Unidentified Human Remains

The Gardaí at Bishopstown are investigating unidentified human remains recovered from the River Lee on the 23rd July 1999. The remains were found in the water near the townland of Inchigaggin, Carrigrohane, not far from the road colloquially known as the Carrigrohane, immediately after they were observed by a passerby.

Identification has proven difficult as the deceased didn’t have any personal documentation, so there was no immediate indication as to his identity. Further Investigations were conducted including the taken of a DNA sample and cross referencing the description against missing persons, both of which failed to find a match. At the time, Gardaí believed he may have lived a transient lifestyle and the Post mortem concluded that he had died from drowning.

Description:

40-60 years old
5’10”
Strong build
Short neck
Dark hair
Short grey facial hair

Clothing:

Unusually dressed in that he had on several layers of clothing. These included navy trousers, green striped trousers and blue jeans along with two pairs of socks. On his upper body he had a red and white striped shirt, a green short sleeved jumper and another beige jumper with the sleeves cut off.
Brown boots he was wearing and these were actually lined with paper labelled ‘Reality April 99’.

Personal items that might help with identification:

Wooden Rosary beads
Holy water and a keyring with three religious medals attached
Silver Philip Mercier watch with a gold face
Claddagh ring

Appeal

Gardaí are appealing to the public to take a good look at the property that was found with the deceased, do you recognize it?

The MacGinty horseshoe is a very distinctive piece. Do you know anyone who used to own this?

It is thought the deceased may have lived a transient lifestyle, does this together with the description of the male and property found, sound familiar to you?