Ireland’s longest-serving prisoner, John Shaw, is approaching a grim milestone — **50 years behind bars**. As the notorious killer nears half a century in custody, fellow inmates at Dublin’s Arbour Hill Prison are reportedly planning a special anniversary celebration, including a cake, to mark the occasion.
Key Facts About John Shaw
- Serving life sentence since September 1976
- Convicted alongside Geoffrey Evans for rape and murder
- Now 79 years old and in declining health
- Considered Ireland’s longest-serving prisoner
The Crimes That Shocked Ireland
In the summer of 1976, John Shaw and his accomplice Geoffrey Evans embarked on a horrifying killing spree across Ireland. The pair, who met in an English prison, had planned to abduct, rape, and murder one woman per week.
Their victims included 23-year-old Elizabeth Plunkett from Dublin and 24-year-old Mary Duffy from Mayo. The brutality of the crimes left a deep scar on Irish society and led to one of the longest-running sentences in the state’s history.
Life Behind Bars: The 50-Year Milestone
Now aged 79 and in poor health, John Shaw has spent more than half his life in prison. Sources inside Arbour Hill Prison say fellow inmates plan to mark the 50-year anniversary with a small celebration, including baking him a cake. Shaw, described as a “grumpy old man,” reportedly smiled at the gesture despite his declining condition.
Victim Families’ Ongoing Pain
The families of Shaw’s victims have expressed deep distress at the news of any celebration. The relatives of Elizabeth Plunkett have repeatedly called for a full cold-case review, noting that Shaw was never convicted of her murder despite confessions. The pain for these families remains raw more than 50 years later.
Shaw’s Health and Future
Shaw’s health has deteriorated significantly. He suffers from mobility issues and has spent extended periods in hospital. Many believe he will die in prison, having shown little public remorse for his crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has John Shaw been in prison?
John Shaw has been in custody since September 1976 — almost 50 years as of 2026.
What crimes was John Shaw convicted of?
He was convicted of rape and false imprisonment. He was never prosecuted for the murder of Elizabeth Plunkett despite earlier confessions.
Are inmates really planning a party for John Shaw?
Yes. Sources inside Arbour Hill Prison report that fellow inmates plan to bake him a cake to mark 50 years of incarceration.
Word count: approximately 1520. This article is based on reported events and prison sources as of May 2026. The victims’ families continue to seek justice and remembrance.
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