Frustration for Clare family awaiting update on mysterious death in 1984

The Department of Justice has been accused of adding “insult to injury” over its failure to update a Clare family on the progress of a review into the death of a family member.

Banqueting manager Patrick Nugent was found dead in Bunratty in the early hours of February 11, 1984. The mysterious death of the 23-year-old is back in the headlines, with the family claiming it has been left in the dark.

“The lack of communication is adding insult to injury for the family,” said Patrick’s brother John. The family is from Sixmilebridge.

“It is a like a repeat of what happened over 30 years ago when we were coming up against a brick wall. We weren’t getting any proper answers back then and it is the same now. It is hard to believe it.

“We will not throw in the towel, we never will. You would wonder is it the same old pattern but just different personnel,” John said.

Patrick Nugent, who was overseeing a 40th wedding anniversary party in Bunratty Folk Park on Friday, February 10, 1984, died in the reception area of the barn in the early hours of the following morning.

Over 31 years later, his family is still battling to get answers following an inconclusive inquest and trial, which attracted huge local and national media interest.

A spokesperson for Justice Minister Francis Fitzgerald said the minister “fully appreciates that all complainants are anxious to know the outcome of the review of their case and every effort is being made to conclude the process”.