Gardaí issue illustration in bid for information on discovery of skeletal remains in Cork in 2021

An Garda Síochána is continuing to appeal to the public for information on the identity of skeletal remains discovered at a construction site on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway in Cork on the January 5, 2021.

Forensic examinations suggest that the skeletal remains are believed to be:

•  A female 
•  70 plus years old at the time of death 
•  5’ to 5’ 2” in height 
•  Large framed 
•  Wore dentures believed to have been made in around the 1960s 
•  Suffered from arthritis 
•  Wore a slip, tights, nightdress 
•  Size 2 brown leather shoes 

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: "The investigation team has engaged a forensic specialist in facial reconstruction from Penn West University, Dr Michelle Vitali. An illustration has been completed which the investigation team believe will be of assistance.

"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.

"Investigating Gardaí are hopeful that based on the entirety of all this information, and the facial reconstruction image, that a person or persons will be able to identify this lady."

DNA samples have been compared against the National DNA Database, but 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 Garda investigation team can be contacted 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 are determined to identify this person and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve," the garda spokesperson said.

"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," they added.