Gardaí issue illustration in appeal to help identify skeletal remains found in Cork

Gardaí are appealing for help in identifying skeletal remains found on a construction site in Cork and have released a facial reconstruction illustration that the force believes will help with the investigation. 

The remains were discovered at a construction site on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway in Cork on January 5, 2021.

Forensic examinations suggest that the skeletal remains are those of a woman who was aged 70 or older at the time of death. It is believed she died between 1985 and 1987.

The remains suggest that the woman was:

• 5’ to 5’2” in height; 
• Had a large frame;
• Wore dentures believed to have been made in around the 1960s;
• Suffered from arthritis; 
• Wore a slip, tights, nightdress;
• Wore size 2 brown leather shoes.

Gardaí said: "The dentures are believed to have been made in around the 1960s. They have a porous acrylic base, the teeth are porcelain posteriors with acrylic anterior and would most likely have been privately made.

"Items of clothing and shoes were also recovered at the scene."

Clothing recovered at the scene where skeletal remains were discovered. Picture: Gardaí

A shoe that was recovered at the scene where skeletal remains were discovered. Picture: Gardaí

A Garda spokesperson said the illustration was created by Dr Michelle Vitali, a forensic specialist in facial reconstruction from Penn West University.

Gardaí said they are hopeful that, based on the information they have released, and the facial reconstruction image, someone will be able to identify this lady.

"DNA samples have been compared against the National DNA Database, and a positive match has not been obtained at this time. An Garda Síochána is also liaising with Interpol.

"Examinations of missing persons records have not identified any potential matches at this time," the spokesperson said.

Anyone with information can contact the Garda investigation team at the incident room at Cobh Garda Station 021 4908530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Any information received by the investigation team will be treated with the strictest of confidence, gardaí said. Gardaí "are determined to identify this person and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve".

If you have any information that could help in the possible identification of this lady, no matter how insignificant you may think it might be, please contact the Garda investigation team, let them decide on the importance of your information.