Garda Press Office Garda Press Office

Philip Finnegan was a 24-year-old man, he was a son, he was a father of small children and indeed he’s sadly missed by his family. I think that his life was snuffed out and left here in Rahin woods.

THERE WERE STRONG words today from one senior garda who said investigators are “determined to get to the bottom of this murder, this heinous crime”.

Philip Finnegan, originally from the Kilmainham area of Dublin, was first reported missing on 10 August this year. His body was discovered by walkers in a secluded area of Rahin Woods in Kildare last Friday evening.

Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin from Naas Garda Station said the young man had “suffered a violent death”.

Rahin Woods in Kildare Paul Hosford / TheJournal.ie Paul Hosford / TheJournal.ie / TheJournal.ie

It is believed he left Dublin on the day he disappeared and travelled by car to Kildare. The chief superintendent declined to comment on whether investigators believe the man was alive when he arrived at the remote location.

Finnegan had come to the attention of gardaí in the past – he was a small time criminal. “Obviously that doesn’t excuse the manner in which he died and why he was killed,” McPolin said today, as he stood near the spot where the man’s body had been found.

He made a number of specific appeals for members of the public to contact them if:

• They were walking, running, horse riding or driving in the area and saw something unusual in recent weeks
• They found an item in the woods they believe could be relevant to the investigation
• They knew Philip and have information about his death or about his associates.

Paul Hosford Paul Hosford

He said the response from the public so far had been “very good” and that the investigation was proceeding well. He also said the investigative team had full resources at their disposal.

An incident room has been established by gardaí in Leixlip and they can be contacted on 01 6667800. Anyone with information can also contact the Garda Confidential Line anonymously at 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

- With reporting by Paul Hosford. 

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