Discovery of human hand in yard of Dublin primary school not thought to be malicious

The discovery was made this afternoon in Darndale and gardaí are investigating the incident.

LAST UPDATE | 21 Feb 2025

GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING the discovery of a human hand in the grounds of a school in Dublin.

The discovery was made this afternoon at Our Lady Immaculate in Darndale and gardaí are investigating.

Uniformed gardaí were seen examining the find which was in the schoolyard next to a walkway.

It’s understood that gardaí believe the hand belonged to a young male who was injured when a gas canister exploded.

Sources say investigation is focused on the hand being brought to the location by a bird rather than it being dumped there maliciously.

The school is currently on midterm break and gardaí have already examined CCTV footage.

Gardaí have established a crime scene and it is anticipated searches of the immediate vicinity will be carried out.

A garda statement said: “Gardaí were alerted to the discovery of partial human remains at a premises in Darndale, Dublin 17.

“A scene is currently being held and the State Pathologist has been notified, in line with standard practice.

“The remains will be removed for examination and DNA analysis, which will assist Gardaí in confirming the identity and determine the course of the investigation. Enquiries are ongoing.”