No cause of death in O’Hara case, says coroner

There is no cause of death for childcare worker Elaine O’Hara, a Dublin coroner has told her family.

Speaking at the opening of the inquest into her death, coroner Dr Brian Farrell said the autopsy report by deputy state pathologist Dr Michael Curtis gave the cause of death as “undetermined”.

Ms O’Hara, 36, from Belarmine Plaza, Stepaside, had been missing for more than a year when her partial remains were found by a hillwalker on Killakee mountain, Rathfarnham, on Sept 13.

The court heard that identification was carried out by Dr Mary Clarke, a forensic odontologist. Dr Farrell said he had received an extensive report from Dr Clarke and she is in no doubt the remains are those of Ms O’Hara.

Det Insp Brian Duffy of Blackrock Garda Station requested copies of the autopsy and forensic odontology reports.

The inquest was adjourned until the outcome of criminal proceedings is known.

Ms O’Hara’s father, Frank, was in court along with his daughter and son-in-law.

Mr O’Hara only spoke to tell the coroner that his daughter was 36 when she went missing and to ask what the date of death would be. Dr Farrell said death was pronounced on Sept 14 following the discovery of her remains.

The coroner said he was unable to comment pending the outcome of criminal proceedings but he extended “very deepest sympathy and condolences” to the family on behalf of the community.

The man charged with her murder, architect Graham Dwyer, was refused bail at a High Court hearing on Monday.

The 41-year-old father of two, originally from Co Cork and with an address in Kerrymount Close, Foxrock, Dublin, has been charged with murdering Ms O’Hara at an unknown place in Co Dublin on Aug 22 last year.

He has been on remand at Cloverhill Prison since being charged on Oct 18. Mr Dwyer told gardaí he was “not guilty” when charged. Bail has been refused in the case.