A fresh investigation has been launched into the death of a Clare man who passed away 40 years ago as a result of injuries sustained during an incident in Bunratty.
Gardaí have confirmed that the exhumation of the remains of Patrick Nugent commenced this morning, as part of a new investigation into the circumstances of his death.
On the evening of February 10th 1984, 23-year-old Patrick Nugent was working as the Banquet Manager for a 40th wedding anniversary celebration, at which roughly 60 people were in attendance in Bunratty Folk Park.
In the early hours of the following morning, at approximately 4am, when Gardaí say around a dozen people remained at the event, an incident occurred in the carpark, during which Patrick sustained serious injuries.
After receiving First Aid CPR at the scene, he was transferred by ambulance to Barrington’s Hospital in Limerick where he passed away as a result of injuries sustained during the incident.
Following a Garda investigation, a man was charged in connection with Patrick’s death, but was later acquitted and cleared of all charges.
To date, no other person has been charged in relation to his death.
The Jury at a Coroner’s Inquest, which took place in October 1985, returned a verdict of accidental death, but attached a rider stating they were “far from satisfied as to the circumstances under which Patrick Nugent sustained the injuries which caused his death”, and called on the then Minister for Justice to have the matter further investigated.
In 2014, 30 years on from Patrick’s passing, the Government established an Independent Review Mechanism, which recommended the establishment of a special inquiry into his death.
Three years later in 2017, Judge Patrick Clyne was appointed to carry out the inquiry.
His report was presented to the Justice Minister in 2020 and was shown to the Nugent family under confidentiality, but has yet to be made public.
In 2022, after receiving the report, the Garda Commissioner directed a fresh investigation into the circumstances of Patrick Nugent’s death and in January of this year, Patrick’s family issued a renewed appeal for information.
Today, An Garda Síochána have confirmed that a new investigation into the circumstances of his death has been launched.
As part of this, Gardaí have commenced the exhumation of Patrick’s remains in Feenagh Graveyard in Sixmilebridge to allow for a new State Post Mortem examination to take place.
Anyone with information in relation to the death of Patrick Nugent is asked to contact the Incident Room at Shannon Garda Station on 061 365 900, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any member of an Garda Síochána at any Garda station.
You can listen to the full press conference with Inspector David Finnerty of Shannon Garda Station here:
