Courts / Cork / Report
Evidence infers pensioner had sex with and murdered vulnerable woman 42 years ago, cold case murder trial hears
Summary
In a cold‑case murder trial, a jury heard evidence that a 74‑year‑old man, Noel Long, is alleged to have had sex with and murdered 54‑year‑old Nora Sheehan in 1981. The prosecution presented forensic DNA evidence linking semen recovered from Sheehan's vagina to Long's DNA, and trace evidence from Long's car that matched items found at the scene. Witnesses described Sheehan as a vulnerable, eccentric woman who was last seen alive on 6 June 1981 and whose naked, bruised body was discovered by forestry workers in Shippool Woods six days later. The State argued that the forensic findings and witness testimony together lead to an "irresistible conclusion" that Long committed the murder. Long has pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Evidence infers pensioner had sex with and murdered vulnerable woman 42 years ago, cold case murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering 54-year-old Nora Sheehan between June 6 and June 12, 1981 at an unknown place within the State. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 12, 1981 Other
- Saturday June 6 1981 Other
- June 7 Incident
- June 12 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 5 1981 Other
- June 16 1981 Incident
- November 13 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 9, 1981 Other
- June 6, 1981 Other
- June 1981 Other
- Saturday, June 6 1981 Other
- 2023-07-13 Publication
Why: Mr Grehan said because it is such an old case it does have consequences and not all witnesses would be available. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering 54-year-old Nora Sheehan between June 6 and June 12, 1981 at an unknown place within the State (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Cork
- Inishannon
- Vicars Road
- South Infirmary Hospital
- reported missing to Togher Garda Station
- was stationed at Inishannon Garda Station
- Inishannon
- his father to Togher Garda Station
- Curraheen Road
- Phoenix Park
- Togher Road
- Vicars Road
Topics
Related court reports
- ESB worker too late to pursue claim seeking €42k in alleged unpaid overtime
- Seamstress treated 'shabbily' after 17 years at Cork shop wins €76k
- Pub ordered to pay €10k for 'humiliating' remark about barman by company boss
- Former accountant went on 'nationwide tour' with bank card stolen from hospital patient
- Car salesman sacked over 'around the corner deal' wins €10k
- Salesman who alleged 'corruption' and 'crazy' discount in Saudi deal loses penalisation case
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request