Security Correspondent, Prime Time
Cutting-edge forensic science is solving many long-term missing persons cases but, at the end of 2020, there are many unidentified bodies still lying in graveyards across Ireland, writes Barry Cummins.
For the first time ever, a list of unidentified bodies, where DNA is on file with Irish authorities or where gardaí are aware bodies exist, is being released publicly.
Such lists are subject to change at any time. At any moment a case might be solved or another body might be found. However, at the end of December 2020, and following extensive research by RTÉ, a list is being made public today (as part of this article) which detail 16 unidentified bodies where DNA is on file, and two other cases where exhumations should take place so DNA samples can be obtained.
Deaths in Leitrim, Friday, December 18, 2020
Reporter:
Seamus Kelly, The Diamond Bar, Tullaghan, Leitrim
Seamus Kelly, The Diamond Bar, Tullaghan, Co. Leitrim, 16th December 2020, peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Non Covid Related. Beloved husband of Concepta and loving father to Deirdre, Ciaran, Alan and Colm, deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife, daughter, sons, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, his beloved and adoring grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. Reposing privately at home (Diamond Bar) for family and close friends only please. Removal on Friday morning to arrive at St. Patrick s Church, Tullaghan for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am. Burial afterwards in St. Aidan s Cemetery, Kinlough. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if so desired, to the Irish Heart Foundation, Mater Hospital Dublin or the Irish Kidney Association c/o Donal Breslin Funeral Directors.
Leitrim deaths - Thursday, December 17, 2020
Reporter:
Frances Downey, Dromahair Post Office, Dromahair, Leitrim / Shannon, Clare
Downey, Frances December 15th 2020 Dromahair Post Office, Co. Leitrim and formerly of Shannon, Co. Clare died surrounded by her loving family in the care of North West Hospice. Beloved wife of Noel and much loved mother of Philip and Michael, mother-in-law of Aisling and grandmother of Séan and Cian. Loved and deeply missed by her siblings Eva, Tony and Maria, her late brother Jim, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and large circle of friends. Funeral Mass will take place in St. Patrick s Church, Dromahair, today, Thursday, 17th December, at 12 pm with burial afterwards in Creevelea Abbey New Cemetery. In line with current restrictions Mass can be viewed live via webcam on https://churchtv.ie/dromahair.html Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to North West Hospice Sligo.
The local community is rallying around a young Leitrim couple who received the devastating news their young son has a rare disorder that results in loss of physical and mental skills.
Back in October, Shannon Kerrigan and Eoghan McCluskey from Tullaghan were told that their 4-year-old son, Riaghán, had been diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD).
The rare disorder, which has no cure, affects mainly the white matter of the brain, causing a progressive loss of physical and mental skills.
Riaghán, described as a happy and bubbly child, unfortunately already has lost the ability to walk unaided. He will require 24-hour care for the rest of his life.
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