State post-mortem completed in Patrick Nugent case

A state post-mortem examination has been completed on the body of a 23-year-old Clare man who died 40 years ago.

Patrick Nugent's remains were exhumed as part of the renewed inquiry into his death in February 1984.

He died following an incident in Bunratty Folk Park and a man was subsequently acquitted of his manslaughter.

Gardaí said the results of the post-mortem examination will not be released for "operational reasons".

They added arrangements for the re-interment of Mr Nugent's body will be made with the local coroner and his family.

Mr Nugent, who was from Sixmilebridge, was the banquet manager at a 40th wedding anniversary party for William and Chrissy Ryan in Bunratty in 1984. The event was attended by around 60 guests, including two off-duty gardaí.

Mr Nugent was found with serious injuries in the yard outside the venue at 4am on 11 February, shortly after he went out to help the party host to bring gifts to his car.

In 1985, Mr Ryan, who was head chef with Aer Rianta at Shannon Airport, was charged with the manslaughter of Mr Nugent and with dangerous driving, but acquitted. Mr Ryan is now deceased.

No one else was ever charged in connection with Mr Nugent's death.

Mr Nugent's family have always believed that he died violently amid allegations it was not investigated adequately and there was a cover up.

The initial inquest into his death found that he had severe internal abdominal injuries consistent with being crushed, or inflicted while he was in a crouched or squatting position.

The inquest also heard from a staff member who said Mr Nugent's dying words to him were that he had been assaulted, or that a man had "clocked him".

The witness at the inquest was absolutely certain they were the words Mr Nugent had spoken.

However, despite a garda investigation, an inquest, and a judge-lead inquiry completed in 2020, nobody has ever been convicted in connection with Mr Nugent's death.

Gardaí initiated a cold case review two years ago and as part of that, his remains will be examined by forensic anthropologists to see if it alters or provides new leads in the investigation into his death.

Gardaí are in the process of interviewing surviving witnesses who attended the party at the Bunratty Folk Park.

They have appealed to asked that anyone with any information that might assist the inquiry to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Shannon Garda Station on 061 365900, the Garda confidential number 1800 666 111 or any garda station.