Courts / Cork / Report

Cold case murderer Noel Long launches bid to overturn conviction

Date
2026-02-16

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Cork

County
Cork

Summary

Noel Long, a former British Army soldier and convicted sexual offender, has launched an appeal to overturn his murder conviction for the 1981 killing of Nora Sheehan. Long, now 77, was found guilty in 2023 based on DNA evidence linking him to the victim, as well as other physical evidence such as fibres and paint fragments. His legal team, led by Michael Delaney SC, has raised three main grounds for appeal: the admissibility of DNA evidence, the delay in bringing the case, and the trial judge's handling of the jury charge. Delaney argued that the arrest of Long under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 was unlawful and that the subsequent search of his car and blood sample were invalid. The prosecution, represented by Seoirse O Dunlaing SC, defended the admissibility of the evidence and the trial judge's decisions. The appeal hearing, which is expected to last three days, continues with the Court of Appeal considering whether the conviction should be overturned based on the legal arguments presented. Nora Sheehan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cold case murderer Noel Long launches bid to overturn conviction. Charges or matters: murdering 54-year-old Mrs Sheehan between June 6 and June 12, 1981 at an unknown place within the State. Procedural stage: appeal

When: