Gardaí suspect man found in north Co Kerry house died months ago

Gardaí are hoping that a postmortem will shed some light on how and when a man, who may have been dead for several months, died at his rural home in Co Kerry.

The services of the State Pathologist Office have been requested by gardaí investigating the discovery at a house outside Duagh village in the north of the county.

The partially skeletal remains were found in a room in the cottage at Scrahan, off the Duagh to Abbeyfeale Road, by a relative who arrived at about 3pm on Saturday to visit the man.

It is understood that the deceased – who was reported to be a reclusive and private person – had not been seen for several months in the area, some 2km north of Duagh.

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Gardaí found no sign of a forced entry or a disturbance in the cottage, which is surrounded by trees, and say they have requested the services of a pathologist as a precautionary measure.

The postmortem, due to be carried out by State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan at University Hospital Kerry on Tuesday, will determine the course of their inquiry, the force said in a statement.

The Irish Times understands that gardaí hope Dr Mulligan will be able to indicate how long ago the man died in the well-kept house where he lived alone. Gardaí may have to rely on dental records at postmortem to formally confirm the man’s identity given it appears the remains have been in the house for several months.

The identity of the deceased was not expected to be released until after it is confirmed by the postmortem.

Officers cordoned off the house and preserved the scene and Garda technical experts were due to carry out a forensic examination for any clues that might assist the investigation.

Gardaí have carried out door to door inquiries in the area in an attempt to establish when the man was last seen. They have also spoken to relatives to establish when they were last in contact with the man. Officers are also expected to check bank and phone records to see when the last activity was recorded.

They also plan to speak to local postal staff to see when they can last recall meeting the man at the property or him visiting his local post office. It is understood that food items in the fridge with short-term expiry dates will be examined to see if they can give some indication as to when the man was last alive.

Anyone who can assist gardaí in their investigation is asked to contact Listowel Garda station on (068) 50820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.