GARDAÍ HAVE ISSUED a renewed appeal for help in identifying the skeletal remains of an elderly woman discovered during works on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway in east Cork.

The woman’s remains were found by workmen on 5 January 2021 as they cleared part of the disused railway line during the €19.8m development of the greenway.

Despite a lengthy investigation involving DNA analysis, forensic testing, and international checks, her identity has yet to be established.

Forensic examinations suggest the woman was aged over 70 at the time of her death, stood between 5ft and 5ft 2in in height, and was of a large build.

She suffered from arthritis and is believed to have worn dentures made privately in the 1960s.

She was found dressed in a slip, tights, a nightdress, and size two brown leather shoes.

An image of the nightdress.

A garda spokesperson said that a specialist in forensic facial reconstruction, Dr Michelle Vitali of Penn West University, has been engaged by the investigation team, and an illustration of the woman has now been completed.

Gardaí believe the image, combined with details of her clothing and dentures, may help members of the public recognise her.

A garda illustration of the woman discovered in 2021. An Garda Síochána An Garda Síochána

Bone-mineral analysis was carried out in an attempt to narrow down where she may have grown up, but no definitive information has emerged.

Her DNA has been checked against the national database, but no match has been found, and missing persons records have yielded no results.

Gardaí are also liaising with Interpol as part of their inquiries.

One of the shoes recovered from the skeletal remains. An Garda Síochána An Garda Síochána

“Investigating gardaí are hopeful that based on the entirety of this information, and the facial reconstruction image, that a person or persons will be able to identify this lady,” a garda spokesperson said.

“Any information received by the investigation team will be treated with the strictest of confidence. Gardaí are determined to identify this person and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Cobh Garda Station on 021 4908530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.