Gardaí renew information appeal for 25-year-old hit-and-run case

Paraic Coffey's story was featured on Monday night's edition of Crimecall.

Gardaí are renewing their appeal to the public for information relating to the death of Paraic Coffey, who was the victim of a fatal hit-and-run collision in Meath 25 years ago. 18-year-old Coffey was struck by a vehicle in Eightyeight Acres, Athboy, as he made his way home from Buck Mulligan's nightclub shortly after 3am on Sunday, 9 June, 1996. Coffey was walking along the Athboy to Dunderry road when the incident took place. The vehicle in question failed to remain at the scene. Coffey was later taken to hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead on arrival. 25 years later, Coffey's family are still seeking answers. His story was the subject of a segment on RTÉ's Crimecall programme on Monday night and now Gardaí are once more appealing to the public for their assistance in potentially solving the case. Investigating Gardaí believe there are people with information who have not previously come forward. "Many of those who were living in the locality and who would have known Paraic were teenagers and young adults at the time of the incident," noted a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána. "These people may now have their own families and as such have a deeper understanding of the unbearable loss and the overwhelming search for answers that the Coffey family have held onto for 25 years, from losing a child, a son or a brother in such circumstances." Gardaí have underlined that the nature of the incident would have led the vehicle involved to experience visible damage. As such, they are appealing to anyone that may remember a friend or a family member that may have had unexplained damage to their car around the time period of June 1996 or anyone who was asked to carry out repairs on a vehicle in suspicious circumstances to come forward. Gardaí are also appealing directly to the individual or individuals involved in the incident that led to the death of Paraic Coffey. "It is not too late to come forward and explain what happened and to bring closure to your own life and to the Coffey family," said a Garda spokesperson. Anyone with relevant information is asked to make contact with the incident room in Kells Garda Station on 046 928 0820 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Images via An Garda Síochána