GARDAÍ are investigating the discovery of what appear to be historic human remains in west Cork after a skull wrapped in plastic was unearthed during property development work.
The discovery occurred outside the village of Eyeries, where a homeowner had been renovating her property and garden in recent weeks. Workers uncovered an old plastic shopping bag while using a mini excavator to level portions of the garden for installing a greenhouse intended for growing organic vegetables and herbs.
Upon inspection, they were shocked to discover what appeared to be a human skull inside the bag. Authorities are uncertain whether the remains belong to an adult or a teenager, but they appear to have been there for a considerable period. The plastic was notably faded, and the remains consisted primarily of bone.
One source indicated the remains could potentially date back 30 to 40 years.
Gardaí were immediately alerted, and the scene was sealed off for a complete forensic examination by Garda Technical Experts. The Office of the State Pathologist has been notified, and a forensic anthropologist will likely be required to determine the precise timeline of the remains.
Investigators will use dental and DNA records to attempt to identify the individual. A thorough inspection of the remainder of the garden will be conducted to check for any additional human remains.
Detectives are maintaining an open mind about the discovery. They will consider whether the remains indicate a violent crime, a personal tragedy, or potentially someone who took the skull as a macabre keepsake from an old cemetery.
A source noted that the primary focus will be determining if the remains are human, establishing how long they had been there, and identifying the person. It has not yet been possible to determine if the remains are male or female.
Experts will examine the remains for any clues regarding the potential cause of death. Initial inquiries indicate no known burial places nearby, though officers will investigate whether the remains might have been brought to the site from elsewhere.
Gardaí will conduct inquiries with locals to determine who has lived in the property over the past 40 years. The property had a small caravan in its back garden for many years that was available for short-term rentals. For several years, the caravan was used by a woman who offered spirit consultations and card reading services before she passed away some years ago.
According to one resident, the caravan was used by at least a dozen individuals over the years, including nationals from the UK, France, and Switzerland. A Dutch couple reportedly lived in the house in the early 2000s and used the caravan rental as a source of income. Before them, an elderly couple is believed to have occupied the property.
Recently, a young woman had moved into the house and was renovating it with plans to use the garden for growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits.
Gardaí confirmed they are investigating what appear to be human remains. “Gardaí were alerted to the discovery of partial human remains at a location near Eyeries, Co. Cork, on Friday, April 18,” a spokesperson said. “The scene is currently preserved pending technical examination. The remains, believed to be a human skull, were removed for further examination and DNA analysis. Inquiries are ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.”
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