Inspector’s appeal zooms in on distinctive hammerhead
A SENIOR garda has told The Kerryman that the team investigating the murder of James Cahillane received over 30 phone calls following Monday night’s edition of CrimeCall.
The RTÉ One programme included an item on the murder to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the crime.
The segment appealed to the public for information on the crime, and featured contributions from friends, family and associates of Mr Cahillane’s, including his daughter Lisa and son Gary.
Leading the investigation locally, Inspector John Brennan said there had been a steade stream of calls since a renewed appeal went out last week and he told The Kerryman that the team had also received over 30 calls since the programme aired.
On Monday’s programme he reiterated the Gardaí’s appeal for public assistance, and provided further details on a distinctive hammer head found at the scene that Gardaí believe may have been used to kill Mr Cahillane. “Over the last five years we have thoroughly investigated approximately 500 lines of enquiry, taken almost 300 statements, and we do believe the answers lie within the community,” Inspector Brennan said during the broadcast.
“A head of a hammer was found in close proximity to where James’ body was found in the house during the forensic examination.
“We are absolutely satisfied the hammer was foreign to the scene. The handle of the hammer was burned off it, but the hammer was a ball-pein hammer, and they’re rarely used.
“Somebody may miss this hammer from a workshop, from a tool kit, just check if it’s missing. If so, contact us; it may be a vital link.”
Inspector Brennan said that Mr Cahillane’s family need closure after an investigation that has lasted over five years.
“We’re most anxious to progress this investigation to a conclusion,” he said.
“The Cahillane family need closure, they deserve it. They’re a decent, lovely family, and James was a decent, lovely man,” he added.