Gardaí Renew Appeal to Identify Woman's Remains Found on Midleton Greenway in 2021
Do you recognise her? Facial reconstruction released for woman found on Midleton Greenway 2021.
An Garda Síochána has issued a renewed appeal for information to help identify skeletal remains of an elderly woman discovered nearly five years ago on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway. Despite forensic examinations, DNA analysis, and international cooperation, the woman's identity remains unknown.
The remains were discovered at a construction site on the greenway on 5th January 2021. Forensic examinations have provided investigators with a detailed profile of the woman, who they believe was over 70 years old at the time of death, stood between 5 feet and 5 feet 2 inches tall, and had a large frame.
The woman wore dentures believed to have been made around the 1960s. These distinctive dentures feature a porous acrylic base with porcelain posterior teeth and acrylic anterior teeth, and would most likely have been privately made rather than through public dental services.
She suffered from arthritis and was wearing a slip, tights, a nightdress, and size 2 brown leather shoes when discovered. These clothing items and shoes were recovered at the scene and form part of the investigation.
In a significant development, Gardaí have engaged Dr. Michelle Vitali, a forensic specialist in facial reconstruction from Penn West University, to create an illustration of how the woman may have appeared. Investigators believe this reconstruction image, combined with the physical description and distinctive dentures, may help someone recognise her.
Despite extensive efforts, DNA samples have been compared against the National DNA Database without obtaining a positive match. An Garda Síochána is also working with Interpol as part of the investigation, whilst examinations of missing persons records have not identified any potential matches to date.
The investigation team at Cobh Garda Station remains determined to identify the woman and treat her with the respect and dignity she deserves. Gardaí emphasise that any information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to contact the incident room at Cobh Garda Station on 021 4908530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Investigators stress that they will assess the importance of all information provided.
