DNA test would prove claim to €149m

AN Irishman is hoping to claim a €149m fortune by exhuming the body of an American woman who died without an heir apparent.

On May 6, businessman Dermot O’Regan will ask the High Court to allow him exhume the body of Mary Ellen Sheehan, a move which may finally solve a 19-year quest to prove he’s her closest living relative.

If the High Court grants the order, it is believed the US authorities will allow Mr O’Regan to exhume the body and make DNA comparisons to verify his claim to the $160m (€149m) fortune.