Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 4919Murder · Co. Wicklow · 27 Nov 1985

Brian Fortune released after 38 years over 1985 Kilbride double murder

Brian Fortune, jailed for life in 1986 for the murder of Margaret Nolan, was released from prison after 38 years. He had also been charged with the death of her daughter Anne Nolan, for which he was never sentenced.

  1. Reported
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatBrian Fortune was released from prison after serving 38 years for a double murder. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereMargaret Nolan was killed at her farmhouse in Kilbride, Co Wicklow. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereAnne Nolan's body was found in the pantry of the house. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe crime took place on 27 November 1985. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe two women's bodies were found in their home in November 1985. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeInquests found both women died from asphyxia caused by strangulation. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeFortune was jailed for life in 1986 for the murder of Margaret Nolan. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceFortune was never sentenced for Anne Nolan's death, following a plea agreement. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherFortune was 18 years old and working as a farm worker at the time of the crime. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherFortune had previously been employed by Margaret Nolan as a farm labourer. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherFortune was released on the morning after the parole board granted his freedom the day before. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherA source said Fortune was a model prisoner who had been allowed out to attend a course in Dublin. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 20 Oct2024
    Otheririshmirror.ie, first report
    Man jailed over brutal double murder released after 38 years behind bars

    Reports the release of Brian Fortune on parole after 38 years, and background on the November 1985 killings of Margaret and Anne Nolan at their Kilbride home.

    convicted, Brian Fortune, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian Fortunevictim, Margaret Nolan, 64, female, irish (judged from name)Margaret Nolanvictim, Anne Nolan, 24, female, irish (judged from name)Anne Nolan