Autopsy completed on remains of Clare man who died violently 40 years ago

Patrick Nugent from Sixmilebridge was 23 on the night he died, having overseen an event at Bunratty Castle in honour of a local chef

A fresh appeal for information was made into the death of Patrick Nugent. Picture: PA

An autopsy on the remains of a man who died 40 years ago in unexplained circumstances has been completed, gardaí have confirmed.

Patrick Nugent, from Sixmilebridge in Co Clare, died after he was found lying on the ground in the early hours of February 12, 1984, at grounds near Bunratty Castle, where he worked as a catering manager.

The Irish Examiner revealed this week that Mr Nugent’s case was being reviewed by the Garda cold-case unit and that his remains were to be exhumed. 

A statement from gardaí on Thursday said an autopsy had taken place on Mr Nugent’s remains but that the results were not being released for operational reasons.

“Arrangements for the re-interment of Patrick's remains will be made in conjunction with the local coroner and Patrick's family," it said.

“An Garda Síochána continue to appeal to any person with information in relation to the death of Patrick Nugent to contact the incident room at Shannon Garda Station on [phone], the Garda confidential number 1800 666 111, or any member of An Garda Síochána at any Garda station."

Patrick Nugent worked as a catering manager.

Mr Nugent was 23 on the night he died, after overseeing an event at the castle in honour of a local chef, William Ryan.

He was later found on the floor of the reception area in the facility in a distressed state and seriously injured. He subsequently died of his injuries and a murder investigation was launched.

As well as Mr Ryan, two off-duty gardaí who were present at the event were in the general vicinity around the time Mr Nugent was found seriously injured.

Subsequently, Mr Ryan was charged with manslaughter and dangerous driving but was found not guilty. Nobody else was charged in respect of Mr Nugent’s death.

At a subsequent inquest, the jury decided the deceased man had been hit by a person or persons unknown, causing him to fall and he was then run over by William Ryan’s car.

The jury also concluded that because of the “suppression of evidence”, the minister for justice should reopen the investigation into Mr Nugent’s death. The investigation was not reopened at the time.

The exhumation of the remains of Patrick Nugent in Co Clare. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

His family over the last 40 years have consistently lobbied for a proper inquiry into what happened. In February this year, it was announced the case was now the subject of a cold-case review.

“That investigation is now moving to a stage where it is envisaged Mr Nugent’s remains can be examined to adduce some evidence of what may have happened to him," gardaí said.

He is buried in the cemetery in Sixmilebridge, close to the family home. His brothers John and Martin Nugent said they were satisfied that the Garda investigation deemed it necessary.

It’s really very poignant for us as a family to experience the disinterment of our brother's remains, especially given the proximity to our family home.

"We accept it’s for the best if the results can shed some additional light on what we already know. Having agreed to go through with it we are all quietly hopeful that we might just get a breakthrough.”