Gardaí renew media appeal after discovery of skeletal remains

An Garda Síochána are continuing to appeal to the public for information on the identity of skeletal remains discovered at a construction site on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway in Cork on January 5, 2021.

At this time, forensic examinations suggest that the skeletal remains are believed to be

- A female
- 70 plus years old at the time of death
- 5’ to 5’ 2” in height
- Large framed
- Wore dentures
- Suffered from arthritis

DNA samples have been compared against the National DNA Database, a positive match has not been obtained at this time.

Examinations of missing person’s records have not identified any potential matches at this time.

Background to this case begins at 5pm on Tuesday January 5,2021. Gardaí were notified by construction workers to the scene of a suspected human skull found at a construction site on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway just off the Shanty Path at Roxborough, Midleton, Co. Cork.

The scene was preserved and the coroner was contacted. State Pathologist, Dr. Margaret Bolster carried out an on-site examination and subsequently completed a post mortem at Cork University Hospital.

The scene was also examined by a forensic anthropologist, and garda scenes of crime examiners.

An incident room was established at Midleton garda station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the investigation.

The area was extensively searched in challenging weather conditions over the following nine days by members of the Cork North Divisional Search Team. During the course of that search a complete skeletal remains were located.

An item of clothing was also recovered which is described as a white nightdress type garment. 

The investigation is ongoing and further scientific resources, including Carbon dating have been engaged as part of the investigation.

An Garda Síochána is appealing to the public for any information, no matter how small, they might have to help.

Someone in the community must know how the female skeletal remains came to be at this locally known "tipping point” off the Shanty Path at Roxborough, Midleton, Co. Cork.

An Garda Síochána are determined to formally identify the deceased and treat her with the respect and dignity that she deserves.