Gardaí have confirmed that the state post mortem on the remains of Patrick Nugent has been completed.
Following consultation with the State Pathologists Office and Forensic Science Ireland the remains of Patrick Nugent are being exhumed on Tuesday morning. This sensitive operation, was carried out expeditiously and respectfully. Forensic Anthropologist Dr Laureen Buckley assisted with this exhumation.
Dr. Hedi Okkers, Assistant State Pathologist has since carried out a formal State Post Mortem.vThe results of the post mortem are not being released for operational reasons.
A Garda spokesperson said this evening: “Arrangements for the re-internment of Patricks’ remains will be made in conjunction with the local coroner and Patricks family.”
In 2022 An Garda Síochána commenced a new investigation into the circumstances of the death of Patrick Nugent in the early hours of the 11th February 1984.
An Garda Síochána is very aware that the Nugent Family suffered the bereavement of their son and brother on the night of the 10th/11th February 1984, and have had to live with that bereavement and the uncertainty around the circumstances of Patricks death for the last 40 years.
On the evening of the 10th February 1984 Patrick was working as The Banquet Manager in Bunratty Folk Park, Bunratty County Clare. He was 23 years of age.
In the early morning (approx. 4am) of the 11th February 1984 an incident occurred in the carpark of The Barn during which Patrick Nugent sustained serious injuries.
Patrick Nugent was provided with First Aid CPR at the scene and was subsequently transferred by Ambulance to Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick. Patrick Nugent died as a result of injuries sustained during the incident.
Patricks death at the time was investigated at Shannon Garda Station assisted by the ‘Investigation Section’ from the Technical Bureau, Garda Headquarters.
Following that investigation a male was charged in connection with Patricks death, but was subsequently acquitted and cleared of any criminal charges in connection with Patricks death.
To date no other person has been charged in relation to the death of Patrick Nugent.
A Coroners Inquest took place in October 1985. The Jury returned a verdict of accidental death but attached a rider which included “the Jury are far from satisfied as to the circumstances under which Patrick Nugent sustained the injuries which caused his death. Accordingly, the Jury requests the Minister for Justice to have the matter further investigated.”
In 2014 the Government established an Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) which included the death of Patrick Nugent.
The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) recommended the establishment of a special inquiry under the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
In 2017 the Government appointed Judge Patrick Clyne to carry out this inquiry. Judge Clyne reported to the Minister for Justice in 2020.
The report was sent to the Garda Commissioner and in 2022 the Garda Commissioner directed a fresh investigation into the circumstances of the death of Patrick Nugent.
An investigation team, from within the Clare Garda division, has been established at Shannon Garda Station under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer. The local Clare Divisional Investigation team is supported by the Serious Crime Review Team, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
This new investigation team have been gathering, reviewing and re-examining all available material.
The investigation team are utilising advances in modern day investigative techniques.
The original scene at The Barn has been re-examined by a Forensic Collision Investigator.
It is hoped that with advances in technology and investigative techniques will progress this investigation 40years later.
The new Garda investigation team at Shannon Garda Station are currently in the process of interviewing witnesses who attended the party.
Earlier this year on the 29th January 2024, in advance of the 40th anniversary of the death of Patrick Nugent, An Garda Síochána, with Patrick’s brothers John and Martin, made a fresh appeal for information on Crimecall.
In his appeal for information earlier this week, Detective Inspector David Finnerty said: “The primary focus of this investigation is the victim, Patrick Nugent and his family. Patricks family deserve to know, and to bring closure to what happened to Patrick on the night of the 10th/ 11th February 1984?”
“I want to speak to any person who has any knowledge of the events that took place at The Barn, Bunratty Castle on the night of the 10th/ 11th February 1984.”
“The investigation is focused on all those who attended the party on the night as either a guest or a member of staff. Do you now recall something that previously you were unable to share with the investigation?”
“Are you a family member or friend of anyone who attended the party? You may be able to assist the investigation? Do you have photographs which were taken on the night?”
“There may still be persons, who have information on Patricks death, either at the time or subsequently, and who haven’t yet spoken to Gardaí, or may have spoken to Gardaí but were not in a position to tell everything that they know; I am appealing to those persons, 40 years later, to please come forward and speak to the investigation team.”
“I would urge person(s) with information in relation to the death of Patrick Nugent to contact the Incident Room at Shannon Garda Station on (061)-365900, the Garda confidential number (1800) 666 111 or any member of An Garda Síochána at any Garda Station.”
“I finally appeal to any person who may have information relative to Patricks death not to assume we know and/or that it has limited value. Let us make that decision. I cannot reiterate that enough.”