Remains believed to be missing woman

GARDAÍ say a missing woman, whose skeletal remains are believed to have been found on Wednesday, most likely died after falling into a hollow as she walked home in August 2007.

The remains, believed to be that of Bernie Gavan, were found at around lunchtime by boys playing football in Tolka Valley Park in Finglas, north Dublin.

One of them came across a skull and bones when he went to retrieve the ball which had gone down into a large hollow covered with thick undergrowth.

When gardaí arrived they found a pink jacket beside the remains, similar to one Ms Gavan wore when she was heading to her family home on Dunsink Drive on August 19, 2007.

The 59-year-old woman had earlier left a mental health facility, Daneswood House, on Ballymun Road, where she had been a patient for around two years.

She suffered from bi-polar disorder and had experienced a number of tragedies in her life, including her son’s suicide some eight years previously and the death of her sister.

Ms Gavan was last spotted on Broombridge Road in Cabra, which leads into Tolka Valley. She was under 5ft tall with blond hair. She wore glasses and was of heavy build. When last seen she was wearing a pink jacket, pink top, pink shoes and black pants.

Her siblings made a number of appeals for information. She was one of six siblings who hail from Dunsink Drive in Finglas.

Gardaí suspect that Ms Gavan was walking through the park but somehow fell into the hollow located around an electricity pylon and injured herself.

There has been some surprise that no one ever came across her remains over the following years.

Gardaí sealed off the area after being alerted pending the arrival of state pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy.

She carried out a preliminary examination at the scene. The remains were left at the scene overnight and were taken away yesterday morning for a full postmortem at James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown.

The postmortem did not go ahead yesterday and will be carried out today.

It is understood that further tests may be carried out to confirm identity.

Gardaí said they would consider the results of the postmortem and the cause of death before determining the course of their investigation.

There has been no evidence to suggest foul play and the involvement of another person in her death.

If foul play is ruled out, gardaí will prepare a report for the coroner and an inquest is likely to be held.

Family members were still awaiting official confirmation that the remains are that of their sister.