Unidentified Human Remains – Midleton, Co. Cork

Gardaí in Midleton, Co. Cork are investigating the discovery of remains that were discovered by workers at a construction site on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway, just off the Shanty Path at Roxborough, Midleton, Co. Cork on Tuesday 5 January 2021. 

On the date in question, building workers from Cork County Council were clearing an area just off the railway which had been used as an illegal dumping ground for a number of years.  This area was not accessible as a walkway and it was overgrown with shrubbery trees and weeds.  

The workers were in the process of clearing the site with a digger on 5th January 2021 when they discovered the human remains.  

A full post mortem was carried out. DNA samples were obtained but when set against the National DNA Database, a match was NOT obtained.  DNA of the deceased is currently on the national DNA database, European DNA database familial and there is currently a black notice on the DNA profile with Interpol.

The services of the Missing Persons Unit and the Garda National Protective Services Bureau were engaged. Items of evidence are currently being examined by a Forensic Scientist. Carbon dating and all available scientific resources have been engaged as part of the investigation.  Carbon Dating and Isotope results, have indicated that the female passed away between 1985 and 1987, and would have had a healthy diet, consisting of the regular consumption and meat and fish.

A number of DNA samples have been taken from concerned members of the public, a positive match has not been obtained to date.

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

The investigation team have recently engaged the expertise of Dr. Michelle Vitali of PennWest University, a forensic artist, who is a specialist in facial reconstruction. Dr. Vitali has been working with of An Garda Síochána for a period of time, conducting analysis of the skull and dentures, and has completed an illustration / drawing of what the unidentified remains may have looked like.

Description of deceased: 

• Remains believed to be that of a female aged approximately 70 years +
• Height approximately 5’0 to 5’2’’ (when alive)
• Large framed
• Suffered from Osteoarthritis
• Wore dentures – believed to have been made in the 1960’s.
• Was wearing a faded white garment on the upper body
• The clothing, most notably is a distinctive patterned Dress/Nightdress, which was buttoned to the collar
• Footwear, it is believed that the female had a small shoe size, around size 2, and Gardaí now believe that brown leather shoes, may have been those of the remains, and were probably privately made, possibly in the Cork City area.

Gardaí Appeal: 

• Take a look at the sketches of this lady, do you recognise her?
• Someone in the community must know how the female skeletal remains came to be at this locality known as “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
• An Garda Siochana want and need to provide closure for a family that remain unknown and ensure that the remains are brought to a final resting place
• House to house enquiries were conducted in the local area, at the time the remains were found and the local missing person records were reviewed as have missing person records retained by the Garda National Missing Persons Unit.
• Gardaí are appealing to the public for any information, no matter how small, they might have to help.