Body of Clare man to be exhumed by gardai more than 40 years after he was killed

The body of a Clare man who died in suspicious circumstances more than 40 years ago is to be exhumed as part of a "fresh investigation" into his death.

Earlier this year, gardai in Shannon made a renewed appeal for information - on RTÉ's Crimecall about the death of Patrick Nugent in the early hours of February 11, 1984. 

On the night he died a party was held in “The Barn” at Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare, to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of William and Chrissie Ryan. William Ryan was well known in the area and held a prominent position as ‘Head Chef’ for Aer Rianta in Shannon Airport.

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Aged in his early 20s and originally from Sixmilebridge, Patrick Nugent was the banquet manager for the event, which had around 60 guests in attendance.

The banquet ended at approximately 3am on February 11, 1984 and at approximately 4am, Patrick Nugent assisted William Ryan in bringing anniversary gifts out to William Ryan’s car which was parked in the courtyard outside ‘The Barn’.

A short time later, some guests were still in the function room and some members of staff who were in the kitchen area heard a noise outside.

"A number of guests and staff members went the short distance from the Function Room and the kitchen to the courtyard area. They observed Patrick Nugent lying at the entrance door which leads to the courtyard. He had received injuries from which he later died," said a garda spokesperson during an appeal earlier this year.

Since the appeal, which was broadcast on Crimecall in January, the investigation team have been re-examining and reviewing all available material utilising modern day investigative techniques.

In a statement, issued to Clare FM,  KRW Law Human Rights Lawyers who represent Patrick Nugent's family confirmed his remains will be exhumed: "As part of the renewed gardai investigation into the controversial circumstances surrounding his death an exhumation will take place on Tuesday 24/9/24 at the family grave in County Clare,” it read.