Courts / Dublin / Report
Dental plate could have been 'key' in identifying body of Stardust victim that went unknown for 25 years, inquest hears
Summary
An inquest heard that a dental plate might have been key to identifying the body of Murtagh "Murty" Kavanagh, whose remains were unknown for over 25 years. The jury reviewed a 1981 post‑mortem report that did not mention a dental plate being removed. Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane noted that the pathologist's report made no reference to a dental plate, and that expert witnesses could not confirm its presence. Family counsel Bernard Condon SC raised questions about the existence of a dental plate, citing a sister's statement that Murty had a partial plate from a sporting incident. Dr Richard Shepherd suggested that if records of the plate existed, they could aid identification, but no definitive evidence was presented. The inquest also discussed the identification of other Stardust victims through jewellery and dental records, but the case of Murty Kavanagh remains unresolved. The hearing will continue next Tuesday.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Dental plate could have been 'key' in identifying body of Stardust victim that went unknown for 25 years, inquest hears. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-01-12 Publication
Why: Addressing the jury today, Dr Cullinane said Bernard Condon SC, on behalf of the family, had posed questions during the review of Mr Kavanagh's postmortem in relation to the "existence or otherwise" of a dental plate and the witnesses had explained that they were unable to assist in this matter. CNI source report
Places mentioned
- based in Store Street Garda Station
- Store Street
- Jervis Street
- Jervis Street Hospital
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request