Inspector David Finnerty: “Patrick’s family deserve to know, and to bring closure to what happened to Patrick.”
The body of 23-year-old Patrick Nugent, who died under unexplained circumstances in 1984 is to be exhumed today as part of a renewed garda investigation into his death.
Mr Nugent was working as a banquet manager at a wedding at Bunratty Folk Park on the night of his death on February 10, 1984.
Shortly after 4 am on February 11, an incident occurred where Patrick was found on the ground of the carpark of The Barn, with serious injuries of which he subsequently died in Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick.
To date, no one has ever been convicted of his killing.
A coroner’s 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.”
The investigation till now
In 2014 the Government established an Independent Review Mechanism which included the death of Patrick Nugent.
The Independent Review Mechanism 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.
The new steps in the investigation
This morning, following consultation with the State Pathologists Office and Forensic Science Ireland, An Garda Síochána has commenced the exhumation of Patrick’s remains.
This sensitive operation will be carried out expeditiously and respectfully. A Forensic Anthropologist, Dr Laureen Buckley will assist with this exhumation.
Dr. Hedi Okkers, Assistant State Pathologist will carry out a formal State Post Mortem.
The new Garda investigation team at Shannon Garda Station are currently in the process of interviewing witnesses who attended the party.
The investigation is focused on those who attended the party
Speaking at a press conference today, Inspector David Finnerty, repeated an appeal to the public for information: “The primary focus of this investigation is the victim, Patrick Nugent and his family. Patrick’s 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 February 10/11, 1984.” He also stated that the investigation is focused on all those who attended the party on the night as either a guest or a member of staff.
Garda issues new appeal to the public
“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 with the investigation. Do you have photographs which were taken on the night?”, he inquired. He appeals to any person who may have information relative to Patrick’s death not to assume we know and/or that it has limited value. Let us make that decision. I cannot reiterate that enough”, Garda Finnerty added.
If you have any 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.