigation.

The persons arrested include two women, aged in their 20s and 30s, and a man in his 30s. They are currently being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at Garda stations in the Midlands and South Western regions.

Mr Delaney, a Tipperary native, had been residing in Portlaoise with his family at the time of his disappearance. On the morning of January 30th, 2019, he left Portlaoise General Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment, and subsequently collected a social welfare payment from Portlaoise Post Office.

He was last seen at approximately 3:00pm that afternoon in Monasterevin, County Kildare, where he had called to a relative’s residence on the old Cork–Dublin Road. The relative was not present at the time; however, Mr Delaney was observed outside the property, located opposite the Hazel Hotel.

Mr Delaney was reported missing by his family on March 6th 2019. In June of that year, An Garda Síochána received information indicating that he had been killed and buried at a location in County Laois. A detailed search operation was subsequently carried out in the vicinity of the Rock of Dunamase; however, no remains were discovered.

Gardaí continue to appeal to the public for assistance. While acknowledging the support received to date, investigators believe that additional information remains within the community that has not yet been shared.

Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is urged to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on Tel: 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line Tel:1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda station.

Investigations in the case remain ongoing.

A 29-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a Polish national in County Tipperary, bringing a significant development in a case that dates back more than two years.

Mr Tomasz Rozpeda, of no fixed abode, entered the guilty plea before the Central Criminal Court on Friday morning. He had originally been charged with the murder of 32-year-old Mr Maciej Nowak, who died following an incident in late December of 2023.

The court heard that the unlawful killing occurred on or about December 26th or 27th, 2023, at Ballycranna, Kilross, Co. Tipperary. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed that the State has accepted the plea to manslaughter.

During proceedings, the court was informed that the victim’s family, who are based in Poland, wish to attend the sentencing hearing. In light of this, a sentencing date has been scheduled for May 18th next.

Ms Justice Karen O’Connor adjourned the case to that date and directed that a victim impact report be prepared. Mr Rozpeda was remanded in custody pending sentencing.

The court also heard that a nolle prosequi, (not to wish to prosecute), will be entered on the original murder charge at the conclusion of sentencing proceedings, meaning the State will not pursue that count further.

Further details, including sentencing, will be determined at the next court hearing.

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses following a serious assault on the R494 at Birdhill, Co Tipperary, on Saturday evening. The incident happened shortly before 5.30pm on March 21st 2026.

A woman in her 20s was seriously injured in the incident and was airlifted to hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination, while the road remains closed with local diversions in place.

Investigating Gardaí are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. They are also appealing to motorists who travelled on the R494 between Birdhill and the M7 motorway between 5:00pm and 6:00pm on Saturday afternoon, and who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, to make that material available to investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station, Tel: (067) 50450, the Garda Confidential Line, Tel: 1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda station.

As expected investigations remain ongoing.