Bracetown, Co. Meath, Unidentified Body – Solved

In November 2021, Detective Sergeant Lee Gavin appeared on Crimecall appealing for the public’s help in relation to an unidentified body of a man found in Bracetown, Ratoath, Co. Meath.  The remains of the deceased man were found by council workers in the early morning on 18 April 1991.  The death was not deemed suspicious nor was there any foul play suspected. Unfortunately, the man did not have any documentation that would allow for his identification.

Retired Sergeant Alan Dowley led the investigation to identify the deceased man and return him to family and loved ones. Unfortunately the man’s identity was not established and he was buried at St. Mary’s cemetery, Navan, Co Meath. 

A review of the case was conducted by Gardai in early 2021 which led to an exhumation being performed last August, in the hope of retrieving a DNA profile for comparison. Unfortunately, a DNA sample could not be generated. Numerous witnesses were re-interviewed but despite extensive efforts made by local Gardaí in conjunction with the Garda Missing Persons Bureau, the man was still unidentified. 

A portrait artist was tasked with producing a sketch of the man’s face based on photographs taken at the time and this sketch was subsequently shown on Crimecall in November 2021. 

Michael Leonard in Mountcharles, Co. Donegal was watching Crimecall and recognised the man to be Paul McGinty.  He confirmed this with his brother John Leonard.  Paul and John had grown up together in Mountcharles before travelling to Coventry, England for work.  They lived and worked near each other and often socialised together. John last saw Paul in a pub in Coventry around Easter time 1991.

After confirming this with his brother, Michael Leonard then approached his friend and Paul McGinty’s sister, Eileen McGinty. After showing her the picture, she instantly recognised the man as her missing brother, Paul.

Detective Sergeant Lee Gavin established details as to Pauls last known place of residence and tried to make contact with his old landlord, Jimmy Clifford, who is now deceased. They succeeded in tracing Jimmy’s granddaughter Sinead Collins, and were able to make contact with her.  Sinead also recognised the sketch as being that of her grandfather’s lodger, Paul McGinty.

Detective Sergeant Lee Gavin submitted his full investigation file to the coroner and an inquest date was set. The Coroner heard full facts of the investigation that had taken place, and after 31 years, was able to give Paul McGinty back his name which led to the McGinty family getting some closure.