Irene McBride

9th Anniversary Photos

Still in search of Justice for you Irene. You are not forgotten by those who love and care for you, and nor is dear Mo. I just hope that a ray of light, and some sound thinking brings what we are looking for. Thinking of you on 6th April 2014 these 9 years have seen us waiting, knowing, hoping, testing, listening, will they won't they, should they, can they. All I say is take the courage to let others know where your courage lies, its as simple as that.

 

Irene with Jenny in her pram, visiting the UK, a big hair day.

 

Jennifer's christening Omeath church.

Jennifer at her communion, with her friend. Irene made this beautiful dress, sewing each piece with so much love. April 1995 Jennifer a true Irish beauty looking fabulous. Jennifer is on the left. Trust Irene to select ivory silk.

 

Visiting valued friends in Dundalk

 

Lovely Mo chilling in Ceol in Omeath with Anne, such fond and delightful memories, you are in my heart forever.

 

Dearest Mo looking radiant in Ceol, such a happy, happy home, these thoughts and fond memories will never leave.

'BREAKTHROUGH IN IRENE WHITE MURDER CASE'

On Tuesday October 29th 2013 Ali Bracken a journalist writing for the Irish Daily Mail announced on the front page 'BREAKTHROUGH IN IRENE WHITE MURDER CASE'
 
It is what we have all been waiting for. As expected the Cold Case (SCRT) are getting results. Friends and family called me so excited with this news all day. I really believe that we have turned a corner now, and our end objective of Justice for you Irene and dear Mo is coming closer, and within our grasp.
 
The article is available on the Irish Daily Mail published date Tuesday 29th  October 2013.
 
On October 30th 2013 in the Irish Daily Mirror (www.Irishmirror.ie) Cathal Mc Mahon a Crime Reporter on page 7 wrote a very interesting article 'TIME IS UP' FOR IRENE'S KILLERS.
 
There is a beautiful photo of both of us Irene, so full of happiness and joy. This was taken in your home in Ashbrook in Dundalk.
 
Olivia Ryan writing for the Argus put together a lovely article on 25th December 2013 on page 2, and a previous Argus newspaper with an article by Olivia sold out after the revelations in The Irish Daily Mail, on 29th October 2013.
 
Martin Grant writing for The Dundalk Democrat included an article on 5th November 2013 and mentioned the latest developments in the case.
 
However, it is Michael O'Toole Crime Correspondent, writing in the Irish Daily Star on Tuesday January 14th 2014 who put together a 12-page special report on some of Ireland's most evil murders. His article is shocking to read but true and is an insight into how very vulnerable these women are. Michael goes on to say between 1996 and September 30th last year 2013, some 194 women were killed in Ireland.
 
It is very difficult for me and others to sit silently and wait. It is even more difficult when you may well know who these group of people are, and who may well have been involved in your murder Irene. It is also very difficult to put myself in your shoes Irene knowing now the fear, the anguish, the hopelessness you felt, wondering how long you had left, and when would your life be taken. But believe me your worthiness, your honour and your ethical qualities will be vindicated Irene. This I promise you my darling.

Love as always to you Irene and dear Mo, your sister Anne xx

 

8th Anniversary

On 6th April 2013 it will be 8 years since the savage murder of my sister Irene White (nee Mc Bride), in Dundalk in The Ice House. Nothing can change the numbness that is still in my heart when I know that I will never see Irene again, talk to her, joke with her, drink with her, cry with Irene or just share some laughter. Irene was good at making people feel at ease about themselves, she was an inspiration to all of us. Towards the last weeks of Irene's life she was very, very frightened. Irene asked her friends in Omeath as she left to go back home to The Ice House, 'Pray for me, Pray I will be safe'.
But it did not happen, on 6th April 2005 Irene was murdered in The Ice House, a murder that still sends shock waves around Ireland. What bothers me is that those responsible are still out there, they say murder comes easier the second time. I hope that the individuals who showed no mercy to Irene, in her home, where you should be safe, reflect on what they have done.
There comes a point when we will not accept what has happened here, I was asked by the Garda in Dundalk 'To give us our day', you have had it. Now Irene's case is with SCRT (Serious Crime Review Team) at my request. This unit are unique but time will tell, and I pray justice will come.
 
I say to you my beautiful, youngest sister, Irene whom I shared my dreams with, and who was annihilated and taken of this world, by immoral individuals, going into The Ice House with the sole intent of murdering you, when they killed you in your kitchen on 6th April 2005. Nor did any of you show mercy to my mother (Mo) an elderly lady who found Irene's body, and died six months later, from over whelming grief, shock and loss. This was very cruel.
Justice will come Irene, and you and my mother (Mo) will have the last laugh as will I.
They say that 8 is a very lucky number, lets wait and see. Thankfully you are both in a safe place now, no one can touch you.
 
Fondest love Anne xx

7th Anniversary Vigil 2012

Photos taken of Anne Delcassian in The Ice House Hill Park on the 7th anniversary of Irene White's murder 6th April 2012

On 6th April 2005 the day of Irene's murder Garda would still like to speak to someone seen running across the park, allegedly dressed in dark clothes.
 
These photos show Anne holding a picture of her sister Irene. Also visible is Anne holding the name of Irene White (nee Mc Bride) one of the 174 names of female victims of homicide who have died violently in Ireland. These records have been kept by Women's Aid since 1996, and are recorded up to September 2011. Each of the 174 women's name were represented, and their name attached by a black ribbon, and displayed in The Ice House Hill Park. It was heart breaking to see all of the 174 names of the women as the black ribbons attached to each name fluttered in unison on a cold April day.

The quest for Justice is continuing and I truly believe that one day I will know the truth. I urge anyone with information to speak the truth.

Vigil on Good Friday 6th April 2012 from 12:00pm

On Good Friday 6th April 2012, Anne Delcassian will hold a vigil in the Ice House Hill Park, Demesne Road Dundalk from 12:00pm. The vigil is to mark the seventh anniversary of Irene White (nee Mc Bride) who was brutally murdered on 6th April 2005, a Wednesday morning, in The Ice House which is located next to the park.
The vigil is an opportunity for friends and family to remember Irene, a loving and wonderful Mam, a true friend, a dear sister. I also welcome other families of victims to come to the vigil and remember their own loved ones, and to stand with me when I call for change in this Government’s failed Policies. 
But more importantly to also remind those conspirators intimately involved in the planning of Irene’s brutal murder, that their names are very much on the lips of so many.

Irene left her home, on 6th April 2005 driving her three children to school. However, Irene returned home and a man we believe known to Irene murdered Irene in her kitchen. Today I ask this man, who was allegedly seen running through The Ice House Hill Park, on 6th April 2005, and who got into a dark coloured car parked with its engine revving in O’Hanlon Park. 
‘Why? Why did you murder Irene? Why did you show no mercy to my beautiful sister?’ 
I would like to meet you and ask you to face me, and answer my questions. Did you not know that my mother would discover her beloved daughter’s body, with the wounds you had left and the blood pouring onto the kitchen floor? This killed my mother. It was such a cruel, cruel deed.
I held a vigil for Irene, on 6th April 2007, Irene’s second anniversary also a Good Friday. At that time I represented the 126 women murdered as a result of violence. These statistics have been recorded by Women’s Aid since 1996. There are so many female victims of homicide prior to this date, and I would like to remember them. Now the figure stands at over 174 female homicide victims. So nothing has changed in the last five years. I feel it is relevant to also mention male victims of homicide, as a result of domestic violence however the numbers are considerably lower than female victims.
Irene is now a statistic among the 207 Cold Cases, or unresolved murders in Ireland. Irene’s photo is on the An Garda Siochana website, asking for information. Irene’s beautiful face looks at you smiling as she always did. But Irene knew she was going to be killed. I believe Irene visited the local Garda station, in Dundalk, a five minute walk away over fifteen times, concerned for her safety, and telling so many different on duty Garda that she was in fear of her life. I often wonder how Irene felt inside knowing this terror, as her companion every day.
The vigil on 6th April 2012 is about CHANGE;
I want to look at what changes can be made to make women safer in their own homes.
How change can be implemented and developed.
At the vigil I will be launching “The European Alliance Justice For Families”, The organisation will be looking for 3 strands of change,
Development of Family Justice Centres in Europe
Justice for Families
Changes in Legislation

It is anticipated that the group will launch this autumn in Ireland.