Renewed appeal for information on 21st anniversary of Deirdre Jacob’s disappearance

She was last seen on this day 21 years ago.

Gardaí have issued a renewed appeal for information on the 21st anniversary of Deirdre Jacob's disappearance. The 18-year-old was last seen on July 28 1998 near Roseberry, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. She had been crossing the road towards the entrance to her home at approximately 2.30pm wearing a navy v-neck t-shirt with a white trim on the collar and sleeves, navy or black straight jeans, and blue Nike runners. Deirdre was also carrying a distinctive black canvas bag with a yellow Caterpillar (CAT) logo. The bag has never been found. Gardaí updated the missing person case to a murder investigation last August following the obtainment of new information.  At the time, chief superintendent Brian Sutton appealed for anybody for information concerning the murder to come forward. "Deirdre was young woman starting off her life, who had just completed one year at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London," he said. "Deirdre had enjoyed her life in London and was looking forward to returning to college that September when her life was taken away on or after the 28th July 1998." Deirdre's father, Michael, has said that Gardaí are now in the "final stages" of their investigation and has asked anybody with information to contact them. "Maybe their lifestyle at the time - maybe who they were involved with or whatever - wouldn't allow them come forward with information," he told Newstalk.  "With the passage of time, everyone's life situation changes - and sometimes people have information, and it's a great burden on them. "Now is a very, very good time to come forward and get it off their mind." Gardaí have urged anybody with information "no matter how small" to contact authorities. Anyone with information on Deirdre Jacob, or the whereabouts of her CAT bag, is asked to contact Newbridge Garda Station at 045-431212, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.