Stolen Sister: RTÉ podcast tells the story of murdered Irish woman Elizabeth Plunkett

23-year-old Elizabeth Plunkett

A powerful new podcast from RTÉ’s Documentary on One series is shedding fresh light on one of Ireland’s darkest criminal cases – and giving a voice to a grieving family that has remained silent for nearly half a century.

Stolen Sister, hosted by broadcaster and author Roz Purcell, tells the story of Elizabeth Plunkett, a 23-year-old woman who was brutally raped and murdered in 1976 by Ireland’s first serial killers, John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans.

The series features exclusive interviews with Elizabeth’s sisters, Bernie and Kathleen, who are speaking publicly for the first time in almost 50 years in their fight for justice.

A tragic summer night

On 28 August 1976, Elizabeth Plunkett travelled from her family home to Brittas Bay in County Wicklow to meet friends for a night away. That evening, she disappeared. A month later, her body washed up on a beach in County Wexford.

Shaw and Evans, both recently released from prison at the time of the attack, were later arrested after a nationwide manhunt. Tragically, before being apprehended, they had taken the life of another woman – 23-year-old Mary Duffy.

Both men were convicted and received life sentences. But in a shocking revelation, Elizabeth’s family learned in 2022 that despite both men confessing to her murder, no one had ever been formally convicted of killing Elizabeth.

Breaking the silence

Nearly five decades on, Elizabeth’s family are now telling their story. Speaking through Stolen Sister, sisters Bernie and Kathleen are sharing painful memories in an effort to honour Elizabeth’s life and restore dignity to her name.

“This is the first time that any of Elizabeth’s family have spoken about her death publicly,” RTÉ stated. “They’re determined to get justice for her and restore some dignity to Elizabeth’s memory.”

Documentary maker Nicoline Greer, who developed the series, said:

“It’s been an honour to be able to tell Elizabeth’s story and for the Plunkett family to have trusted us to tell it. When Kathleen and Bernie first came to us, I never could have imagined how far this story would take us.

“Over the last year, I feel I have come to know Elizabeth and I hope that this series can go some way to restoring some justice and dignity to Elizabeth and the Plunkett family.”

A compelling new series

Stolen Sister is available now on the RTÉ Radio Player and wherever you listen to your podcasts, with new episodes released every Friday. The podcast also airs on RTÉ Radio 1 at 6.30pm on Friday evenings.

The series features a haunting original soundtrack by Academy Award-winning composer Stephen Warbeck, recorded by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, adding further emotional weight to the powerful storytelling.

Listeners are encouraged to tune in and, if they have any relevant information regarding Elizabeth Plunkett’s case, to contact RTÉ via documentaries@rte.ie.

Past productions

Stolen Sister joins a strong line-up of acclaimed RTÉ true crime podcasts including The Real Carrie Jade, Finding Samantha, The Nobody Zone, Where is Jón?, and Runaway Joe.

Listen now

To listen to the first episode of Stolen Sister, download the RTÉ Radio App or visit:

RTÉ Stolen Sister Podcast