Gardai are hopeful of a breakthrough in the identification of the remains of a man found in a remote part of Connemara nearly four years ago.
The man is believed to have been a German tourist who was visiting Co Galway in the summer of 2005 before going missing. The man’s remains, which lay undiscovered for over a year, were found on December 8, 2006 by a group of wildlife hunters near Lough Inagh, a scenic and forested area nestled between the Maamturk Mountains and The Twelve Pins mountain range.
The man, believed to be aged between 35 and 50, has been in the morgue at University Hospital Galway since he was found and gardai have been making ongoing attempts to confirm indentification.
Clifden Supt Tony O’Donnell, who is heading the investigation, says that DNA and dental records are now being matched and that there is a strong chance that the man’s identity will be confirmed as that of the missing German tourist. He added that it may be some time before a positive identification can be made.
A fresh appeal for information was launched recently by the Searching for the Missing Group, who called for anyone who may have had contact with the unidentified man, in particular owners of guesthouses and bed and breakfasts, to come forward. A description given is that the man was of average build with brown or auburn hair. He wore a yellow waterproof jacket with hood, a navy shirt, silver cardigan, blue jeans, and size eight beige shoes. He also wore a distinctive Newton and Sons watch with silver face and black strap.
Searching for the Missing can be contacted on the 24 hour confidential line 085 2092119, or alternatively Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500 or Clifden District HQ on 091 22507.
