Probe into death of man awaits toxicology results

THE results of toxicology tests will determine the course of a Garda investigation into the death of a 60-year-old man whose body was found at a house in Co Clare on Sunday morning.

A postmortem has been conducted on Michael Noel Blunnie.

His body was discovered in his home at O’Gorman Street in Kilrush early on Sunday.

Known locally as Mick Noel, Mr Blunnie was employed by Fás and carried out general work duties for Kilrush Town Council.

The alarm was raised at about 7.30am and gardaí and emergency medical services went to the scene. Mr Blunnie’s body was discovered inside his home.

While it is understood there were no obvious marks or injuries on the body, gardaí launched an investigation into the death.

The autopsy, carried on Monday, failed to confirm the cause of death however further toxicology tests are being carried out.

Gardaí say the results of those tests will determine the course of their investigation which they say is “ongoing”.

Mr Blunnie’s body has since been released to his family and his funeral will take place this morning following 10am Mass at St Senan’s Church in Kilrush.

The late Mr Blunnie has been described as “popular character” and one colleague said: “Mick Noel was a lovely man. A hard working and reputable man. It’s hard to believe he is gone.”